Police are actively investigating the assault of a Japanese tourist in Pattaya, Thailand, that gained attention after videos went viral on social media. The footage shows a group of Thai men, including a motorcycle taxi rider, attacking the tourist, identified as 25-year-old Kosei Kanasashi, on a busy road. The incident, which occurred on March 21, left Kosei with severe injuries, including bruises and bleeding, necessitating medical attention.
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Clips circulating online reveal Kosei attempting to flee as several men chased and attacked him. Another video shows a motorcyclist knocking him down, after which Kosei managed to get up and continue running. This shocking event unfolded in front of numerous witnesses, including both locals and foreign tourists, who called rescuers to the scene. The rescue team reported that Kosei began vomiting blood due to his injuries, which led to his hospitalization despite his initial refusal of treatment.
The assault is believed to have stemmed from a disagreement over a lost mobile phone belonging to Kosei's friend. Reportedly, the phone was dropped and picked up by a taxi rider who allegedly refused to return it, leading to an argument that escalated into violence. Despite the severity of the incident, police have been hampered in their investigation due to Kosei's reluctance to file a formal complaint or provide detailed information.
Investigations revealed that the attack began after Kosei walked out of Pattaya’s Walking Street and was approached by a group of men near a taxi shelter, escalating into the physical confrontation captured in the viral videos. For now, authorities are limited to collecting evidence as they await a formal statement from Kosei to take legal action against those involved, reported The Thaiger.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 23 Mar 2026
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