Taiwan Tourist Found in Pattaya Hospital After Disappearance

A 36-year-old Taiwanese tourist who went missing for four days in Pattaya during the Songkran festival has been found safe in hospital, police confirmed. The man disappeared after an argument with his Thai girlfriend, prompting a search by tourist police. He was later located receiving psychiatric treatment and remains under medical care.

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The case began on 12 April 2026 at around 23:00, when the man reportedly argued with his 26-year-old Thai girlfriend while celebrating Songkran in Pattaya. According to the woman, he walked away in distress and had been drinking alcohol, leaving him intoxicated. He also checked out of a hotel in South Pattaya on 13 April.

The girlfriend, accompanied by three Taiwanese friends, filed a missing person report with Pattaya City Police Station. Witnesses reported seeing a man matching his description being taken by officials near a convenience store close to a shopping centre. Despite efforts to trace him across multiple locations, there was initially no confirmed sighting.

On 16 April 2026 at 10:00, the woman sought assistance from Pattaya Tourist Police under Sub-Division 4, Division 2, Tourist Police Bureau 1. Officers, led by Acting Police Lieutenant Colonel Apichart Jarurak and Acting Police Lieutenant Colonel Pawit Chimphalee, launched a coordinated search operation. After detailed checks and field investigations, the man was located at Pattaya Bhattamakun Hospital.

Medical staff confirmed he was undergoing treatment for psychiatric symptoms linked to intoxication and accumulated stress. Doctors have not yet authorised his discharge and continue to monitor his condition closely. Authorities did not report any criminal involvement in the case.

Amarin reported that he girlfriend and the group of friends expressed relief upon finding him safe and thanked the tourist police for their efforts. The case highlights the role of authorities in assisting tourists during major festivals such as Songkran, when large crowds and heightened activity can complicate search efforts.

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 17 Apr 2026