Chonburi Immigration Police conducted a large-scale operation targeting illegal migrant workers in the area, resulting in a number of arrests and a dramatic confrontation involving a Cambodian ice cream vendor who allegedly assaulted a Thai customer, severing his finger in the altercation.

 

The crackdown, led by Pol. Col. Napaspong Kositsuriyamanee, Chief of Chonburi Immigration, involved an extensive sweep of a dormitory located behind the Rattanakorn Market on Thep Prasit Road in South Pattaya, following complaints from residents about a significant presence of foreign workers in the area.

 

During the raid, pandemonium ensued as migrant workers attempted to evade the authorities. Some fled by jumping over a 2 metre high wall, while others hid in the surrounding wooded areas. Several individuals, however, surrendered to officers outside their rooms and were subsequently taken to Pattaya Immigration checkpoint for processing.

 

Amidst the inspection, a Thai victim arrived and identified one of the migrant workers as his assailant in a past confrontation. The individual, known as Mr. Boon, a Cambodian ice cream vendor, had allegedly attacked the victim with a knife during an argument, resulting in severe injuries to the victim’s right arm and the amputation of his ring finger. Upon identification, officers immediately detained Mr. Boon, while the victim reportedly addressed him, saying, “I told you, you can’t escape.”

 

The Thai victim recounted the incident, saying he had no prior acquaintance with the assailant and was uncertain as to why the Cambodian had attacked him. He insisted that he would press charges to the fullest extent of the law, expressing relief that he managed to defend himself during the altercation.

 

Mr. Boon admitted to the attack, explaining that he had previously worked as an ice cream vendor for a Thai employer. He claimed the argument escalated due to a language barrier and that, in the heat of the moment, he struck out with a knife. Following the incident, he fled to Cambodia, waiting for the situation to quiet down before returning to Thailand. He reported paying 13,000 baht in compensation to one injured party, though not to the victim who had identified him. To return to Thailand, Mr. Boon allegedly paid 4,000 baht in smuggling fees, traveling with a group of 6-7 people who entered the country illegally through forested border crossings.

 

The operation ultimately led to penalties for 20 foreign workers who had not reported their residence, as well as fines for three employers. Mr. Boon and others detained were handed over to Pattaya police for further legal proceedings.

 

Picture courtesy of TMN.

-- 2024-11-13

 

My friend and I witnessed an urchin do something similar to a German tourist on Beach Road 20 years ago. The German's ring finger was hanging by a thread of skin. One group of Thais got him onto a songtaew and took him to the hospital whilst another group surrounded the urchin to assist him in his escape.  

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