Chon Buri Clash: Driver Painted Green in Pier Brawl

Photo via Facebook/ Yes ข่าวศรีราชา

In a shocking incident at Koh Loey Pier, Chon Buri, a Thai boat driver painted a fellow driver’s face green and assaulted him with a crowbar, claiming he exhibited mafia-like behaviour. The victim, 52-year-old Noppadon, suffered severe injuries, including a near-severed ear.

The Sawang Preteep Si Racha Foundation swiftly responded to the emergency, finding Noppadon with green paint covering his face and clothes, and wounds to his head, arms, and critically, his right ear. He was immediately taken to Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital to treat extensive blood loss. Luckily, his condition later stabilised.

Police from Si Racha Station arrived on the scene, arresting the attacker, 32-year-old Manat, who did not flee after the assault. Once Noppadon's condition allowed, he informed the police about a past quarrel with Manat, sparked by an incident where Manat allegedly caused Noppadon’s boat to hit a larger vessel.

According to Noppadon, he believed their conflict had settled. However, Manat apparently rekindled the feud by splashing paint on him and then repeatedly hitting him with a crowbar while he was resting at the pier.

Manat justified his actions by accusing Noppadon of monopolising the pier's boat operations, describing him as behaving like a mafia. He claimed Noppadon docked without scheduled passengers, reducing space for others.

Another boat driver, Adisak, revealed that Manat had recently asked him about prison life, given Adisak’s recent release. Suspiciously, Manat avoided answering when probed about his intent. Shortly thereafter, Adisak saw Manat with a crowbar and paint, yet Manat ignored inquiries about his plans.

The police have yet to charge Manat formally. However, under Section 295 of the Thai Criminal Code, the assault could lead to a prison sentence of up to two years, a fine up to 40,000 baht (about 1,000 GBP), or both.

The dramatic incident highlights underlying tensions among the pier’s boat operators, raising concerns about safety and conflict resolution in the community. As the legal process unfolds, many will be keenly watching how justice is served.

This altercation underscores broader issues surrounding competition and aggression at popular tourist and transport hubs. As the situation develops, local authorities may need to reassess the management and regulation of pier activities to prevent further outbursts of violence.

The community in Chon Buri, and indeed across Thailand, will be watching closely to see how this case is handled and what measures might be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-02