An Australian tourist was taken to Pattaya City Police Station after refusing to pay a 32,540 baht drinks bill at a beer bar in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya. The dispute followed a drinking session which, staff said, began at about 8am on 12 August and continued for more than 13 hours until around 9pm. Police have recorded the matter and are checking the bar's orders and bill before deciding on further legal steps. Bar opened early for regular customer The bar's 46-year-old owner, Khun Meleeya, and staff brought the Australian, identified as 53-year-old Mr Thompson, to Pattaya City Police Station. Staff told police that Mr Thompson arrived at around 8am, before the premises had opened for business. They said the owner agreed to open specially for him because he had previously visited other bars in the same group and had a good record of paying his bills. During the day, staff said, he bought drinks for several female employees. He also rang the bell on several occasions to buy drinks for all staff in the bar, resulting in a large number of employees joining him at his table. The eventual total for the drinks ordered during the session was 32,540 baht, according to the bar. Refusal followed invitation to bar fine Later that evening, Mr Thompson became friendly with one female member of staff and invited to bar fine her to go out with him after the bar closed, employees said. She declined the invitation, after which he became angry and refused to settle the bill for drinks bought for staff throughout the day, according to the bar's account. Staff said they tried to resolve the matter directly, arguing that the bar had to cover staff wages and the cost of the drinks supplied during the long session. When no agreement was reached, they sought police assistance. Mr Thompson has disputed the amount claimed, telling officers that the bill was not as high as stated. He has continued to refuse payment, police were told. For foreign visitors and expatriates in Pattaya, the case is a reminder that buying rounds, ringing the bell and offering staff drinks can quickly build a substantial tab. Anyone ordering drinks for others should ask for the running total and retain itemised bills, particularly during lengthy sessions. Police checking bar records Pol Lt Col Kanoknan Suksri, an inquiry officer at Pattaya City Police Station, invited both sides to give statements. Police have made a daily record of the complaint as evidence and will examine the purchase details and bill, before interviewing both parties again, once Mr Thompson has sobered up, to establish the facts and proceed with legal procedures, if no agreement is made. Pictures courtesy of Naewna Join the discussion? 14 August 2026
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