American Assaulted By Two Men Who Claimed To Be Police Volunteers On Pattaya Bea

[Pattaya_Fox]

American assaulted by two men who claimed to be Police Volunteers on Pattaya Beach.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Prateep from Pattaya Police Station was called to Pattaya Beach Road in front of Soi Yamato just before Dawn on Saturday to investigate a serious assault on a foreign tourist. Arriving at the scene, the officer was met by the injured victim; Mr. Ted Dragen aged 45 from USA. He directed Police to the location of the assault and explained that two men dressed in Black approached the victim and requested he hand over his money and valuables. Mr. Dragen claims that both men identified themselves as Police Volunteers. Mr. Dragen refused and was then set-upon by the two men who rendered Mr. Dragen unconscious for a time. When he woke up he realized the men had stolen 6,000 Baht from his trouser pocket. He was able to give the name of one of the two attackers as “Jo”. Police are now checking CCTV pictures and will attempt to find the two men who conducted this apparently random attack.

Pattaya City News

Saturday 16th February 2008

[naka]

What are these people doing "just before dawn" ?

Naka.

[Briggsy]

You will notice Dawn has a capital letter. Dawn is in fact the person in the yellow top in the second photo and not a time.

[plasticpig]

the naughty boys even had the shirt off his back.

[gavin hawaii]

Pattaya Beach has indeed turned into an unsafe place. I advise going there only when it is crowded and stay away from walking on the beach (sand part) at night since the darkness makes it easier to be a target. I don't know why the police dont have officers patrolling or stationed there at all times. They should also increase the lighting on the beach.

[brahmburgers]

From Bangkok Post Monday Feb.18

PATTAYA AMERICAN ROBBED

Two arrested for tourist attack

Chon Buri _ Police have arrested two men and are searching for a third suspect of an assault and robbery of an American tourist in the beach resort town of Pattaya on Saturday. Pattaya police yesterday arrested two members of a gang on charges of assaulting and robbing Ted Dragen.

Theerapong Tonthong, 26, and Utai Runket, 23, were not volunteer police, as some eyewitnesses claimed. The third suspect, identified only as Joe, was still on the run last night, police said.

Mr Utai confessed to police that the three suspects were playing with a pocket knife on the beach when Mr Dragen walked past drinking beer and warned them it was dangerous. Mr Dragen then bought them all beers, he said.

However, after a few drinks a quarrel erupted and they attacked the tourist, police said. After Mr Dragen left, they saw his wallet on the ground and found 30,000 baht cash inside. Mr Utai insisted they did not plan to rob the tourist.

Police said the men looked like police because they were carrying two-way radios and handcuffs they stole from security guards before the attack.

But eyewitness Somkid Sira, 36, said she saw the three assault the tourist right after he walked past them.

as reported by; JERDSAK SAENGTHONGCHAROEN

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Brms

[Pattaya_Fox]

Three men arrested following beach assault on American Tourist.

We have an update now on a story we featured last week regarding an assault of an American Tourist on Pattaya Beach by two men who claimed they were Pattaya Police Volunteers. We can confirm that the two alleged attackers and a third man connected with the case have now been arrested. They were presented to the gathered media at a press conference held at Pattaya Police Station on Monday Morning, led by Police Colonel Nopadon, the Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station. It was confirmed that none of the men were in fact Police Volunteers. Khun Apirak aged 22, Khun Tirapong aged 24 and Khun Oothai aged 23 admitted to conducting the assault. The three men were easily caught as they were known to many who frequent the Pattaya Beach area and were known to have conducted similar attacks on Tourists before. They have been charged with assault and theft and will now go to court to explain their actions to a judge later this week.

Pattaya city News

Monday 18th February 2008

[mikethevigoman]

From Bangkok Post Monday Feb.18

PATTAYA AMERICAN ROBBED

Two arrested for tourist attack

Chon Buri _ Police have arrested two men and are searching for a third suspect of an assault and robbery of an American tourist in the beach resort town of Pattaya on Saturday. Pattaya police yesterday arrested two members of a gang on charges of assaulting and robbing Ted Dragen.

Theerapong Tonthong, 26, and Utai Runket, 23, were not volunteer police, as some eyewitnesses claimed. The third suspect, identified only as Joe, was still on the run last night, police said.

Mr Utai confessed to police that the three suspects were playing with a pocket knife on the beach when Mr Dragen walked past drinking beer and warned them it was dangerous. Mr Dragen then bought them all beers, he said.

However, after a few drinks a quarrel erupted and they attacked the tourist, police said. After Mr Dragen left, they saw his wallet on the ground and found 30,000 baht cash inside. Mr Utai insisted they did not plan to rob the tourist.

Police said the men looked like police because they were carrying two-way radios and handcuffs they stole from security guards before the attack.

But eyewitness Somkid Sira, 36, said she saw the three assault the tourist right after he walked past them.

as reported by; JERDSAK SAENGTHONGCHAROEN

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Brms

And heres the problem, "Mr Utai confessed to police that the three suspects were playing with a pocket knife on the beach when Mr Dragen walked past drinking beer and warned them it was dangerous. Mr Dragen then bought them all beers, he said.

[misterman21]

Know to have attacked other tourists - yet still free to roam one of thailands prime crime scenes (sorry tourist hot spots)

Thai Rak Thai

[Humphrey Bear]

Know to have attacked other tourists - yet still free to roam one of thailands prime crime scenes (sorry tourist hot spots)

Thai Rak Thai

Hear, hear!

But let's see if there is ever a report of these guys being found guilty and serving a custodial sentnece.

Howard, if you're reading these, do follow-up articles. You'll scoop all the other rags then.