A British holidaymaker was attacked by a bar worker in Pattaya, Thailand, after refusing to pay a £27 bill for drinks. David Lodge, 63, was hit with a shoe, punched, and kicked in the crotch during the altercation.
Mr Lodge and his wife were drinking with friends at the Patsy Beer Bar when they received a bill for 1,200 Thai baht (approximately £27.50) for 'six or seven' drinks. Believing they were being overcharged, Mr Lodge paid only half the amount before storming out.
Bar worker Rungnapa Pleumjai, 43, became enraged and struck Mr Lodge in the face with her shoe. She then chased the couple into the street, pulling the wife's dress and kicking Mr Lodge in the crotch. The incident was captured on video by a witness.
Mr Lodge reported the assault to police, leading to Ms Pleumjai's arrest. She was charged with assault for 'damaging the image of tourism in Pattaya'. A police spokesman stated that disputes should be reported to authorities rather than resorting to violence.
Ms Pleumjai defended her actions, claiming bar prices are higher than supermarkets due to operating costs and that customers are informed of prices beforehand. However, police sided with the British couple.
