A retired American soldier turned English teacher went berserk at a South Pattaya bar last night, frightening staff and sending security into full alert. But, his fury ended up in handcuffs after a full-blown meltdown on Soi 5.
The former American GI, James, thought to be around 60, is accused of spitting at bar girls, smashing a pot of incense, and booting over a menu sign after a woman allegedly refused his advances yesterday, July 13.
Police told Channel 7 News that he returned shortly after wielding an iron bar and a sharp object, prompting bouncers to subdue him before handing him over to officers.
“He started shouting and cursing, then spat at the girls waiting out front,” said Uracha, a 27 year old cashier at the venue. “Then he kicked over the sign and stormed off. But he always comes back. He acts strange and talks nonsense.”
She said it all started when one of the female staff refused to entertain his repeated pestering.
The situation escalated when the former GI returned moments later, armed and clearly agitated.
“He came back with a metal rod and a blade,” said a security guard. “We followed our training, charged, disarmed and pinned him until the police arrived.”
Patrol officers from Pattaya City Police Station said James was still too agitated to be questioned. He was taken away to cool down and will face legal action once fit to be interviewed.
Officers say if compensation cannot be agreed for the damages, the matter will proceed through the courts. Officers are also investigating whether James has a history of erratic behaviour or prior run-ins with the law.
Last week, the shoe was on the other foot when a foreign bar owner in Pattaya reportedly physically assaulted an American tourist in the early hours of the morning allegedly for recording a video on the premises.
The 38 year old American man, identified as Raf, reported the assault at Mueang Pattaya Police Station at 2.50am, on, July 11. He arrived with visible injuries and presented a video of the incident as evidence.
The story GI dough! Retired American blows a fuse in Pattaya bar brawl as seen on Thaiger News.
