British Man Arrested in Pattaya Over Acid Attack Incident

A British national has been taken into custody in Pattaya following an alleged acid attack on a guesthouse caretaker. Richard Langford, 40, was arrested after the incident on June 23 at a guesthouse located on Soi Arunothai 2 in Central Pattaya. The attack left the 43-year-old caretaker, Wirawan Apimethithamrong, with severe burns. According to police reports, Langford had gone to the premises searching for his missing Thai girlfriend, who was not present. Witnesses described him as agitated, reportedly going door-to-door before the assault occurred. A 33-year-old resident, identified as Rose, stated she saw him moving through the building and later heard screams. Upon rushing downstairs, Rose found Wirawan in extreme pain after being doused with a corrosive substance. Investigators subsequently discovered burn marks on a cushion and doormat, consistent with chemical exposure. Acting on a tip from a local resident, police located Langford on nearby Soi Chalerm Phrakiat 19, where he was found arguing with a Thai woman outside a food shop. Officers apprehended him, with Langford reportedly demanding the return of his passport and money. During questioning, Langford claimed he was looking for his girlfriend and a transgender friend, both of whom he accused of taking his passport. He stated he threw a glass of liquid without realizing it was corrosive and alleged he had been threatened with a machete, a claim police have not yet corroborated. Supranee, 38, from Sisaket province, who had dated Langford for five months, described a history of aggressive behavior. She admitted to taking his passport after he left without paying rent. Police confirmed that Langford had overstayed his visa since February 2026 and will face immigration charges, with additional charges related to the attack being prepared. Wirawan remains hospitalized and is receiving treatment at Chon Buri Hospital, as reported by Pattaya Mail.