British Tourist Threatens Pattaya Hotel Staff Over Lost Keycard Fee

A hotel receptionist in North Pattaya has filed a police complaint, alleging she was threatened and nearly assaulted by a British tourist following a dispute over a lost keycard replacement fee. The receptionist, identified as 48-year-old Ae, works at the front desk of J.A. Plus Hotel on Pattaya Third Road. She reported the incident to Pattaya City Police Station on Saturday morning, stating it occurred around 10 am on the same day. According to Ms. Ae, a 27-year-old British tourist, who had been staying at the hotel since July 2, lost his room keycard. Hotel policy dictates a 500 baht replacement fee for lost keycards. However, instead of paying, the tourist allegedly became verbally abusive towards Ms. Ae and another staff member. She further claimed that he attempted to assault her before leaving the hotel, reportedly leaving his passport behind. The hotel confirmed that CCTV footage captured the entire incident. Ms. Ae filed a formal complaint to ensure the incident was officially recorded. Police Lieutenant Natchat Chanthakran, deputy inspector of the investigation division at Pattaya City Police Station, received the complaint. Police are currently reviewing the CCTV footage and plan to contact the tourist for questioning. No arrest has been reported at this time. In related news, on July 2, police in Phuket arrested another British national who reportedly evaded a 300 baht tuk-tuk fare and assaulted the driver, leaving him with injuries requiring ten stitches. After footage of this incident circulated on Thai social media, immigration officers revoked the man’s stay in Thailand. He was charged with physical assault under Section 295 of the Criminal Law, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both.