Pattaya Cannabis Shop Employee Assaulted by Foreigner

PATTAYA – A female employee at a cannabis shop in Pattaya has filed a police report alleging sexual assault by a foreign tourist who allegedly broke into the establishment. The incident has raised new concerns about security in the popular tourist destination. The unsettling event occurred early Friday morning at a shop located on Soi 15, near Walking Street in South Pattaya. According to police, security camera footage and videos captured by bystanders have provided crucial evidence, and authorities are actively working to identify and apprehend the suspect. The 34-year-old employee recounted that she was taking stock behind the counter when a foreign man appeared outside the shop. The man exhibited erratic behavior, making strange faces and movements, before violently forcing open the locked glass door and entering the premises. Once inside, the suspect allegedly attempted to approach the frightened employee inappropriately. She retreated behind the counter, fearing for her safety. The man reportedly ignored her questions and pushed past the security barrier. The employee managed to lure the man outside the shop, using the opportunity to re-enter and lock the front door. However, the situation escalated further on the street. A 64-year-old woman, a caretaker at a nearby apartment, intervened to ask the man to leave, but he allegedly forced an unwanted kiss on her cheek. Witnessing this, several local residents armed themselves with wooden sticks to protect the women. The employee then stepped outside to record video evidence, during which she claims the suspect groped her inappropriately. Outraged, the residents chased the man with sticks, prompting him to flee the scene. The employee immediately proceeded to the Pattaya City Police Station to file a formal complaint, submitting CCTV footage and mobile phone videos as evidence. Police are meticulously reviewing the provided footage to identify the suspect and are increasing patrols in popular tourist areas to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike. Authorities have pledged to bring the offender to justice swiftly. Source: Chiang Rai Times