A chaotic scene unfolded late last night at a popular bar in Patong, where an intoxicated foreign tourist was injured in a confrontation with security guards.
The incident occurred at Oscar Bar on Soi Bangla, reported Patong Police
Officers were called to the scene at about 11:50pm.
According to initial reports, a 31-year-old Russian national Evgenii Kozlov was heavily intoxicated and began dancing on stage at the bar.
Security guards ‒ identified by police as Chalermphon Suphannaphon, 30; Thammakach Sukho, 28; and Watcharaphon Laowong, 19 ‒ intervened and removed him from the stage.
The situation escalated when Mr Kozlov reportedly approached other patrons in an unruly manner, leading to dissatisfaction among the customers.
Security guards attempted to escort him out of the bar, but a struggle ensued.
In the altercation, Mr Kozlov fell to the ground, and a fight broke out between him and the three guards.
Mr Kozlov suffered serious injuries in the beating. The security guards showed police the damage to them, including a torn shirt and bruised knuckles.
Police confirmed that all parties were transported to Patong Hospital: Mr Kozlov for his serious injuries, and the security guards for medical confirmation of any injuries they may have suffered.
Patong Police assured they were continuing their investigation and that they will press charges to any of the parties for their role in the incident.
The incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by entertainment venues in managing unruly behaviour, especially in areas frequented by tourists ‒ and how their security guards respond to such situations.