Songkran Celebration Turns Violent as Foreign Tourists Assault Elderly Man in Pattaya

A water fight during Thailand's Songkran festival escalated into a serious assault on a popular Pattaya street last week. According to a report by The Pattaya News, three men attacked an elderly European tourist on Walking Street on April 16.

The incident occurred in a designated 'wet zone,' where revelers use water guns to celebrate the Thai New Year. Witnesses described the assailants, who appeared to be from the Middle East, surrounding the older man, pushing him to the ground, and kicking him. Police have yet to receive a formal complaint from the victim and have asked all involved parties to come forward.

This attack follows another separate, aggressive incident reported during the festival, where two French tourists allegedly doused a local motorcyclist and his passenger against their wishes, then struck the driver with a water gun.

The events have cast a shadow over the normally joyous festival, raising questions about tourist behavior and safety during the massive celebrations. Local authorities are reviewing available witness accounts and security footage from the area.