Korean Tourists Arrested After Violent Brawl at Thai Restaurant in Pattaya: “National Embarrassment”
According to Thai media outlets including the Pattaya Mail, the altercation took place around 3:30 a.m. on July 11 at an open-air restaurant in Naklua, famous for its hot pot and grilled dishes. What began as a heated argument over a meal quickly spiraled into chaos, with chairs, plates, and utensils being thrown as several men exchanged punches in front of stunned onlookers.
Witnesses reported screams and panic, with some diners falling or being dragged during the melee. Restaurant property was significantly damaged, and police arrested four Korean men at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the individuals were traveling as part of the same group and had agreed to a 100,000 baht (approx. 425,000 KRW / 309 USD) settlement to cover the damages. After paying the fine, they were charged with fighting in a public space and later released.
The incident drew swift backlash online, with footage captured by a fellow diner quickly going viral on social media platforms in both Thailand and South Korea. Thai netizens expressed frustration over the perceived leniency of the police response, while Korean netizens called the altercation a “national disgrace,” urging authorities to take action against the individuals upon their return.
Critics also lamented the broader impact of such incidents on Korea’s reputation abroad, especially in popular tourist destinations like Thailand. As the video continues to circulate, public calls for accountability and responsible tourism behavior are growing louder.
