British man drowns in Thai resort
2012-12-03 18:01
Bangkok - A 28-year-old British man has drowned after jumping into the sea
in the Thai resort town of Pattaya after being chased by a group of Thai men
wielding sticks and knives, police said on Monday.
The man, and two other Britons aged, 29 and 30, leapt into Pattaya Bay late
on Sunday morning after being chased through a restaurant by several Thai men
who they had argued with the previous night.
A fishing boat was only able to rescue the victim's two companions.
Police said the Thai men alleged the British trio had been drunk and had
destroyed property in a hotel in the early hours of Sunday, prompting the
argument and chase when the two groups again met several hours later.
No arrests have been made so far.
Thailand's image as the "Land of Smiles" has been tarnished in
recent years by deadly political unrest, devastating floods and concerns about
violent crimes against foreigners.
Pattaya, around two hours south of Bangkok, is one of the kingdom's tourist hubs
and is renowned for prostitution and its wild, alcohol-fuelled nightlife.
