A Brazilian footballer is under investigation after allegedly refusing to pay a bar bill, assaulting staff and a foreign tourist, and fleeing the scene in Udon Thani early yesterday morning, December 15.
The incident occurred at around 10.40am in Soi Samphanmit, a nightlife area in Udon Thani city. Police were called to the scene following reports of a violent altercation at a local bar. When officers arrived, they found a dark-skinned man wearing only green shorts and sneakers, standing shirtless and arguing with bar staff outside the premises.
The man was later identified as 42-year-old Osvaldo Dos Santos Neto, a Brazilian national described by witnesses as a professional footballer. According to the bar owner, 29-year-old Kanyanee Kaewnok, Neto had refused to settle his bill after ordering drinks for himself and several bar hostesses.
Kanyanee told police that Neto arrived at the bar alone at around 3am and began ordering beers and alcoholic drinks, including beverages for staff members and herself. By the time he attempted to leave, the bill had reached approximately 5,100 baht. When asked to pay, Neto allegedly claimed he was unable to access his mobile banking application.
Staff said he remained at the bar until nearly 9am, repeatedly delaying payment. Eventually, employees suggested that he withdraw cash from a nearby ATM. Suspecting he might try to leave without paying, several staff members followed him outside.
The situation quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. A 74-year-old American tourist, identified as Douglas Robin Barker, reportedly attempted to calm the situation and intervene. However, witnesses alleged that Neto slapped Barker forcefully, causing him to fall to the ground.
Kanyanee then attempted to block Neto from leaving the area. She claimed that he pushed her in the face, knocking her to the ground, before running toward his vehicle in an apparent attempt to escape. Bar staff reportedly chased after him and pulled him out of the car, leading to a brief scuffle.
During the chaos, Kanyanee said she managed to grab Neto’s wallet from inside the vehicle. Despite this, the Brazilian man was eventually able to get back into the driver’s seat and drive away from the scene at high speed before police arrived.
Police documented injuries sustained by the victims and collected witness statements from bar staff and bystanders. Authorities are now working to locate Neto and summon him for questioning. Charges are expected to include assault and failure to pay for services, pending further investigation.
Local police stated that the case highlights ongoing concerns about alcohol-related violence in entertainment districts. Officers urged business owners to report incidents promptly and advised tourists and residents to avoid confrontations and seek police assistance when disputes arise.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities attempt to track down the suspect and proceed with legal action.
