Pattaya Police Arrest Drunk Cannabis Shop Owner After Knife-Wielding Rampage
Pattaya police arrested a 40-year-old cannabis shop owner late Thursday night after an alcohol- and cannabis-fuelled outburst that alarmed neighbouring businesses and customers along Pattaya Second Road. The incident occurred near Soi 9 in Banglamung district and prompted an urgent police response after reports of a violent public disturbance.
Officers from Pattaya City Police Station were dispatched to the scene shortly after 10 p.m. following multiple calls from concerned members of the public. Witnesses reported a heavily intoxicated man shouting, smashing beer bottles, and threatening nearby shop owners, creating fear in an area that is usually busy with evening foot traffic.
When police arrived, they found the suspect sitting on a plastic chair outside his cannabis shop in an obvious state of extreme intoxication. Broken beer bottles littered the pavement, and cannabis-smoking paraphernalia was scattered around the storefront. Officers noted that the man was slurring his words, struggling to stay coherent, and appeared emotionally distressed.
A search of the suspect and his bag did not uncover any additional illegal items. Police then transported him to Pattaya City Police Station, where he was placed in custody to sober up and await questioning.
During preliminary interviews, the man became tearful and claimed he had “lost control” due to ongoing personal stress. He told officers that his wife had left him several months earlier and that he had come to believe, without evidence, that staff at a neighbouring tattoo parlour had helped her disappear. In his agitated state, he admitted to smashing beer bottles and striking himself on the head with one, though he insisted he had not physically harmed anyone else.
However, a neighbouring business owner provided a much more alarming account of events. Ms Sunisa Kenawong, 33, who owns the tattoo studio next door, told reporters that the man had been drinking heavily outside his shop since late afternoon. According to her statement, he suddenly entered her premises and accused her boyfriend of hiding or abducting his wife—an allegation she firmly denied.
Ms Sunisa said that after being asked to leave, the man returned a short time later wielding a knife, causing customers and staff to fear for their safety. She immediately ran to the nearest police box to request urgent assistance. Although she had known the man casually for months and had never seen violent behaviour from him before, she stated she now intends to press charges to the fullest extent of the law.
Police have initially charged the suspect with causing a public disturbance. He remains in custody, and his name has not been released to the media. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area and collecting further witness statements.
If evidence confirms that the man was carrying a knife in public or issued credible threats, additional charges—such as carrying a blade in public without reasonable cause and criminal intimidation—may follow. Police stated the case will be handled strictly in accordance with the law to ensure public safety and fairness for all parties involved.
