Indian Tourist Targeted Following Service Fee Dispute

New Delhi, January 5, 2026: A distressing scene was witnessed in the early hours of December 27, 2025, at the entrance of the famous Walking Street in Pattaya, Thailand. A 52-year-old Indian national, identified in reports as Raj Jasuja, was observed being surrounded and assaulted by a group of transgender women. The altercation was captured in a viral video that has circulated widely in the first week of January 2026, highlighting a violent disagreement that reportedly stemmed from a refusal to pay for services rendered.

Physical Confrontation and Emergency Intervention

The situation was seen escalating rapidly when the tourist allegedly attempted to leave the scene in a vehicle without settling the full amount requested by the service providers. He was reportedly pulled from the car by the group with the assistance of bystanders. In the widely shared footage, the man was observed being thrashed with slippers and kicked by three individuals. He was eventually found by emergency responders with injuries to his face and the back of his head, requiring immediate first aid at the scene before being shifted to Pattaya Memorial Hospital for further treatment.

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Witness Accounts and the ‘Renegotiation’ Claim

According to a 19-year-old Thai witness, the dispute was initiated near the entrance of the nightlife district over a failure to pay the agreed-upon fee. It was alleged by onlookers that the Indian tourist tried to renegotiate the price after the service had already been completed. This prompted a chase and a physical confrontation that quickly turned into a group assault. The video has drawn a polarized response online, where some netizens have criticized the tourist for his alleged misconduct, while others have expressed concern over the brutal nature of the vigilante justice meted out on the street.

Police Investigation and Legal Recourse

A formal inquiry into the incident has been launched by the Pattaya Police. It was stated by the authorities that the injured man will be requested to file a formal complaint once he has sufficiently recovered from his head injuries. While Pattaya is known as a major global tourist destination, it was noted by local media that similar disputes involving Indian nationals and the local nightlife community have been recorded in the past. Detailed investigations are currently being conducted to determine the exact sequence of events and to hold those responsible for the physical violence accountable under Thai law.

Concerns Over Tourist Safety and Conduct in 2026

The viral nature of the “slipper beating” video has reignited discussions regarding the safety of tourists and the importance of respecting local commercial agreements. It was remarked by travel experts that such incidents often damage the reputation of international travelers and can lead to heightened tensions in popular entertainment zones. As 2026 begins, the Pattaya administration has been urged to increase patrolling in the Walking Street area to prevent such public brawls and to ensure that disputes are resolved through legal channels rather than street violence.