Australian Tourist Spends 13 Hours Drinking at Pattaya Bar, Then Refuses to Pay 32,540-Baht Bill
PATTAYA, Thailand
An Australian tourist allegedly spent nearly 13 hours drinking at a beer bar in Pattaya, buying rounds for staff throughout the day, before refusing to settle a bill of more than 32,000 baht after a staff member allegedly refused to go out of the bar with him, causing the bar owner to take him to the police.
Mr. Thompson, 53, a tourist from Australia, arrived at a beer bar in Soi Buakhao 15 at around 8 a.m. on August 12th, 2026. The bar had not yet opened for business. Staff said the man asked them to open early so he could start drinking. The owner and employees agreed, citing the man’s previous good payment record at other venues.
According to staff, the customer spent the entire day at the bar, repeatedly buying drinks for female employees he liked and ringing a bell to treat the whole staff. Many employees joined him in drinking and attended to him throughout the session, which continued until about 9 p.m.
The situation soured when the man invited one female staff member to go out with him after the bar closed. She declined. He then became upset and refused to pay the outstanding bill.
The total came to 32,540 baht. Bar owner Ms. Miliya, 46, said the amount covered not only the man’s own drinks but also all the rounds he ordered for staff over the long day and many bell rings. The bar had opened specially at 8 a.m. and remained open for about 13 hours, incurring both beverage costs and staff wages.
Attempts to resolve the matter at the bar failed. The owner and staff then escorted the tourist to Pattaya City Police Station around 11:30 p.m. They met with Police Lieutenant Colonel Kanoknan Suksri, an investigating officer, seeking mediation.
During talks at the station, the bar insisted on the full 32,540-baht amount. The Australian man disputed the total, claiming it was not that high, and continued to refuse payment, although was also reportedly heavily intoxicated.
Officers recorded the incident in the daily log and said they would examine the bill details and statements from both sides before deciding on further action.
