David Maensiri was reportedly having a row with his girlfriend on Sunday, when Japanese passer-by tried to intervene as eyewitnesses claim punches were thrown before a knife was pulled
Thailand: British dual national arrested on suspicion of murder
A British man has been arrested for the murder of a Japanese tourist in Thailand, who reportedly stepped in while he was having a row with his girlfriend.
David Maensiri, who is a dual national, was reportedly having a row with his girlfriend on Sunday, when Japanese passer-by Seita Tanabe, tried to intervene. The 36-year-old Brit is alleged to have turned on the well-meaning holidaymaker.
They began a punch-up, but a knife was reportedly pulled out and the 27-year-old Japanese man was stabbed in the chest. The suspect, who also has Thai nationality, was then arrested in the Thai city of Pattaya, with mobile phone footage showing him being handcuffed then hauled into a pick up truck in the early hours.
Police Captain Wuttikorn Plodprong of the Pattaya City Police Station said officers received a report just after 6am. They arrived at the scene, where medics were performing CPR on Mr Tanabe who had a deep wound on his chest. He was rushed to a hospital but was unable to recover from his injuries and died.
Officers detained a bruised Maensiri. They described him as drunk and remorseless, even flashing a cheeky rock-and-roll hand sign at the cops. He was taken to a hospital for a dislocated shoulder, abrasions, and head injuries. Police Captain Wuttikorn Plodprong of the Pattaya City Police Station said: “We have inspected the scene and taken photos as evidence. We are collecting more evidence in order to take legal action against the suspect.”
An eyewitness, 22-year-old Bank said he and Mr Tanabe had noticed the suspect arguing with his girlfriend. He said: “We tried to intervene, but the boyfriend misunderstood and ended up punching the Japanese man in the face.
“They separated, but not long after, the Japanese tried to retaliate with another punch, causing another scuffle. Everyone tried to stop them but it was too late. The suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed the Japanese in front of everyone.”
Dashcam footage shows Mr Tanabe in a white shirt charging at the Brit from across the street. Mr Tanabe’s girlfriend was heard calling out to stop him. Deputy Inspector Itthiporn Tangchuthaweesap of the Pattaya City Police Station said: “A meticulous investigation is ongoing to build a case against the suspect. The aim is to ensure legal proceedings are pursued thoroughly and justly.”
Former fishing village Pattaya became popular with American troops on ‘rest and relaxation’ breaks in the 1960s when the US military had bases in Thailand. In the ensuing years, the coastal resort grown and has a reputation as a seedy “Sin City”. Embarrassed officials have made progress in gentrifying the region with family tourism projects.