British man in hospital after fight in Phuket bar

[ravip]

I'm just amazed it was only one Thai (albeit with a chunk of wood) versus one farang. Happy Holidays.

That's got to be a first hasn't it?

Thought Thai tradition was to get all your mates over and beat the guy into an unconscious bloody pulp.

Really not very Thai of him at all.

Human beings thoughts tend to stray, more often than not.

Also, they tend to be biased most of the time.

[hansgruber]

I know this man personally, he's from my home town.

He has no tattoos, doesn't shave his head and is always mild mannered.

So to all you self righteous pontificators, (the usual saddos) I suggest you wait to get the other side of the story before rushing to condemn him.

Be sure to report back then. I doubt he admit to what's being reported but what the heck, anticipating waiting.

[ChangMaiSausage]

<deleted> god forbid if any of you guys get into a situation (irrelevant of who's fault it is) the guy is already condemned QUILTY!

• He's English/British so he must be guilty and drunk (there was no mention of him being under the influence)
• He's must be covered in tatooe's no mention of these in the report

• blah blah gossip gossip

Lets hear his side of the story before you hang him.

[12DrinkMore]

Getting a bill here in Thailand is always going to be interesting, thats why I insist on paying as I go.

I have been living and working in Asia for almost 50 years, and I go out frequently and spend lots of money. I do not pay as I go, unless the establishment demands it. I rarely encounter incorrect bills and I rarely loose the presence of mind to know what I owe. However, I do see far too many yayhoos, who get so polluted they cannot remember what they drank and, invariably, they argue about their bills. Perhaps paying as you go is sound advice.

I always pay as the drink(s) arrive.

It saves that frustration of trying to get hold of someone's attention when leaving.

[Sviss Geez]

And this is news why?

You are here why?

[hansgruber]

Just heard on the Phuket radio that the Thai guy who beat him with the wood was also hospitalised with facial lacerations.

I doubt the Brit did that after he was hit with the lump of wood.

Explain that.

[kinmaew]

"It is believed that Mr Stark will remain in hospital for at least seven days. He is currently being cared for by Ms Dian, who is visiting him regularly"

Why would the wife of the guy the Pom hit be visiting the Pom? or massaging her investment hoping he will pay his bar bill could it be that critical he pay it? what 2000 baht say for food and bev?

[ExPratt]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

"Ms. Dian"!



(Apologies if you aren't old and British, as you probably won't get this).

Old Enough

No, no! That's a memory lane I don't want to go down... alt=ohmy.png>

When I read"Ms Dian" in the OP , I immediately thought of Benny

[hansgruber]

I know this man personally, he's from my home town.

He has no tattoos, doesn't shave his head and is always mild mannered.

So to all you self righteous pontificators, (the usual saddos) I suggest you wait to get the other side of the story before rushing to condemn him.

89.5 Phuket FM just stated that the Thai man who hit the British guy was also hospitalised with facial lacerations and released from hospital a short time after.

Are you suggesting your friend was knocked on the head first and then retaliated?

Explain that please if the British guy wasnt the aggressor.

[NamKangMan]

Just heard on the Phuket radio that the Thai guy who beat him with the wood was also hospitalised with facial lacerations.

I doubt the Brit did that after he was hit with the lump of wood.

Explain that.

Maybe the Thai girl knocked both of them.

[hansgruber]

Just heard on the Phuket radio that the Thai guy who beat him with the wood was also hospitalised with facial lacerations.

I doubt the Brit did that after he was hit with the lump of wood.

Explain that.

Maybe the Thai girl knocked both of them.

Next someone will say the Thai beat himself up for justification for beating the farang.

[FiestyFarang]

The owner's husband has a customer who won't pay and now his wife is visiting the same customer in hospital. Wow lovely lady talk about forgiving. Call me old fashioned but why didn't he call the Police and say he has a customer who will not pay his bill. I have seen this before and suddenly cash is shown.

[pagallim]

Brit expat skull cracked for failing to pay Phuket bar bill

Phuket Gazette - January 27, 2015 | 12:16 PM

10 2 0 Google +0 12

Dr Piyaporn Songnatsiri examines Mr Stark after he was allegedly attacked with a baseball bat by a staff member at a bar in Rawai. Photo: Renford Davies

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• 
• 

PHUKET: Police are investigating an attack on a British man who is lying in a Phuket hospital with a fractured skull after allegedly being beaten with a baseball bat for not having enough cash to pay his drinking bill.

Christopher Stark, a 64-year-old English teacher at Phuket Montessori progressive school, told police that he was attacked by Sarawuth Kongphat, 37, at the Green Leaf Bar in Rawai at about 11pm last Thursday, after the man discovered that Mr Stark was short of cash to pay for the two drinks he had ordered.

“Mr Sarawuth confessed that he attacked Mr Stark because he failed to pay his bill. Even if Mr Stark does not file a formal complaint, we will pursue this case,” Lt Chollada Chokdeesrijun of the Chalong Police told the Phuket Gazette today.

Mr Stark said that he had not anticipated that there was going to be problem, as he was a regular at the bar.

“I didn’t think it was really a problem. A foreign lady involved in the bar is a friend of mine, and she agreed to lend me the money,” Mr Stark told the Gazette from his Vachira Phuket Hospital bed.

According to the Briton, Mr Sarawuth became enraged when he realized Mr Stark did not have enough money to pay his bill.

“He got really upset and pointed to a sign on the wall that said ‘No credit allowed’. We then had a bit of a face-off, but it was all verbal. I’m not the kind of guy who uses violence,” said Mr Stark.

“The staff member then disappeared and my friend [the foreign lady] told me he had gone to get a baseball bat and that I should leave quickly. I panicked and rushed outside to get on my motorbike, but I couldn’t find the key.”

Mr Stark said that Mr Sarawuth then came up from behind him and started beating him with the bat.

“I can’t remember clearly, it all happened so quickly. I think he hit me with the bat about four times and one of the blows was to my head,” Mr Stark explained with effort.

Despite the attack, Mr Stark said he remained conscious and remembers three policemen in uniform arriving at the bar to investigate.

“I was covered in blood… there were two regular cops and one more, but they didn’t show much interest and didn’t ask me any questions,” he said.

Shortly after, Mr Stark said what he believed to be an ambulance arrived and took him directly to Vachira Hospital.

Dr Piyaporn Songnatsiri, who examined Mr Stark, said that Mr Stark's CAT scan showed bleeding on the brain.

“Mr Stark’s skull is fractured and the CAT scan shows he has a small hematoma under the depression at the back of his skull, so we have to keep him under observation,” she said.

Mr Stark is now recovering from surgery to remove the blood clot.

“The doctor said that the swelling has gone down and that my condition is improving, but I might have to spend at least five to six more days in hospital,” Mr Stark said.

While Mr Stark is recovering, police are continuing their investigation.

“At this stage, we have yet to charge Mr Sarawuth,” Lt Chollada said.

However, Lt Chollada explained that she will visit Mr Stark again today to get a statement.

“We will see what he wants to do about the case. We met him before, but he could not really talk to us due to his condition,” she said.

- See more at: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Brit-expat-skull-cracked-failing-pay-Phuket/48164#ad-image-2

[NamKangMan]

I bet his bar bill is cheaper than his medical bill.

[hansgruber]

Wow. All that over two drinks.

100 or 200 baht max.

Who goes to a bar with very little or no money?

No friends there to spot him the measly sum?

[steelepulse]

Mr Stark's story is starkly different the OP. His story sounds a lot more credible than the OP and makes more sense as to why the Thai guys Mrs was visiting him in hospital

[LivinLOS]

So if witnesses confirm the above (far more believable) version of events.. I assume the Thai fella will get the same 'giving false testimony' charges any insurance scammers get hit with then ??

Along with the attempted murder, ABH, attack with a weapon etc..

Ohh silly me..

[ChangMaiSausage]

Yes, read the write up it clearly states someone offered to pay his bill.

No friends there to spot him the measly sum?

[pagallim]

I bet his bar bill is cheaper than his medical bill.

I may be wrong, however it appears that he's employed here at an International School, and hence should have a WP and likely social security coverage. Vachira being a Government and not private hospital, he shouldn't have to pay very much, if anything.

[hansgruber]

Yes, read the write up it clearly states someone offered to pay his bill.

No friends there to spot him the measly sum?

Then why was he beaten?

It says they squared up face to face.

Thats a very dangerous thing to do and is probably the main reason it happened, not the money.

[ChangMaiSausage]

Then why was he beaten? How the hell would I know (why do people do many stupid things)

It says they squared up face to face. - Okay and........

Thats a very dangerous thing to do and is probably the main reason it happened, not the money. What, so that makes it okay to crack someone over the head with a baseball bat, not sure where you are from but its not the norm.

I just answered your question based on the what was written, I've not ran off with my own conclusions (unlike many posting on here, including yourself)

Yes, read the write up it clearly states someone offered to pay his bill.

No friends there to spot him the measly sum?

.

[hansgruber]

Then why was he beaten? How the hell would I know (why do people do many stupid things)

It says they squared up face to face. - Okay and........

Thats a very dangerous thing to do and is probably the main reason it happened, not the money. What, so that makes it okay to crack someone over the head with a baseball bat, not sure where you are from but its not the norm.

I just answered your question based on the what was written, I've not ran off with my own conclusions (unlike many posting on here, including yourself)

Yes, read the write up it clearly states someone offered to pay his bill.

No friends there to spot him the measly sum?

.

Would you face up face to face over a couple of drinks with an uneducated local? I sure as shit wouldn't as things like this happen.

Never said it was ok.

[jacko45k]

So without having any clue about what happened we have now deduced the bar staff/owner added to the bill which is why he refused to pay.

The only reasonable post here so far is number 5, better wait with any judgement till we have the full story.

Agreed. The irony is that he will now have a hefty hospital bill if he is to remain there for 7 days.

He should pay his bar bill, but surely his hospital bill is up to the barowner!

[bubblegum]

Dear Phuket News,

Again you lot seem to get things wrong. Not the Banana bar but the Green Leave bar.

Are you news reporters or news makers?

Not the first time you print/publish before checking some facts ! Think of all the libel laws in Thailand, you might get smacked over the head with one.

[mickyboy]

hit him on the head twice with piece wood 7 days in hospital gee that was some lump wood of wood never argue with the bill just pay walk away and dont go back and use the media to spread the word about being ripped off at that place if you where

[smotherb]

Getting a bill here in Thailand is always going to be interesting, thats why I insist on paying as I go.

I have been living and working in Asia for almost 50 years, and I go out frequently and spend lots of money. I do not pay as I go, unless the establishment demands it. I rarely encounter incorrect bills and I rarely loose the presence of mind to know what I owe. However, I do see far too many yayhoos, who get so polluted they cannot remember what they drank and, invariably, they argue about their bills. Perhaps paying as you go is sound advice.

I always pay as the drink(s) arrive.

It saves that frustration of trying to get hold of someone's attention when leaving.

All you need to do is be smarter than the problem. I ask for the check about midway through my last drink.

[Boo]

Numerous posts have been removed & replies to them.

Here is a link to the forum rules, some of you seem to have forgotten some of them regarding making derogatory comments based on nationality as well as lacking some basic skills on civility. One suspension has already been issued so please tone it down before I have to make some more.

thanks

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?app=forums&module=extras&section=boardrules

[glassdude007]

Where in Rawai is the Green Leaf bar???

I am sure I must have stopped in there on my travels?

I will have to put it on my not to go to list if stunts like this are happening there..

I Already don't go to the Bananna bars horrible place...

Green Leaf bar good place to stay away from i think..

Sounds from the more reliable P Gazzette article

that he was a some what regular of the place and was known to the farang lady involved in the bar

So surely he could have paid tomollow if needed.

Not sure if we are getting the truthful whole story from the media reports yet on this story..

Time will tel i guess...

As for not paying your tab d/t running out of cash at the bar ????

I can say on numerous trips to Thailand and blowing all my cash at the bar..

Because of bell ringing, lady drinking, buying street food for the girls and even shouting out a round or two for the boys...

I Have never been batted over the head for not having enough cash to pay the bill...Never

Plenty of ATM's around or if no have ATM card Can politley request can I pay tomorrow and I've never had a problem....

Lots of bars I can go to around here and ask ..can I check bin tomorrow and never a problem,

I don't do it often but have sometimes if needed..

Maybe this guy said the wrong thing at the wrong time and face was lost..

i/e shouting at thai guy or throwing the first punch thing will get you in the shat everytime...

TIT there country not ours...

[theoldgit]

Offensive remark in breach of Forum Rules removed.

11) You will not post slurs, degrading or overly negative comments directed towards Thailand, specific locations, Thai institutions such as the judicial or law enforcement system, Thai culture, Thai people or any other group on the basis of race, nationality, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

A couple of quoted responses also removed.

[outboard]

Where in Rawai is the Green Leaf bar???

I am sure I must have stopped in there on my travels?

I will have to put it on my not to go to list if stunts like this are happening there..

I Already don't go to the Bananna bars horrible place...

Green Leaf bar good place to stay away from i think..

Sounds from the more reliable P Gazzette article

that he was a some what regular of the place and was known to the farang lady involved in the bar

So surely he could have paid tomollow if needed.

Not sure if we are getting the truthful whole story from the media reports yet on this story..

Time will tel i guess...

As for not paying your tab d/t running out of cash at the bar ????

I can say on numerous trips to Thailand and blowing all my cash at the bar..

Because of bell ringing, lady drinking, buying street food for the girls and even shouting out a round or two for the boys...

I Have never been batted over the head for not having enough cash to pay the bill...Never

Plenty of ATM's around or if no have ATM card Can politley request can I pay tomorrow and I've never had a problem....

Lots of bars I can go to around here and ask ..can I check bin tomorrow and never a problem,

I don't do it often but have sometimes if needed..

Maybe this guy said the wrong thing at the wrong time and face was lost..

i/e shouting at thai guy or throwing the first punch thing will get you in the shat everytime...

TIT there country not ours...

I have never had a problem with paying tomorrow, or going to an atm, have had bar owners and staff insist on me not going to the ATM late at night and fixing the bill tomorrow out of concern for either my well being or an unspoken disbelief I could work it.

I find Thai people to be some of the happiest most trusting people I have met anywhere in the world, I do treat them with respect and they return it 10 fold.