A 54-year-old Sri Lankan tourist was injured in an altercation on Pattaya Beach Road after a dispute with a transgender woman over her gender and payment.
The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday near Soi 13/3, where police and Sawangboribul Foundation rescuers found the tourist, identified only as Sepala, bleeding from a head wound.
According to police, the altercation began after Sepala touched the transwoman’s genitals twice without paying, despite being quoted a service price of 2,000 baht.
The transgender woman, 29-year-old Mintran Buran, admitted to hitting Sepala multiple times on the head with a high-heeled shoe during the dispute.
Mintran told police that she became angry when the tourist touched her again without consent or payment, leading to a physical confrontation.
She claimed the tourist also pulled at her shirt, causing a scratch on her chest, prompting her to retaliate.
Sepala, for his part, said he was uncertain about Mintran’s gender and decided not to go through with the arrangement after an “intimate touch.”
He alleged that he was attacked from behind while attempting to walk away from the situation.
Both individuals were taken to the Muang Pattaya police station for further questioning.
The case highlights ongoing concerns over consent, boundaries, and safety for both tourists and service workers in entertainment districts.
