At 06:06 AM on December 29, 2024, a violent altercation in Pattaya led to the stabbing of a Japanese man, Seita Tanabe, leaving him critically injured. The incident occurred along Pattaya Third Road, in the Nong Prue district of Bang Lamung, Chonburi. Police and emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene after receiving a report of the altercation.
Tanabe, 27, was found with a severe knife wound to his chest, lying in a pool of blood. Good Samaritans attempted to revive him, but paramedics provided first aid and performed CPR before rushing him to the hospital. Meanwhile, his assailant, David, a 36-year-old Thai-English man, suffered injuries, including swelling to his face and scratches on his body. The intoxicated suspect was apprehended at the scene, where police discovered the knife used in the attack.
Witnesses provided crucial testimony regarding the events leading to the stabbing. A 22-year-old witness, referred to as Bank, stated that he had seen a confrontation between the foreigner and his girlfriend. Tanabe attempted to intervene, but a misunderstanding escalated into a physical confrontation. As tensions heightened, Tanabe punched David in retaliation, which further inflamed the situation. Despite attempts to separate the two men, David drew a knife and stabbed Tanabe, causing him to collapse.
Police later transported David to the hospital due to a dislocated shoulder. However, upon arriving, Tanabe’s girlfriend and friends were devastated when hospital staff informed them that he had died from his injuries. In their grief and anger, they attempted to confront David, but officers intervened to prevent further violence.
Further details emerged when a bus driver, who had witnessed the altercation, shared his account with reporters. He explained that Tanabe’s girlfriend had noticed the tension and urged him to return to the scene to defuse the situation. Upon arriving, he saw Tanabe assault David, leading to a chaotic fight. In the confusion, Tanabe was fatally stabbed. The driver also reported that David attempted to flee, but the weapon was discarded before police could apprehend him.
The incident was captured on a dashboard camera, providing clear footage of the confrontation. The video shows David and Tanabe exchanging blows, with Tanabe eventually charging at David, only to be stabbed during the chaotic scuffle. The woman’s frantic calls for Tanabe to stop were in vain.
Pattaya police, led by Lieutenant Colonel Ittiporn Tangchutewitsap, have secured the footage as evidence and are continuing to investigate the incident. The legal process is underway as authorities pursue charges against the assailant.
