British man faces deportation after threatening staff at Hua Hin currency exchange
A British man faces deportation from Thailand after allegedly threatening and verbally abusing staff at a Hua Hin currency exchange booth during a dispute over a Western Union payment.
Hua Hin Police said the incident happened at about 3pm on Friday, 7 August, at the Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) currency exchange booth on Naeb Kehardt Road.
A video of the incident was later shared on social media, showing part of the confrontation at the currency exchange booth.
Two bank employees told investigators that a British national, identified by police as Mr Zane, had arrived at the booth to collect money sent through Western Union.
Police said the transaction could not be completed because he had provided an incorrect money transfer reference number.
According to the police statement, the man became angry and verbally abused the employees while demanding that they complete the transaction and hand over the money.
Police alleged that he continued shouting and swearing, attempted to enter the booth to confront staff, and caused items at the currency exchange counter to be scattered and damaged.
Police action after Hua Hin currency exchange incident
Police located the man on Monday, 10 August, and brought him in for questioning. Pol Lt Gen Pisit Tanprasert, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 7, also took part in the questioning.
Police said the man admitted his involvement in the incident and acknowledged the charges against him.
Investigators brought charges relating to causing damage to property, threatening or intimidating another person, insulting another person to their face and improper conduct in public. Police cited Sections 358, 393, 392 and 388 of the Thai Criminal Code.
Hua Hin Police said the criminal proceedings had been completed and the case forwarded to Prachuap Khiri Khan Immigration Office.
Immigration officials have been asked to begin proceedings to revoke the man’s visa and deport him to his home country. Police cited what they described as aggressive and violent behaviour and said they considered him a potential risk to the public.
Hua Hin Police said emergencies can be reported by calling 191 or Hua Hin Police Station on 032-511027.