Chinese driver arrested following crash into multiple vehicles at intersection and 'refused to take alcohol test'
A Chinese driver was arrested for allegedly crashing his SUV into several vehicles and refusing to take an alcohol test.
The tourist was reportedly drunk when he rammed into cars and motorcycles before stopping at a red traffic light on Sukhumvit Road in 'Sin City' Pattaya, eastern Thailand, on July 4.
Police were called to the junction at 11:30 pm local time after Thai driver Thawatchai Pan-iam, 37, reported that the holidaymaker had rear-ended his black Toyota Yaris Ativ.
Officers arrived at the scene, where they found two damaged motorcycles and the tourist's green Tank 500 SUV with a dented bumper.
Thawatchai claimed the impact pushed his car into two motorcycles ahead, leaving several people with minor injuries.
He said the Chinese driver and his passenger tried to leave the scene after the crash, but he prevented them by switching off the SUV's engine.
He added that the pair offered him cash to settle the incident privately instead of involving police, but he refused.
Police said the SUV driver was a Chinese tourist who appeared heavily intoxicated and smelled strongly of alcohol.
Footage shows the bespectacled holidaymaker in a white shirt arguing with an officer who was holding back his laughter.
The Chinese man's passenger was seen recording the cops on his mobile phone.
Both men were hauled to the police station for alleged aggressive behaviour and for refusing to undergo alcohol breathalyser tests.
They were detained in a holding cell to face legal proceedings as police continue investigating the crash.
Tourists are regularly attacked or caught up in crime, leading Pattaya to be dubbed 'Sin City'.
Embarrassed officials in the central government have launched tourism initiatives to attract families and rebrand Pattaya as a safe destination.
Authorities have also introduced safety measures, such as improved lighting and CCTV.
Despite some success in cleaning up the town's image, alcohol and sex remain its biggest draws, often leading to a high rate of crime and accidents.
