A British national has been arrested in Thailand after allegedly throwing a corrosive substance at a guesthouse manager in Pattaya, leaving the woman with severe injuries requiring hospital treatment.
The suspect, identified by Thai authorities as 40-year-old Richard Langford, was taken into custody on 24 June, a day after the alleged attack occurred at a guesthouse in Soi Arunothai 2, Banglamung District, Chonburi province.
The victim, a 43-year-old female manager, reportedly suffered serious burns to her face and body and remains under medical care as investigations continue.
Dispute At Guesthouse Escalates Into Violent Incident
According to local reports, Langford had been moving around the guesthouse on the evening of 23 June, knocking on doors while searching for his Thai girlfriend.
The guesthouse manager allegedly informed residents that he was not a registered guest and attempted to remove him from the premises. Shortly afterwards, an altercation broke out.
Emergency responders arriving at the scene discovered the woman suffering from severe chemical burns. She was given immediate treatment before being transported to hospital for further medical attention.
Police officers also found evidence of a corrosive substance at the property. Items including a doormat and chair cushion reportedly showed extensive damage consistent with exposure to acid.
Suspect Tracked Down The Following Day
By the time authorities arrived, the alleged attacker had already fled the area.
However, police located and arrested Langford the following day near Soi Buakhao after receiving reports of a dispute involving a foreign man and a Thai woman.
During questioning, Langford reportedly told investigators that he had gone to the guesthouse looking for his girlfriend and one of her transgender friends, whom he believed were holding his passport and money.
He claimed the pair had previously brought him to the property and assisted him in renting a room there.
Claimed He Mistook Acid For Cleaning Fluid
Langford allegedly told police that he was ordered to leave by the caretaker and that she had chased him away while carrying a cleaver.
He further claimed that, during the confrontation, he grabbed a nearby container and believed the liquid inside was ordinary toilet cleaner before throwing it towards the woman.
Authorities have not publicly commented on the validity of his account and investigations remain ongoing.
Meanwhile, the victim’s injuries are being assessed as police gather evidence and statements from witnesses connected to the incident.
Former Girlfriend Describes History Of Violent Behaviour
A woman identified as Langford’s former girlfriend told investigators that they had been in a relationship for approximately five months before recently separating.
She alleged that the British man frequently became aggressive and would create disturbances when intoxicated.
According to her statement, she had taken possession of his passport for safekeeping after he allegedly left their accommodation without settling payment. The document was later left with a friend.
She also claimed that an argument took place shortly before the attack after Langford accused her of taking his money, despite allegedly not having received funds he was expecting from overseas.
Overstaying Charges Also Being Prepared
Thai authorities confirmed that Langford had overstayed his visa since February and is expected to face immigration-related charges.
Police are also working with the injured manager and her family regarding additional legal action linked to the alleged acid attack.
The case has attracted significant attention in Thailand due to the severity of the victim’s injuries and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators are expected to proceed with further charges once formal complaints and medical assessments have been completed.