A violent incident in Thailand has sparked outrage after a Chinese tourist allegedly attacked a 25-year-old Thai transgender woman inside a Pattaya hotel room, leaving her with multiple injuries that required 30 stitches.
According to reports by Reuters and Thai media outlet Thairath, the incident took place on May 25 at a hotel located along Pattaya South Soi 9.
The victim, identified as Bell Aphisara, claimed she had agreed to provide paid companionship services to the tourist for 2,000 Thai baht, which is around S$78. However, the situation allegedly turned violent after the man realised Bell was biologically male.
Bell said the tourist suddenly lost his temper and began smashing mirrors and glass bottles inside the hotel room before allegedly using the broken shards to attack her.
Police are now investigating the incident after disturbing footage surfaced online showing Bell bleeding heavily while attempting to leave the room.
Victim Suffered Multiple Deep Cuts
According to witnesses, several transgender women staying nearby heard Bell screaming for help and rushed into the room.
They allegedly found the man standing over Bell while she lay bleeding on the bed. Videos circulating online later showed Bell stumbling out into the corridor with blood streaming down her face and body.
A hotel receptionist reportedly said Bell ran downstairs in shock while covered in blood. Two friends later accompanied her to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Doctors treated Bell for serious injuries, including 18 stitches to her face, eight stitches on her wrist and another four on her ankle.
Bell later told reporters that the outcome could have been far worse if her friends had not intervened quickly.
She also said she intends to pursue legal action against the suspect.
Suspect Allegedly Escaped Thailand Before Police Report Was Filed
When Thai police officers arrived at the hotel room, it had already been locked and abandoned.
Investigators discovered blood-stained bedsheets, shattered bottles, broken mirrors and signs of a violent struggle inside the room.
Authorities immediately reviewed CCTV footage from the hotel and nearby areas in an attempt to track down the suspect.
However, immigration checks later revealed that the Chinese national had allegedly fled Thailand through Suvarnabhumi Airport and returned to China before Bell formally lodged her police report.
Thai police said investigations are still ongoing while officers gather evidence and prepare documents for a possible arrest warrant.
The case has since attracted widespread attention online, with many social media users expressing concern over violence against transgender individuals in Thailand’s tourism hotspots such as Pattaya.