Seven juveniles aged 13-17 were detained for jointly assaulting a Japanese national after requesting money and being refused. They claimed they used only punches and no weapons. They often ask others for money this way, usually without problems, but this time the victim refused, so they resorted to violence.
In the incident, a Japanese male tourist was assaulted and injured on his ear, knee, and neck by a group of youths attempting robbery. The victim managed to escape and seek help from bystanders. The juveniles fled on two motorcycles. The incident occurred in a dense thicket near the Airport Rail Link station on the evening of 12 August.
At 19:20 on 13 August 2026, Police Colonel Sakya Saengwan, Deputy Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, along with Police Lieutenant Colonel Jaturong Tidnon, Detective Superintendent of Makkasan Police Station, and investigators from Din Daeng Police Station, detained seven juveniles aged 13-17 who assaulted the Japanese tourist near the overgrown area close to Makkasan Airport Rail Link Station during the early hours of 12 August. All were detained at various apartments near Din Daeng Police Station in Din Daeng District, Bangkok.
In initial questioning, all suspects consistently stated they used only punches and no weapons during the assault. Some carried knives but did not use them. They obtained 1,400 baht, which they divided equally at 200 baht each and spent. They admitted to often asking others for money this way without trouble, but this time the victim refused, so they assaulted him.
On 14 August, multidisciplinary professionals will be invited to assist in interviewing the suspects before considering formal charges and proceeding with legal action.