Pattaya police deny British man's claims of 36-hour detention, $400 release demand

Police Chief Col. Nawin Theerawit explained Monday that the incident occurred on Nov. 22 last year at 8:30 p.m. near an Airbnb accommodation in the beach city of Pattaya.

According to Nawin, 55-year-old Andrew Hopkins from the U.K. caused damage to a vehicle barrier. The police detained him briefly to defuse the situation and issued a fine of 100 baht before releasing him, Khaosod reported.

After his initial release, Hopkins returned to his accommodation but was denied a room due to previous incidents involving noisy, intoxicated behavior. His subsequent disturbance led to his re-arrest.

Nawin stressed that Hopkins went through legal proceedings, during which all his personal belongings were returned and a photographic record was made as evidence.

Hopkins' account to the Daily Mail, however, did not mention his intoxication. Instead, he described the incident as an accidental collision with a sign. He claimed that the police used excessive force by assaulting him, keeping him in a dirty cell for 36 hours, during which he had to "urinate over himself."

He claimed that eventually he had to pay 15,000 baht in cash to be released.

Hopkins also alleged that his personal belongings, including £1,230 in cash and bank cards, were stolen after his accommodation booking was canceled.

Col. Nawin denied all those allegations, as reported by The Nation.

He stated that the detention cells are cleaned daily and monitored by CCTV cameras 24 hours a day, ensuring proper procedures are followed.

The police are investigating the incident further to ensure transparency.