BANGKOK – A disturbing incident unfolded in the bustling streets of Bangkok as a clash between a Filipino group and a Thai transgender group resulted in injuries to several individuals, including a bystander from the Philippines, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The Philippine Embassy in Thailand reported that on Monday night, a brawl erupted on Soi Sukhumvit 11, leaving four Filipinos injured. DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega revealed that three individuals identified as “John, Christian, and Andre” sustained minor scratches and were allegedly involved in the initial argument. However, the fourth individual, Jaymar or Ivy, who suffered severe injuries to the face and head, was not acquainted with the other three. Jaymar was a guest at the same hotel and happened to be a bystander at the scene of the brawl when he was allegedly attacked by the Thai transgender group.
All four individuals were taken to the police station for questioning, and a hearing has been scheduled for March 8. De Vega emphasized the importance of verifying the statements made by the involved parties in light of the availability of CCTV footage.
The incident quickly gained attention on social media platforms, leading to more Thai transgender women gathering at the scene in response to the alleged attack. Reports from local sources, citing the Thai transgender group, claimed that the Filipino counterparts initiated the confrontation by stomping and hurling abuses at them, and then attempted to force the Thai group to leave.
According to eyewitnesses, the fight erupted at approximately 10 p.m. when the police escorted two Filipinos out of a hotel, and members of the Thai LGBTQ community allegedly began physically assaulting them. More clashes reportedly occurred when another Filipino individual came downstairs to purchase food. The situation escalated further when law enforcement officers were escorting the rest of the Filipino group but found themselves outnumbered by the Thai participants.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of individuals in diverse communities, as well as the need for peaceful resolution and understanding among different groups. The DFA and relevant authorities are actively investigating the incident and working to ensure that justice is served for all parties involved.
