PATTAYA, Thailand – A 51-year-old Australian man, identified as Mr. Nathan James Webber, was arrested on May 22nd, 2025, for damaging a rescue booth operated by the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation in Pattaya. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of May 20th, 2025, was reported to Pattaya City Police by volunteer rescue workers after the booth sustained damage which The Pattaya News team reported here.
According to authorities, Webber, heavily intoxicated at the time, allegedly vandalized the rescue booth near Soi Najomtien 8. Police investigations revealed that Webber, whose motorcycle had broken down near the booth, mistakenly believed someone was inside after hearing radio communications. Hoping to seek assistance, he attempted to enter the booth by forcing the door, shattering the glass in the process. Upon realizing the sounds came from a two-way radio and not a person, Webber left the scene, abandoning his motorcycle and mobile phone.
Following a review of CCTV footage, officers from the Pattaya Tourist Police, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Torlap Tinamat, Pol. Lt. Col. Supparat Meepreecha, and Pol. Maj. Apichart Jarurak, apprehended Webber at his residence in Soi Najomtien 8 at 4:06 p.m. on May 22nd. Webber confessed to the act, explaining that his intoxication led to the misunderstanding. He admitted to damaging the booth unintentionally while trying to seek help, but communication issues with rescue workers left the situation unresolved.
Further checks revealed that Webber had overstayed his visa by 343 days, making him an illegal resident in Thailand. He has been handed over to Pattaya City Police for legal proceedings, facing charges related to property damage and immigration violations. Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure appropriate action is taken and following the legal proceedings will face deportation for his overstay.
Mr. Webber did not have a doppelganger as some presumed when he initially denied being the person seen on CCTV to rescue workers the night of the incident.
