A Burmese construction worker has alleged that he was brutally assaulted by six Chinese supervisors in Rayong province, Thailand, in an incident that reportedly involved beatings, boiling water and threats of further torture.
The 27-year-old victim, identified as Tata, sought assistance from Thai social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after sustaining serious injuries, including extensive burn wounds across his body.
According to Tata’s account, he was working at a construction site in Chon Buri province under Chinese supervisors when one of them collected him on April 30, telling him he would receive his salary at a restaurant in Rayong.
He claimed that upon arrival at around 3.30pm, he was ambushed by six Chinese men. The group allegedly assaulted him with golf clubs and iron bars before pouring boiling water over his body and attempting to force hot water into his mouth. He said he managed to avoid further injury by struggling during the attack.
Tata further alleged that the suspects threatened him with electrocution and used pliers while showing him videos suggesting nail removal torture, intensifying his fear during the ordeal.
He also claimed the attackers accused him of persuading other workers to resign, an allegation he denied, saying colleagues had left due to delayed salary payments.
The assault allegedly continued for several hours before Tata managed to escape from the location. He said the incident lasted from around 4pm until about 8pm.
Fearing retaliation and reportedly having his documents confiscated, Tata said he initially avoided seeking medical treatment. Instead, he walked more than 10 kilometres before receiving help from local residents, who later contacted the influencer Gun.
Gun then assisted Tata in lodging a police report, although authorities have yet to release further details on the case.
Tata later accompanied a media team to the alleged scene of the attack, but no suspects were found at the premises during the visit.
He has since expressed gratitude to those who helped him and urged authorities to take action, saying he hopes no other foreign workers in Thailand will suffer similar abuse.
