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Phuket Police Raid Three Illegal Foreign-Owned Businesses Phuket police conducted a series of coordinated raids on the morning of 7 February, targeting three businesses operating without proper authorisation. The establishments, all linked to foreign ownership, were found to be in violation of multiple Thai laws. Authorities have taken legal action against the owners and employees involved. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351216-phuket-police-raid-three-illegal-foreign-owned-businesses/

Chinese Investors Accused of Deforesting Thai National Park for Durian Plantations Picture courtesy of Matichon. A Thai Senate committee has launched an investigation into allegations that Chinese investors, with the backing of corrupt local officials, have illegally cleared nearly 2,000 rai of protected forest in Chanthaburi province to establish large-scale durian plantations. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351215-chinese-investors-accused-of-deforesting-thai-national-park-for-durian-plantations/

Body of Foetus Found in Rubbish Bin Near Factory in Kanchanaburi Authorities in Kanchanaburi are searching for the person responsible for abandoning the body of foetus, a boy, in a rubbish bin near a factory dormitory in Tha Maka district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351214-body-of-foetus found-in-rubbish-bin-near-factory-in-kanchanaburi/

Myanmar Fishing Boat Seized for Illegally Entering Thai Waters The Third Naval Area Command of the Royal Thai Navy has intercepted and seized a Myanmar fishing vessel found illegally operating in Thai territorial waters. The vessel was towed to Ranong Deep-Sea Port for further investigation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351212-myanmar-fishing-boat-seized-for-illegally-entering-thai-waters/

Picture courtesy of Phuket police. Phuket police conducted a series of coordinated raids on the morning of 7 February, targeting three businesses operating without proper authorisation. The establishments, all linked to foreign ownership, were found to be in violation of multiple Thai laws. Authorities have taken legal action against the owners and employees involved. 1. Unlicensed Foreign-Run Nursery in Pa Khlok, Thalang The first raid took place at a privately run nursery catering to foreign children in Pa Khlok, Thalang. Upon inspection, police discovered 10 children aged between 2 and 4 years old being cared for at the facility. Two individuals were identified as key figures in the operation: • Alina, a Russian national who worked as a nanny and co-founded the company. • Buantawi Chang Lek (31, Thai national), the company’s registered director, who was arrested for operating a nursery without a valid license. The case has been handed over to Thalang Police Station for further investigation. Authorities are now looking into the company’s legal status and whether additional charges may apply. 2. THAILIVING KIDS Centre in Cherng Talay, Thalang A second raid was carried out at the THAILIVING KIDS centre in Cherng Talay, Thalang, where officers discovered 25–30 children in attendance. The business was found to be operating illegally as a nursery, with several foreign employees working without valid work permits. Four individuals were taken into custody: • Dmitrii Shumilov (43, Russia) – charged with illegally operating a nursery and employing foreign workers without proper authorisation. • Svetlana Ogai (43, Russia) – arrested for working without a permit. • Alena Koipish (40, Belarus) – arrested for working without a permit. • Sergey Konon (34, Kazakhstan) – arrested for working without a permit. The suspects were transferred to Cherng Talay Police Station, where further legal proceedings are underway. Authorities have also launched an investigation into the foreign-owned company behind the centre, suspecting additional violations of Thai business regulations. 3. Phuket Fight Club in Chalong The third and final raid of the operation took place at Phuket Fight Club, a combat sports training facility located in Chalong, Phuket. During the inspection, police found 30–40 individuals engaged in training activities. The club’s director, Praepettai Rattana (32, Thai national), was arrested for operating a private training school without a license. Under Thai law, combat sports gyms that offer structured training programs require special licensing, which the establishment had failed to obtain. All cases have now been handed over to the investigation department, with authorities expected to pursue criminal charges and potential deportations for the foreign individuals involved. Officials have reiterated Thailand’s strict policies on business licensing and work permits, warning that further crackdowns will continue to target unregistered foreign-owned businesses. The raids come as part of a broader initiative to strengthen compliance with Thai law and ensure fair competition within the local business sector. -- 2025-02-09

Picture from responders and CCTV below. A military, GMC truck, driver lost control and overturned his vehicle, leaving nine soldiers injured. The crash occurred at approximately 11:20 on 8 February, on Highway 401 near Kamnan Liang intersection in Tha Sala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The truck was carrying nine personnel, including the driver, returning from a training exercise at Vajiravudh Military Camp under the 4th Army Region. They were en route back to P.5 Battalion, 25th Artillery Regiment, in Chumphon province when the driver veered the vehicle off course, plunged into a central road ditch, and flipped onto its roof, across the opposite carriageway. The impact scattered several M16 rifles and other military equipment across the scene. Emergency responders from various rescue foundations in Tha Sala rushed to assist and transported the injured soldiers to Tha Sala Hospital, Sichon Hospital, and Walailak University Medical Centre. Fortunately, all those involved were reported to be out of critical condition. Authorities are now conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. -- 2025-02-09 ScreenRecording_02-08-2025 15-33-30_1.mp4

Multiple Collisions at 20 Pedestrian Crossings in Bangkok Raise Alarm A concerning pattern of repeated incidents at 20 pedestrian crossings in Bangkok has come to light, with the majority of these dangerous locations situated near schools and hospitals. The problem was highlighted following a recent incident where a South Korean tourist, aged 68, was injured after being hit by a motorcycle at one such crossing, which had previously witnessed the tragic death of Dr. Waralak Supawatcharirakul, a renowned ophthalmologist, in 2022. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351211-multiple-collisions-at-20-pedestrian-crossings-in-bangkok-raise-alarm/

Truck Carrying Fresh Fish Crashes into Power Pole, Driver Killed on Impact A driver of a ten-wheeler truck, carrying a full load of fresh fish, lost control and veered off the road, crashing into a power pole and breaking it in half. The driver was trapped inside the severely damaged cabin and died at the scene. Rescue workers had to use hydraulic tools to extract his body. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351210-truck-carrying-fresh-fish-crashes-into-power-pole-driver-killed-on-impact/

Picture courtesy of CH7. Two leopard cubs have been rescued after being found abandoned in a sugarcane field in Sub Yai District, Chaiyaphum Province. The kittens, both in good health, were handed over to wildlife authorities for care and rehabilitation. The discovery was reported on 7 February, by Nattaphasut Chotjirasirikul, the district chief of Sub Yai, who informed officers from the Bueng Lahan Wildlife Sanctuary about the presence of the young wild cats near Wat Sub Charoensuk in Moo 5, Sub Yai Subdistrict. Officials quickly responded and arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Upon inspection, two leopard cubs were found, appearing healthy and unharmed despite being separated from their mother. The Bueng Lahan Wildlife Sanctuary has now taken them into temporary care, ensuring they receive proper attention before being transferred to a wildlife breeding and rehabilitation centre. Officials noted that the cubs were discovered in a sugarcane plantation where burning had been prohibited, a measure that likely saved their lives. In many agricultural areas, fields are often cleared by fire, posing a significant threat to local wildlife. The absence of such practices in this area allowed the kittens to survive long enough to be rescued. Authorities expressed their gratitude to the concerned citizen and local residents who reported the discovery, highlighting the importance of community involvement in wildlife conservation. The rescue ensures that these young leopard cubs will have a chance to thrive and potentially return to the wild in the future. -- 2025-02-09

Police Raid Illegal Drug Operation Supplying Ingredients for 4x100 Drink Authorities have raided an illegal drug operation supplying dangerous substances commonly used to mix with kratom juice to create the illicit “4x100” cocktail. The raid resulted in the seizure of nearly one million baht worth of controlled drugs and the arrest of a 26-year-old suspect. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351209-police-raid-illegal-drug-operation-supplying-ingredients-for-4x100-drink/

UPDATE Police Release Details of Unidentified Woman Found in Suitcase Police are intensifying their investigation into a gruesome discovery after the naked body of a woman was found stuffed inside a suitcase, weighed down with 20kg of weights, near a golf course in Ban Chang, Rayong. The body, in an advanced state of decomposition, is believed to have been there for several days. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351161-body-of-woman-found-stuffed-in-suitcase-in-rayong/#findComment-19573111

Picture from responders. Authorities in Kanchanaburi are searching for the person responsible for abandoning the body of foetus, a boy, in a rubbish bin near a factory dormitory in Tha Maka district. Police from Tha Ruea Police Station were alerted by local residents on the evening of 7 February after the body of a foetus, estimated to be 15-16 weeks gestation, was discovered in a bin in Phra Thaen subdistrict, near workers’ accommodation. Upon arrival, officers found several blue rubbish bins lined up in the area. One of them contained the infant’s body, with the umbilical cord still attached. Police coordinated with the Khun Rattanawut Foundation and an on-duty doctor from Makarak Hospital to examine the scene. The body has been sent to the forensic centre in Ratchaburi for an autopsy. Authorities are now working to identify the individual who abandoned the infant, particularly the mother. -- 2025-02-09

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A Thai Senate committee has launched an investigation into allegations that Chinese investors, with the backing of corrupt local officials, have illegally cleared nearly 2,000 rai of protected forest in Chanthaburi province to establish large-scale durian plantations. On 7 February, Senator Cheewapap Cheewatham, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment, along with other key officials and forestry officers, conducted an on-site inspection following complaints from local residents. The investigation revealed extensive deforestation in Makham district, where land had been cleared and excavated on a significant scale. According to Cheewapap, complaints regarding illegal land seizures had been received since late 2024. The Royal Forest Department’s Phaya Khrai task force discovered widespread encroachment in several areas, with some perpetrators claiming to possess land rights documents. These claims are now under review to determine their validity. Authorities have already prosecuted several cases, including two major incidents: • On 26 December 2024, officials seized 105 rai in Khun Song National Forest in Kaeng Hang Maeo district. The land had been cleared, ponds dug, and protected trees cut down, suggesting preparation for durian farming. The environmental damage was valued at 5.9 million baht. • On 28 January 2025, authorities seized nearly 1,850 rai spanning Khun Song, Janta Pae, and Khao Wang Chaeng National Forests in Kaeng Hang Maeo and Khao Khitchakut districts. This land, also suspected of being converted into durian plantations, was allegedly linked to Chinese investors and Thai business partners. The investigation has uncovered links between the land seizures and local politicians, former government officials, and both domestic and foreign investors. Furthermore, there are allegations of involvement from police officers in the area. The Senate Committee on Justice and Law will now oversee legal proceedings to ensure all those responsible, including any state officials complicit in the scheme, are held accountable. Authorities have vowed to prevent further destruction of protected forests and prosecute those behind the illegal durian plantations. The investigation remains ongoing. -- 2025-02-09

Picture courtesy of RTN. The Third Naval Area Command of the Royal Thai Navy has intercepted and seized a Myanmar fishing vessel found illegally operating in Thai territorial waters. The vessel was towed to Ranong Deep-Sea Port for further investigation. In the early hours of 8 February, the patrol vessel Tor. 271 of the Third Naval Area Command intercepted a Myanmar-flagged fishing boat engaged in illegal fishing within Thailand’s exclusive economic zone. Following the arrest, the boat was towed to Ranong Port, located in Pak Nam Subdistrict, Mueang Ranong District. The vessel, which bore no visible name on its hull, was detained by multiple naval units, including the Maritime Security Operations Centre, Ranong (MSOC Ranong) and the Thai-Myanmar Maritime Border Coordination Centre (TMMC). Upon arrival at the port, naval officers escorted the crew members ashore for questioning. Officials are investigating the reasons behind their unauthorised entry into Thai waters and are in the process of recording the personal details of each crew member. As of now, authorities and security agencies, have not disclosed further details, including the number of crew members detained or the precise coordinates of the vessel’s capture. -- 2025-02-09

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath A concerning pattern of repeated incidents at 20 pedestrian crossings in Bangkok has come to light, with the majority of these dangerous locations situated near schools and hospitals. The problem was highlighted following a recent incident where a South Korean tourist, aged 68, was injured after being hit by a motorcycle at one such crossing, which had previously witnessed the tragic death of Dr. Waralak Supawatcharirakul, a renowned ophthalmologist, in 2022. The collision took place near the Phumiratchakarn Hospital in the city’s central district. Dr. Supawatcharirakul was fatally struck by a motorcycle while crossing the road. The same crossing has now been the site of further collisions, raising questions about the safety of such locations and the ongoing issue of motorcycle-related incidents in Thailand. Dr. Chamaiphan Santikarn, a former advisor on injury prevention and disability at the World Health Organization (WHO) for Southeast Asia, expressed concern over the lack of solutions to this ongoing issue. She pointed out that despite clear traffic signals being in place at these crossings, collisions continue to occur due to the absence of proper warning systems or speed-reduction measures. In an interview, Dr. Santikarn noted that many drivers, particularly taxi drivers, reported that they were often unaware of pedestrian crossings until it was too late. “There is a lack of traffic signs or devices to alert drivers to slow down,” she explained. She recommended the installation of speed-reducing devices such as Optical Speed Bars (OSB) or rumble strips, which have been proven effective in slowing down traffic in high-risk areas. Rumble strips, for example, are known to reduce accidents in two-lane roads by up to 64% and prevent vehicles from veering off the road by 36%, according to research. Dr. Santikarn emphasised that it is not difficult to implement these measures, citing successful examples from other countries, where such interventions have resulted in an immediate reduction in crashes. Dr. Sasitid Chuchanom, a researcher with the project to drive Thailand towards motorcycle safety, highlighted the example of China’s ELLUMIN Intelligent Pedestrian System. This system enhances pedestrian crossings with additional lighting, sensors, and sound alerts to warn drivers when pedestrians are crossing. Similarly, South Korea has installed Smart Crosswalks equipped with sensors that detect pedestrians, particularly those distracted by their phones, and alert approaching vehicles with flashing lights and sounds. According to recent data from CCTV surveillance, 20 locations across Bangkok continue to see frequent collisions and violations of pedestrian crossing signals. These include crossings near schools and hospitals, such as Bangkok Intercare Hospital, Yothinburana School, Phumiratchakarn Kidney Disease Institute, Chulalongkorn Hospital, and several others across the city. Researchers from the motorcycle safety project plan to collaborate with Dr. Anirut and Mrs. Ratchanee Supawatjariyakul, the parents of Dr. Supawatcharirakul, the Crossing Project team, the media, the Bangkok governor, and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough survey and investigation of the problems. Together, they aim to recommend and implement effective preventive measures, to provide long-term solutions to improve pedestrian safety at these dangerous crossings. -- 2025-02-09

Picture courtesy of CPPD. Authorities have raided an illegal drug operation supplying dangerous substances commonly used to mix with kratom juice to create the illicit “4x100” cocktail. The raid resulted in the seizure of nearly one million baht worth of controlled drugs and the arrest of a 26-year-old suspect. On February 8, officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), led by Pol. Col. Pattanachak Bupphasuwan and Pol. Col. Weerapong Klaitong, coordinated with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to carry out the raid. The suspect, identified as Watcharapun was arrested at a residence in Sai Noi District, Nonthaburi. Police seized a significant quantity of illegal drugs, including: • 18,000 tablets of Tramadol (both counterfeit and unregistered versions) • 10,500 bottles of various brands of cough syrup • 1,378 Alprazolam tablets • 14,030 Clonazepam tablets • Various other drug-related paraphernalia The total estimated value of the confiscated drugs was over 900,000 baht. Authorities launched an investigation after discovering a website advertising these dangerous drugs, which are frequently used by young people to mix with kratom juice to produce the intoxicating “4x100” drink. After gathering sufficient evidence, police obtained a search warrant and raided the Nonthaburi residence, where they found the suspect in possession of the illegal substances. During questioning, Watcharapun confessed to selling the drugs online. He admitted to having no formal knowledge of pharmaceuticals, having only completed high school. However, he noticed the growing popularity of 4x100 among young people, who mix kratom juice with cough syrup and Tramadol for a potent narcotic effect. To capitalise on the demand, he purchased drugs from Twitter and Facebook groups before reselling them via various social media platforms. His customer base spanned multiple provinces across Thailand, and he claimed to have been operating the illegal business for about a year, earning between 50,000 and 60,000 baht per month. Watcharapun has been charged with multiple offences, including: • Possession and distribution of controlled substances • Selling pharmaceutical drugs without a licence • Producing counterfeit drugs • Selling unregistered medicines He has been handed over to the CPPD’s Division 4 for further legal proceedings. Authorities have urged the public to report illegal drug sales as they continue to crack down on operations supplying dangerous substances to young people. -- 2025-02-09

Picture from responders. A driver of a ten-wheeler truck, carrying a full load of fresh fish, lost control and veered off the road, crashing into a power pole and breaking it in half. The driver was trapped inside the severely damaged cabin and died at the scene. Rescue workers had to use hydraulic tools to extract his body. On February 8, Pol. Lt. Phairoj Wongthawin, an investigator from Sadao Police Station, received a report of a fatal collision involving a ten-wheeler truck. The crash occurred along Kanjanawanich Road in Ban Samnak Kham, Moo 1, Samnak Kham Subdistrict, Sadao District, Songkhla Province, on the inbound route to the Sadao border checkpoint. Upon arrival, police and rescue teams found the truck, bearing Yala registration number, had veered off the road and struck a power pole. The vehicle also damaged a water pipe, causing water to flood the area. The truck’s cabin was wedged against another power pole, and some of the fish crates had fallen onto the roadside. The driver, identified as Ekaphong Yanai, 38, from Ron Phibun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, was found crushed inside the cabin. Rescue workers from multiple emergency response units, including Sanmakham Rescue, Maikhom Rescue, and Phatong Therdtham Rescue, spent over an hour using hydraulic cutters to free his body. His remains were later transferred to Padang Besar Hospital, and authorities contacted his family to claim his body. Investigations revealed that the truck belonged to Chok Rompho Thong Transport Co., Ltd. and had been transporting freshly caught seafood from a fishing port in Pattani. The shipment was destined for Malaysia via the Sadao border checkpoint, which was just five kilometres away from the crash site. Police suspect the driver fell asleep at the wheel, causing him to lose control, hit the roadside water pipe, break a power pole, and crash into another pole, leading to his death. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and eyewitness reports to determine whether another vehicle was involved in the crash. Since government infrastructure was damaged, further investigations will be carried out before legal proceedings begin. -- 2025-02-09

Former Russian Beauty Queen Faces Harsh Conditions in Thai Immigration Detention Photo courtesy of Mirror UK In a troubling incident, Alexandra Tikhomirova, a former Little Miss Russia, finds herself in a harrowing predicament in Thailand, reportedly enduring challenging conditions in a notorious Thai detention centre. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351193-former-russian-beauty-queen-faces-harsh-conditions-in-thai-immigration-detention/

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 9 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1351226-thailand-live-sunday-9-february-2025/

UPDATE Police Release Details of Unidentified Woman Found in Suitcase Police are intensifying their investigation into a gruesome discovery after the naked body of a woman was found stuffed inside a suitcase, weighed down with 20kg of weights, near a golf course in Ban Chang, Rayong. The body, in an advanced state of decomposition, is believed to have been there for several days. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351161-body-of-woman-found-stuffed-in-suitcase-in-rayong/#findComment-19573111

UPDATE Police Release Details of Unidentified Woman Found in Suitcase Picture from responders. Police are intensifying their investigation into a gruesome discovery after the naked body of a woman was found stuffed inside a suitcase, weighed down with 20kg of weights, near a golf course in Ban Chang, Rayong. The body, in an advanced state of decomposition, is believed to have been there for several days. Since the discovery on 7 February, over 100 officers from Region 2 Investigations, Rayong Provincial Police, and Ban Chang Police Station have been working around the clock to solve the case. At a press briefing at 13:00 on 8 February, Police Colonel Arthit Yakaew, Superintendent of Ban Chang Police Station, confirmed that investigators are cross-referencing missing persons reports from Rayong and Chonburi. So far, 11 cases have been examined, with seven ruled out, leaving four still under review. “We have also received 4–5 reports from people searching for missing relatives, but none match the victim exactly. The deceased was petite, had black and red hair, and had undergone rhinoplasty, as silicone implants were found in the nose,” Col. Arthit stated. “If anyone has a missing relative with these characteristics, they should contact Ban Chang Police Station immediately.” A missing female caddie, identified only as “Number 22,” who was last seen in Ban Chang two weeks ago, had been suspected as the victim. However, police now believe she is still alive. Due to the condition of the body, it is unclear whether there are visible wounds, and forensic experts at the Police General Hospital are conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death and confirm the victim’s identity. Police have released key identifying details of the unidentified woman: • Slim build • Black and reddish-brown hair • Estimated age between 25–50 years • Height between 145–160 cm • Underwent rhinoplasty surgery • Estimated time of death: 15–30 days ago Authorities urge anyone with missing relatives matching this description to come forward. The investigation remains ongoing, with officers prioritising victim identification before determining the circumstances surrounding her death. -- 2025-02-08

UPDATE Teen Gang Arrested for Snatching Russian Tourist’s Bag in Pattaya Police in Pattaya have arrested a gang of three teenagers who snatched a Russian tourist’s belongings, including two mobile phones and 4,500 baht in cash, in a late-night robbery. The suspects, aged between 16 and 18, were caught within hours of the crime, which occurred in Soi Wat Boonkanjanaram 8, Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351179-russian-tourists-robbed-as-handbag-snatched-in-pattaya/#findComment-19572189

UPDATE Teen Gang Arrested for Snatching Russian Tourist’s Bag in Pattaya Picture of arrest Police in Pattaya have arrested a gang of three teenagers who snatched a Russian tourist’s belongings, including two mobile phones and 4,500 baht in cash, in a late-night robbery. The suspects, aged between 16 and 18, were caught within hours of the crime, which occurred in Soi Wat Boonkanjanaram 8, Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. Following the incident, which took place during the night of February 7, officers from Pattaya City Police and the Tourist Police launched an intensive manhunt, tracking the suspects to a nearby hideout. At around 04:05 on 8 February, police officers, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Thananon Athapansi and Pol. Lt. Col. Chainarong Jitsuntorn, raided a house in Soi Wat Boonkanjanaram 5, just over a kilometre from the crime scene. Inside, they found the stolen mobile phones, the victim’s passport, and a blue-black Honda Wave 110 motorcycle with a Chonburi licence plate. When officers entered the premises, they discovered the suspects enjoying marijuana and kratom-infused drinks, laughing and chatting without any apparent concern. Police immediately detained them, along with evidence including a bong used for smoking cannabis and bottles of kratom juice. During questioning, the suspects confessed to the crime. One 16-year-old suspect. admitted to driving the motorcycle, while an accomplice also 16, rode in the middle. The 18-year-old suspect sat at the rear and was responsible for snatching the tourist’s bag. They revealed that the stolen money was meant to purchase more cannabis and kratom to mix into a potent drink. Shockingly, they also admitted to being part of the same gang involved in a brutal attack on an 80-year-old Belgian man on Christmas night, December 25, 2024. That incident saw a group of teenagers slash the elderly man’s head with a knife before stealing 7,000 baht. Police had already arrested other members of the gang for that crime. The suspects, along with the stolen items and CCTV footage capturing the robbery, have been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings. The swift response from Pattaya police, which led to the arrests within six hours, has been widely praised by the victims and local residents. The Russian tourist expressed gratitude for the officers efficiency in recovering her belongings and bringing the criminals to justice. Related articles; https://aseannow.com/topic/1347104-belgian-80-attacked-and-robbed-by-teenage-gang-on-christmas-day-in-pattaya/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1347158-pattaya-police-arrest-teenage-gang-after-brutal-attack-on-belgian-tourist/ -- 2025-02-08

Russian Tourists Robbed as Handbag Snatched in Pattaya A Russian tourist and her friends were left shaken after falling victim to a snatch theft in Pattaya, at approximately 22.05 on 7 February, losing cash, mobile phones, and personal documents. Pattaya police launched an urgent manhunt to track down the suspects. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351179-russian-tourists-robbed-as-handbag-snatched-in-pattaya/

Picture courtesy of SiamChon. A Russian tourist and her friends were left shaken after falling victim to a snatch theft in Pattaya, at approximately 22.05 on 7 February, losing cash, mobile phones, and personal documents. Pattaya police launched an urgent manhunt to track down the suspects. The incident occurred in Soi Wat Boon Kanjanaram 8, Pattaya, Bang Lamung. Police Lieutenant Panasarn Khrongsit, Deputy Inspector of Pattaya City Police Station, received the report and quickly informed his superior, Police Colonel Navin Theerawit. Investigators from Pattaya Police and Tourist Police rushed to the scene. Officers found three Russian women in a state of distress, recounting how three young male suspects on a motorcycle rode up alongside them as they were walking back to their accommodation. The men snatched a handbag before speeding away. The stolen items included two mobile phones, 4,500 baht in cash, and important documents. The handbag belonged to Miss Tatiana Miakisheva, a 31-year-old Russian national. She provided police with a photograph of the stolen bag as evidence. Police Colonel Navin Theerawit immediately ordered officers to block possible escape routes and review CCTV footage from the area. The surveillance footage captured images of the suspects matching the victims’ descriptions. Authorities believe the perpetrators have not travelled far and have launched a full-scale search to bring them to justice. -- 2025-02-08