Belgian Woman Hurt in Pattaya Bag Snatch

Police arrested a 33-year-old Thai man accused of snatching the handbag of a Belgian tourist in Naklua, Pattaya, leaving the victim injured and requiring hospital treatment. Officers tracked down the suspect less than five hours after the robbery and arrested him at a restaurant in the Amorn Market area of Naklua on the night of 15 May 2026.

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The suspect, identified as Nattapong Phongsri, was detained at around 11.11pm by officers from Bang Lamung Police Station led by Pol Lt Col Yongyut Wannuea and Pol Lt Col Wutthiphong Kasa. Police said the arrest followed a bag-snatching incident earlier the same evening near the tourist area of Soi 12 Naklua in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi.

According to investigators, the victim, 59-year-old Belgian tourist Evans Micheline Joseph, was walking in the area when the suspect rode past on a red Honda Wave motorcycle and grabbed her handbag. The force of the theft caused her to fall to the ground and suffer injuries before the suspect fled the scene with several valuables.

Police said the stolen property included 520 euros, along with credit cards and identification documents. Officers reviewed CCTV footage and interviewed witnesses, identifying the suspect as a Thai man wearing a black collared shirt, shorts, flip-flops and a motorcycle helmet.

Investigators later discovered that the suspect had exchanged the stolen euros for Thai currency before attempting to evade arrest. Officers eventually located him while he was eating at a restaurant and preparing to flee the area.

During a search, police recovered about 13,000 baht in cash, the victim’s cards and documents and a quantity of crystal methamphetamine, known locally as ice. Police said the drugs had recently been purchased from a dealer.

During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted committing the crime because he had taken responsibility for a friend’s debts while also struggling with online gambling and drug addiction. He allegedly told police he intended to use the money to repay debts, gamble on online slot games and buy drugs.

The suspect also expressed regret that the victim was injured and that the incident could damage Pattaya’s tourism image. Police records showed he had previously been arrested on drug-related charges and had been released from prison about four years ago.

Authorities have charged him with robbery using a vehicle and possession of a Category 1 narcotic substance. He remains in police custody for further legal proceedings at Bang Lamung Police Station.

Pictures courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง

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Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 17 May 2026