A 27-year-old barista has reported a foreign man for stealing her iPhone 17 and fleeing without paying a food bill at a restaurant in Thonglor, Bangkok. The incident caused financial losses amounting to tens of thousands of baht. The suspect used a deceptive tactic, asking to borrow the phone before escaping through a rear exit.
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The victim, identified as Ms Parichat said the man entered the restaurant at just after noon and behaved like a normal customer, ordering food and staying for several hours. At approximately 3.10pm, he approached the counter claiming he had forgotten his phone and asked to borrow hers to call a friend. After briefly returning it once, he requested it again when a call came in, then walked around before seizing the opportunity to run out of the back door with the device.
The suspect also left behind an unpaid bill of 1,463 baht. CCTV footage later helped police identify him as a Mongolian man, 40 years old. Investigations revealed he has a history of theft offences across Bangkok and was previously arrested by immigration police and officers from Huai Khwang Police Station on 9 June 2025.
Authorities further confirmed that the man had overstayed his visa by more than two years, making him an illegal immigrant. The victim expressed frustration after discovering reports of his prior arrest, questioning how he was able to remain at large and reoffend despite his immigration status and criminal record.
Mr Niran Kengngaeo, co-founder of the Sai Mai Tong Rod page, described the case as a serious public safety concern. He said the suspect appeared undeterred by Thai law and confirmed he would coordinate with Thonglor Police Station to accelerate efforts to apprehend the individual.
He also called on the Immigration Bureau to investigate how a person with an expired visa and criminal background could continue living in the country. Officials are expected to consider deportation and blacklisting measures to prevent re-entry once the suspect is arrested.
Khaosod reported that police investigations are ongoing, with efforts focused on locating the suspect and bringing him into custody. Authorities have also urged members of the public and business operators not to lend valuable items to strangers, even if they appear to be legitimate customers.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 3 May 2026