A 77-year-old Norwegian man has reported losing more than 5,000 baht after a man dressed similarly to a motorcycle taxi rider allegedly took cash from his wallet on Pratumnak Road in Pattaya.
The victim, Mr Ingar Opseph, said the suspect first offered him a ride, then asked for money for food before reaching into his wallet and fleeing on a motorcycle.
The incident was reported to have occurred at 12.20am on 24 August 2026, opposite Pratumnak Soi 10.
Money taken as wallet was opened
Mr Opseph's 55-year-old Thai girlfriend told reporters that he had been walking home after exercising and was waiting to cross the road. Their home is about 200 metres from where the incident happened.
A Thai man, wearing what appeared to be a motorcycle taxi vest, allegedly rode against the traffic flow and stopped in front of him. He offered to take Mr Opseph home, but the Norwegian declined because he was close to his residence.
The man then claimed he had no money to buy food and asked for help, according to the girlfriend.
Mr Opseph intended to give him 20 baht. However, as he opened his wallet, the suspect allegedly saw 1,000-baht notes, reached inside and took more than 5,000 baht in cash.
He then rode away against traffic towards the Pratumnak traffic-light junction, also known as the Khao Phra Tamnak junction.
The theft happened so quickly that Mr Opseph was unable to recall details of the motorcycle, its registration plate or any number on the rider's vest.
Couple ask police to check CCTV
The couple later filed a complaint with Pol Lt Col Itthikorn Saikratok, an investigating inspector at Pattaya City Police Station. They also approached the media because they were concerned the case might not progress, and asked police to check CCTV footage around the scene and the suspected escape route.
Mr Opseph's girlfriend said he had previously been targeted in Jomtien Soi 5 several years ago, when a gold necklace worth tens of thousands of baht was snatched. A police report was made at the time, but the person responsible has not been found.
Mr Opseph said he felt upset and "stupid for believing" the man. He has lived in Thailand for more than 15 years and said he did not expect somebody he tried to help to take his money.
The victim urged tourists and Pattaya residents to be especially cautious if strangers ask for money or try to get close to them.
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25 August 2026
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