Police in Phuket have charged an Icelandic tourist with theft after he allegedly snatched a taxi driver’s belongings in Patong before later returning the items following intervention by members of the public. The incident was captured on in-car CCTV and widely shared on social media, drawing significant public attention and criticism online.
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Authorities said the female taxi driver picked up a foreign male passenger in Patong, Kathu district. During the journey, the passenger allegedly took the driver’s mobile phone and handbag, prompting her to stop the vehicle and sound the horn to attract help.
The victim, identified as 39-year-old taxi driver Pitchapa Sangkhan, filed a formal complaint at Patong Police Station at 19:00 on 22 June. She told investigators she had collected the passenger from outside Patong Hospital at about 09:50 that morning and was driving him to a hotel in Wichit, Mueang district, Phuket.
According to her statement, the passenger allegedly reached for her handbag while the vehicle was passing Wat Suwan Khiri Wong. The bag had been placed on the front passenger seat. When she attempted to retrieve her belongings, she said the passenger refused to return them and resisted her efforts.
The driver eventually stopped the vehicle near Soi Khuan Yang Charoen, where a struggle took place between her and the suspect. She then repeatedly sounded the horn to attract attention, leading bystanders to intervene and force the return of the items.
The recovered belongings included a mobile phone, cash and personal documents. Footage of the incident subsequently circulated online, triggering widespread criticism on social media and increasing pressure for police action.
Following a review of CCTV evidence, officers launched a manhunt for the suspect. At around 21:00 on the same day, officers from Patong Police Station located and detained the man for questioning.
Khaosod reported that police identified the suspect as 37-year-old Icelandic national Johann Freyr Hallgrimsson. He was initially charged with theft, according to investigators. Authorities said he was scheduled to be formally charged on 24 June before being taken to court for detention proceedings. The case remains under legal review as police continue the formal prosecution process.
Picture courtesy of Khaosod
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 23 June 2026