Bangkok police have detained seven youths aged between 13 and 17 over the assault and robbery of a Japanese tourist near Makkasan Airport Rail Link station. The arrests were made at 7.20pm on 13 August, after the attack in scrubland near the station shortly after midnight on 12 August. All seven were found in rooms at flats beside Din Daeng Police Station, in Din Daeng district. Police Colonel Sakya Saengwan, deputy commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, oversaw the operation with Police Lieutenant Colonel Chaturong Tidnon, an investigator at Makkasan Police Station, and Din Daeng investigators. Tourist reportedly took a wrong route The Japanese visitor had been looking for the way up to Makkasan Airport Rail Link station but reportedly went in the wrong direction and entered a public park. As he left the area, he encountered a group of teenagers arriving on motorcycles from the entrance to Asok-Din Daeng Soi 30. The group allegedly approached him and demanded money, saying: "Money, money." The tourist replied that he had none. According to the initial account, the attackers then restrained him. He said he was struck three times on the back of the head with a fist-sized stone and punched once in the mouth. The tourist ran from the scene towards the entrance of Asok-Din Daeng Soi 30. His backpack remained with him as he escaped. Suspects deny using a weapon During initial questioning, the seven youths gave matching accounts claiming that they used only their fists and did not use weapons. Some were carrying knives, they said, but claimed they had not taken them out or used them. They admitted taking 1,400 baht, which was divided equally at 200 baht each and has since been spent, police said. The group also claimed they had often asked other people for money in this way previously, usually without trouble. They said the Japanese tourist refused to hand over money, leading to the assault. Police planned to bring a multidisciplinary team in to question the youths further, before deciding on charges and further legal action. For foreign visitors and residents, the case is a reminder to take extra care when navigating unfamiliar areas around major transport links, particularly after dark. Makkasan is an important interchange for travellers using the Airport Rail Link, but visitors who lose their way should seek help from station staff, security personnel or a clearly marked public location rather than walking through isolated parkland or vacant areas. Pictures courtesy of Matichon Join the discussion? 15 August 2026
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