Pattaya Couples’ Wedding Plans Nearly Derailed By Bag-snatching Bandits

A couple, due to marry in a few days time, were the victims of an unsuccessful snatch and run attempt by motorbike bandits in the early hours of Thursday. The incident caused the motorbike, ridden by the victims, a Danish national and his Thai bride-to-be, to crash and roll over, injuring them. Fortunately, the Thai lady clung onto the bag containing money for their wedding, preventing the bandits from stealing it. The would-be robbers were nabbed soon after by the swift intervention of the police.

On 19 July, at 00.20 am, Pol.Lt.Col. Santi Chainiranam, supported by a Sawang Boriboon Rescue Team rushed to the incident in front of Soi Thappraya 15, Jomtien, after being notified of the attempted robbery, to find Mr. Fin Thomson (56), a Danish citizen and Miss Sai-Gaew Chaichote (40) from Srisaket province, covered in cuts and bruises and their crashed motorbike in the middle of the road. The couple, shaken and injured, were taken to Banglamung Hospital after telling the police the circumstances of the attempted robbery.

Apparently, the couple had been returning to Jomtien Hill Hotel, Jomtien Beach, to safely stow the 20,000 Baht, recently withdrawn from an ATM in preparation for buying a wedding dress for their forthcoming wedding on 21 July. Suddenly, out of nowhere, two motorcycle bandits roared up to their right-hand side and attempted to grab Miss Sai-Gaew’s bag containing the money. She, however, had the presence of mind to hold the bag tightly to her chest, thwarting the bandits, who sped off down Thepprasit Road. In the fray, however, Mr. Fin lost control of the motorbike, which crashed, throwing them to the tarmac.

The police, arriving at the scene shortly after, hotly pursued the bandits, later identified as driver Narong Boabaan (25) from Chacherng Sao province, and the pillion rider Sangchai Thanee (18); the actual bag-snatcher. They were swiftly intercepted. Later, they confessed to the police that they had been carousing at a Karaoke bar, and having spent all their money, decided on an impromptu robbery. They will be charged, accordingly.

News Type : Crime

Story : Kampee

Photo : Kampee

Translater : Sunny T

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