Thai Delivery Rider Arrested for Stealing 15,000 from Russian Tourist & Losing It Gambling

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictured captured from CCTV.

 

A 29-year-old Thai delivery rider, identified as Mr. Banphot was arrested by officers from the Phra Racha Wang Police Station on December 15 for allegedly stealing 15,000 baht from a Russian tourist and subsequently losing the money while gambling.

 

The arrest took place at 18:45 on Taewang Road in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district. Authorities apprehended Mr. Banphot along with his white-and-black Honda motorcycle. A background check revealed that he had a prior criminal record, including theft in 2014 and violating product regulations in 2023.

 

The theft occurred on December 13, when Ms. Anna Petrova Andreevna, a 25-year-old Russian tourist, reported to police that 15,000 baht had been stolen from her bag. Ms. Petrova stated she was waiting for a motorcycle ride booked through a popular ride-hailing app to visit Wat Saket.

 

The suspect, posing as the driver she had summoned, arrived on a white Honda motorcycle. He asked her to hand over her bag, claiming he would secure it to the front of the motorcycle for safety. He then drove around the Grand Palace area before dropping her off near Wat Pho.

 

After pretending to assist her further, including fake phone calls to the actual app driver, the suspect fled. Upon checking her bag, Ms. Petrova discovered that 15,000 baht in cash was missing. She immediately reported the theft to police and authorised them to pursue legal action on her behalf, as she was scheduled to leave Thailand on December 18.

 

The investigation identified the suspect as Mr. Banphot. On December 15, traffic officers stopped him near Taewang Road for obscuring his license plate with a keychain doll. Recognising him as the suspect, they detained him for questioning.

 

During interrogation, Mr. Banphot confessed to the theft. He admitted to using a ride-hailing app account belonging to an acquaintance and picking up the tourist. Upon seeing the large amount of cash in her bag, he decided to steal it.

 

While driving, he discreetly removed 15,000 baht from the tourist’s bag and then told her she had mistakenly booked the wrong driver. He dropped her off at her original pick-up point before fleeing.

 

He later switched motorcycles at a residence in Dusit district and used a black Honda 125 to avoid recognition. He then gambled the stolen money playing snooker in the Saphan Oi area, losing the entire amount.

 

Authorities have charged Mr. Banphot with theft and are preparing to prosecute him under Thai law. He is currently in police custody at the Phra Racha Wang Police Station, along with evidence including his motorcycle.

 

This incident serves as a reminder to tourists and residents alike to remain cautious and vigilant while using transportation services.

 

-- 2024-12-16

 

[JoePai]

Authorities have charged Mr. Banphot with theft and being a poor snooker player