Chinese Tourist Arrested at Chiang Mai Airport After Using Dating App to Befriend and Rob

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A Chinese man has been arrested at Chiang Mai International Airport while attempting to flee after allegedly using a dating app to befriend tourists before stealing their belongings.

 

The suspect, later identified as Mr Zhou Kaiyuan, 31, was posing as a tourist and used a dating application to connect with fellow travellers. He reportedly invited his victims out and brought them back to his accommodation, where he took advantage of moments when they left the room, such as using the bathroom, to steal their valuables before fleeing.

 

 

According to Chiang Mai police, Mr Zhou is accused of committing two thefts:

 

• 16 March 2025 – A Northern Irish tourist was targeted. Stolen items included a MacBook laptop, 2,000 baht in cash, a credit card, and a house key.

• 19 March 2025 – A Chinese tourist fell victim. Mr Zhou stole a waist bag containing 29,000 baht in cash, a passport, two credit cards, and an iPhone 15.

 

Authorities were able to track Mr Zhou’s movements using CCTV footage, which clearly showed him using the dating app as a means to commit his crimes. 

 

After the latest theft, he attempted to escape by flying from Chiang Mai to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. However, police coordinated with airport security and arrested him before he could board his flight.

 

Mr Zhou has been charged with “theft at night”, a serious offence under Thai law. He has reportedly confessed to all charges.

 

Authorities are now investigating whether he has committed similar crimes elsewhere.

 

-- 2025-03-20

 

[sammieuk1]

Do the police want to borrow a plastic bag for this detritus 🤔

 

[Lucky Bones]

Gotta luv apps🙃🙃