Crime Armed Robber Posing as Motorcycle Taxi Driver Targets Tourist in Pattaya

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of SiamChon.

 

Police in Pattaya are searching for an armed man who posed as a motorcycle taxi driver and attempted to rob victims, including a young Thai woman and a Russian tourist with her child, in two separate incidents in the Pratumnak area.

 

The incidents were reported at around 20:45 on 20 April. Police Sub-Lieutenant Panasorn Khrongsit of Pattaya City Police Station received an emergency call regarding an armed robbery attempt in Soi Pratumnak 5, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.

 

Responding swiftly, police coordinated with officers from the local investigative unit and the Tourist Police. At the scene, the first victim, a 21-year-old Thai woman identified only as Ms. B, reported that a man wearing a typical orange motorcycle taxi vest approached her on a motorbike and asked if she needed a ride. She declined, saying she was walking a short distance. However, the man followed her, blocked her path, and drew a firearm without speaking. Fearing for her safety, she ran into a nearby hotel and called for help. The suspect fled the scene.

 

Shortly after, the same suspect reportedly targeted a Russian tourist walking with her friend and three-year-old daughter near Soi Pratumnak 6. Witnesses stated the suspect circled the area on his motorcycle three times before approaching the victims in a dimly lit part of the street. He then threatened them with a gun and demanded money. Concerned for her child’s safety, the Russian woman handed over 3,100 baht in cash before the suspect sped off.

 

Patrol units immediately dispatched to intercept the suspect, though he had already fled the scene. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby locations and interviewing witnesses to help track down the perpetrator.

 

Investigators believe they have a strong lead on the suspect’s identity and the vehicle used in the escape. Officials remain confident the suspect will be apprehended shortly.

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from SiamChon.

 

-- 2025-04-21

 

 

 

 

 

[flyingtlger]

Armed Robber Posing as Motorcycle Taxi Driver Targets Tourist in Pattaya....

 

Say it ain't so! Not in family friendly Pattaya!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ChipButty]

This is getting naughty, and will only get worse, there needs to be more police presence in the area and on the streets, it reminds me of Benidorm in the late 60's with the bag snatching and that got worse, 

[mikebell]

35 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

there needs to be more police presence in the area and on the streets,

RTP don't believe in preventative policing.  They merely react ... sometimes.

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

Armed Robber Posing as Motorcycle Taxi Driver Targets Tourist in Pattaya....

 

Say it ain't so! Not in family friendly Pattaya!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brace yourself.... It is so..!!

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Pattaya Police Arrest Suspect in Armed Robbery of Russian Tourist

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A Thai man has been arrested following an armed robbery involving a Russian tourist in Pattaya on the night of 20 April.

 

The incident occurred in Soi Phra Tamnak 5, where the suspect, disguised in a bright orange motorcycle taxi vest and helmet, allegedly brandished a firearm and demanded money from a Russian woman and her Thai friend. The victim, identified only as Miss Lilita, was accompanied by her three-year-old daughter at the time of the robbery. Fearing for their safety, she handed over 3,100 baht before the suspect fled the scene on a motorcycle.

 

Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyos Thepjumnong, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 2, confirmed during a press briefing on 22 April that the 30-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after an investigation was launched. Officers reviewed CCTV footage across Pattaya to track the suspect’s movements, leading to the swift identification and subsequent issuance of an arrest warrant.

 

The suspect, who has a known criminal history and was already wanted on an outstanding warrant, was taken into custody and is now facing prosecution. According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyos, the man has previously committed similar offences and is considered a threat to public safety.

 

“This suspect has repeatedly committed serious crimes, often targeting women and tourists. His actions tarnish Thailand’s reputation,” said the Commissioner. “I have directed that this case be treated with the utmost seriousness.”

 

Pol. Lt. Gen. Yingyos also highlighted the importance of the city’s extensive CCTV network, which played a vital role in the rapid identification and capture of the suspect. He has instructed Pattaya police to step up patrols, focus on arresting individuals with outstanding warrants, and intensify efforts to combat illegal firearms and contraband.

 

“Our priority is to safeguard both residents and visitors,” he said. “The Royal Thai Police are fully committed to protecting the public and will respond swiftly to any threat. We urge both locals and tourists to place their trust in us—we are here to ensure everyone’s safety.”

 

The suspect remains in custody as police continue their investigation.

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod.

 

-- 2025-04-23

 

[jacko45k]

Well done the Plod!