Crime Passenger Catches Chinese Man Red-Handed Stealing on Bangkok-Phuket Flight

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Facebook.

 

A Thai woman has shared a dramatic in-flight experience on a domestic flight from Bangkok to Phuket, where a fellow passenger was caught in the act of stealing valuables from another traveller’s bag.

 

The incident was recounted in a viral Facebook post by user Orathai Chirapornchai. She described how the theft occurred mid-flight after cabin lights were dimmed and most passengers had dozed off.

 

 

According to Orathai, she had placed her bag in the overhead compartment and kept her iPad and a book with her for entertainment. Her handbag, containing her wallet, remained securely on her lap. However, the peaceful atmosphere was abruptly shattered when a passenger seated in the aisle seat suddenly shouted, “What are you doing with my bag!” at an elderly Chinese man seated behind him.

 

The accused was allegedly caught red-handed, rummaging through the man’s bag and attempting to remove cash from his wallet. The confrontation escalated quickly, with the victim threatening physical retaliation, even exclaiming, “I know Muay Thai!” Despite the evidence, the Chinese passenger reportedly denied any wrongdoing before breaking into rapid speech in Mandarin.

 

Fortunately, another passenger seated behind Orathai had witnessed the entire incident. She confirmed that the suspect had been opening multiple overhead compartments before eventually taking down the victim’s bag and discreetly rifling through it.

 

Flight attendants promptly intervened, isolating the suspect and alerting airport security to await the aircraft’s arrival in Phuket. Upon landing, authorities were on standby to take the individual in for questioning.

 

Orathai later discovered that her own bag, stored overhead, had also been tampered with. Although her notebook was left untouched, likely due to its size, she expressed deep concern over how close she had come to becoming a victim herself.

 

This incident follows several similar reports in recent months involving Chinese nationals stealing from passengers during flights, often targeting small, high-value items while travellers are asleep. In one high-profile case earlier this month, two Chinese men were apprehended by Suvarnabhumi Airport’s tourist police for repeatedly robbing passengers mid-flight.

 

Orathai ended her post with a warning: “From now on, never leave your valuables in the overhead bin. Always keep them with you, it’s just too risky.”

 

Authorities have yet to issue a statement.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-04-27.

 

 

 

 

[gargamon]

Such quality tourists these days.

[arick]

Well I will keep my eye open on my flight today to Phuket 

[scorecard]

On 4/27/2025 at 3:27 AM, Georgealbert said:

 

Picture courtesy of Facebook.

 

A Thai woman has shared a dramatic in-flight experience on a domestic flight from Bangkok to Phuket, where a fellow passenger was caught in the act of stealing valuables from another traveller’s bag.

 

The incident was recounted in a viral Facebook post by user Orathai Chirapornchai. She described how the theft occurred mid-flight after cabin lights were dimmed and most passengers had dozed off.

 

 

According to Orathai, she had placed her bag in the overhead compartment and kept her iPad and a book with her for entertainment. Her handbag, containing her wallet, remained securely on her lap. However, the peaceful atmosphere was abruptly shattered when a passenger seated in the aisle seat suddenly shouted, “What are you doing with my bag!” at an elderly Chinese man seated behind him.

 

The accused was allegedly caught red-handed, rummaging through the man’s bag and attempting to remove cash from his wallet. The confrontation escalated quickly, with the victim threatening physical retaliation, even exclaiming, “I know Muay Thai!” Despite the evidence, the Chinese passenger reportedly denied any wrongdoing before breaking into rapid speech in Mandarin.

 

Fortunately, another passenger seated behind Orathai had witnessed the entire incident. She confirmed that the suspect had been opening multiple overhead compartments before eventually taking down the victim’s bag and discreetly rifling through it.

 

Flight attendants promptly intervened, isolating the suspect and alerting airport security to await the aircraft’s arrival in Phuket. Upon landing, authorities were on standby to take the individual in for questioning.

 

Orathai later discovered that her own bag, stored overhead, had also been tampered with. Although her notebook was left untouched, likely due to its size, she expressed deep concern over how close she had come to becoming a victim herself.

 

This incident follows several similar reports in recent months involving Chinese nationals stealing from passengers during flights, often targeting small, high-value items while travellers are asleep. In one high-profile case earlier this month, two Chinese men were apprehended by Suvarnabhumi Airport’s tourist police for repeatedly robbing passengers mid-flight.

 

Orathai ended her post with a warning: “From now on, never leave your valuables in the overhead bin. Always keep them with you, it’s just too risky.”

 

Authorities have yet to issue a statement.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-04-27.

 

 

 

 

 

I use the same 'overhead locker' bag every time I fly. It has only one opening which has a triple digit lock and I always engage the lock. 

[Peterphuket]

It is for the second time in a short time that I read such a post, the first time it was also 2 Chinese, did I read it in AN? Or somewhere else.
It is starting to look like a gang, I hope they are not on my air to europe tomorrow though I have a lock on my hand luggage.

[ronster]

On 4/27/2025 at 3:27 AM, Georgealbert said:

“I know Muay Thai!”

Oh please ! 🙄🙈

[J Branche]

39 minutes ago, scorecard said:

 

I use the same 'overhead locker' bag every time I fly. It has only one opening which has a triple digit lock and I always engage the lock. 

I just wear cargo pants with zippered pockets.  Backpack has Water, snacks, tissues, foam earplugs and are not desirable for a thief so never been stolen anywhere in the world.

[Ben Zioner]

On 4/27/2025 at 3:27 AM, Georgealbert said:

two Chinese men were apprehended by Suvarnabhumi Airport’s tourist police for repeatedly robbing passengers mid-flight.

"robbing" or "rubbing"?

[hotchilli]

I'm sure there must be some honest Chinese... I guess they must travel elsewhere other than Thailand.

[thesetat]

Good someone caught them red-handed. No chance of denials. A shame there are not cameras mounted in every plane to show passengers. i do not understand why airlines do not take better actions to provide security on planes to prevent this type of action. 

Who wants to sit cramped up for hours in a plane and be forced to watch their baggage compartment to make sure noone is attempting to steal their belongings. 

1 hour ago, J Branche said:

I just wear cargo pants with zippered pockets.  Backpack has Water, snacks, tissues, foam earplugs and are not desirable for a thief so never been stolen anywhere in the world.

It is not just that someone may or may not have stolen from you. They may have searched your stuff and seen you had nothing of value in your bags. Or bypassed your cheap backpack knowing. even if they opened it, nothing of value would be inside. 

[black tabby12345]

A Quality Tourist turned Sky Raider.

 

[NORDO]

Chinese.....noooo, cannot be.

[Briggsy]

The Chinese are famous for this crime. It seems a very odd choice of location to go 'on the rob'. Everyone can see you and you can't run away. It must be related to the Chinese tendency to carry large amounts of cash and valuables with them.

[J Branche]

1 hour ago, thesetat said:

Good someone caught them red-handed. No chance of denials. A shame there are not cameras mounted in every plane to show passengers. i do not understand why airlines do not take better actions to provide security on planes to prevent this type of action. 

Who wants to sit cramped up for hours in a plane and be forced to watch their baggage compartment to make sure noone is attempting to steal their belongings. 

It is not just that someone may or may not have stolen from you. They may have searched your stuff and seen you had nothing of value in your bags. Or bypassed your cheap backpack knowing. even if they opened it, nothing of value would be inside. 

Then my plan worked.  The appearance is of low value to deceive any potential thieves.  My friends have had their gold necklace, gold bracelet liberated from them because they want to be flashy and try to impress others.

 

I don't blame the victims, it takes some next level stupid to try to steal from someone on a plane, with usually limited escape routes, cameras everywhere in airport, and adequate security.

[Thingamabob]

....and yet the current Thai govt wants increasing numbers of Chinese tourists.

[scorecard]

3 hours ago, scorecard said:

 

I use the same 'overhead locker' bag every time I fly. It has only one opening which has a triple digit lock and I always engage the lock. 

I'll adjust my comment:

.... It has only one opening, it has a heavy duty zip all the way around the bag and a triple digit lock and I always engage the lock.

[Toby1947]

Falling asleep from Bangkok to Phuket what a load of b#ll×cks, the plane is only up and down and you've arrived. 😅🤣😅

[Packer]

A simple solution!

 

Just use locks people. 

 

 

To lock the hands of all Chinese passengers upon entering a vehicle. 

[scorecard]

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

I'm sure there must be some honest Chinese... I guess they must travel elsewhere other than Thailand.

Stupid ignorant comment.

[NoDisplayName]

Passenger Catches Chinese Man Red-Handed

 

I see what you did there, George!

[scorecard]

2 hours ago, NORDO said:

Chinese.....noooo, cannot be.

Agreed cannot be Chinese!

 

You can't be serious, there's scum / dishonest people in every country in the world.

[Purdey]

You can double lock - triple lock - your bag but a razor will open it in seconds.

Wearing a fisherman's jacket with loads of pockets and a money pouch under my jeans has helped me travel the world safely.

[hotchilli]

53 minutes ago, scorecard said:

Stupid ignorant comment.

In your opinion.. maybe

But I am allowed mine.

[Packer]

1 hour ago, Purdey said:

Wearing a fisherman's jacket with loads of pockets and a money pouch under my jeans has helped me travel the world safely.

 

Sounds comfy. 

[Furioso]

whoa I'm going to Vietnam tomorrow I def will lock up my carry-on from now on. 

[scorecard]

10 minutes ago, Furioso said:

whoa I'm going to Vietnam tomorrow I def will lock up my carry-on from now on. 

 

Is visiting Vietnam different to visiting other countries? Or are attempting to make negative comments re Vietnam?

[Furioso]

1 minute ago, scorecard said:

 

Is visiting Vietnam different to visiting other countries? Or are attempting to make negative comments re Vietnam?

I just never heard of anyone stealing from carry-on before. Now that I know it happens I'm going to lock my carry-on from now on whether it's a short hop to Vietnam, Bali, or wherevers. 

[steven100]

2 hours ago, scorecard said:

Agreed cannot be Chinese!

 

You can't be serious, there's scum / dishonest people in every country in the world.

more here. Lol

[paul1804]

You reap what you sow Thailand!! and we all know you will do little about this because he is from the chosen country which the Thai's seem to worship!!