Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

 

A cunning thief recently targeted a Thai food vendor at a bustling market in Pattaya, making off with cash and leaving behind a worried community. The incident, which police suspect is part of a rising trend of street thefts, occurred yesterday, April 27, at Khao Mai Kaew Market.

 

Around 8.06am, officers at Huai Yai Police Station received a report about the theft. Despite patrol units quickly arriving on the scene, the perpetrator had already disappeared into the morning traffic.

 

 

 

The victim, 60-year-old curry vendor Warin Phongsungnoen, recounted the unsettling encounter to the authorities. While serving customers, a tall, muscular man approached on a motorbike, wearing a long-sleeve shirt and trousers. Under the guise of ordering two bags of curry for 40 baht, he distracted Warin. After she handed over the food, the man tossed it aside, asserting he no longer wanted it, before swiftly snatching her money basket, taking approximately 2,000 baht, and fleeing the scene.

 

This brazen act underscores a growing fear among market traders and street vendors across Thailand regarding their safety and livelihoods. The incident has sparked calls for increased vigilance and security measures to protect small businesses from such crimes. As authorities investigate, they urge vendors to be cautious and report any suspicious activity immediately to help prevent further occurrences.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-28

 

 

Pretty sad character. Some here sit all day in the heat for a few hundred baht and this scumbag has to come by.

You see cash money  handled so calmly and casually here, stuffed into a baggy apron front pocket, a partly opened drawer, or yes, as here, a plastic basket sitting on the stall. A far cry from Arkwright's bad tempered till in 'Open All Hours'!

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Despite patrol units quickly arriving on the scene

Sitting in an A/C office is not a patrol.