Man Arrested for Snatching Turkish Tourist’s Phone After Asking for Directions

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

A 26-year-old Thai man has been arrested for stealing a mobile phone from a Turkish tourist in central Bangkok after using a request for directions as a distraction.

The incident occurred on 4 May near Hua Lamphong Railway Station on Rong Muang Road in Pathum Wan district. The victim, Mr Deniz Gokdeniz, 33, reported that a man on a motorcycle approached him to ask for directions, before suddenly snatching his phone and speeding away.

Senior Metropolitan Police officials, including Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom and officers from Pathum Wan Police Station, launched an investigation immediately after the report was filed at 17:05. CCTV footage from the area helped identify the suspect and trace his movements following the theft.

The suspect, later identified as Mr Saran, also known by the nickname “Yak,” was apprehended at 18:00 on 4 May at a hotel room on Rong Muang Road. Officers found a Honda motorcycle with the licence plate from Yasothon, parked in front of the hotel, the same vehicle used in the theft.

When police entered Room 26, they found Mr Saran inside wearing clothing matching that seen in the surveillance footage. Upon questioning and being shown CCTV stills, Mr Saran confessed to stealing the phone. He later admitted to selling the stolen mobile at a shop on Suea Pa Road for 600 baht.

The victim was brought to the police station where he positively identified Mr Saran as the thief. According to the investigation, the suspect took advantage of the tourist’s vulnerability while asking for directions before committing the snatch-and-run theft.

Police also noted that the suspect had a history of drug use. He is currently in custody, along with the evidence, and has been handed over to investigators for prosecution.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-06.