Report Pattaya Police Arrest Workers for Stealing from Sleeping Tourists

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Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Two renovation workers in Pattaya have been arrested for burglarising pool villas and stealing from intoxicated tourists as they slept. The suspects, Athip "Arm" Somluesaen, 31, and Kun, a 22-year-old Cambodian national, exploited their knowledge of the villas from previous contracts to gain access and pilfer valuables.

 

The police, led by Pol Col Anek Sratongyu and Pol Lt Col Arut Saphanon, have reclaimed over 100 stolen items, including luxury goods, electronics, and foreign currency, with the thefts estimated in the hundreds of thousands of baht.

 

Complaints arose in May from both Thai and foreign tourists, who noticed items missing after celebratory villa gatherings. Security footage revealed the suspects arriving by motorcycle, prompting an investigation that traced them to a rental property in Soi Khao Makok. Here, the police discovered a cache of stolen luxury watches, designer bags, electronic consoles, mobile phones, and various currencies.

 

The thieves confessed, stating they capitalised on tourists' inebriation and sleep to enter and steal. The stolen goods were sold to fund their living expenses and drug habits. Both men face theft charges as legal proceedings continue. Authorities are urging victims to provide proof of ownership for the return of their belongings.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-19