Report Pattaya Residents Thwart iPhone Scam; Suspect Detained

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Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

In the early hours of June 5, a cunning scam involving a fake bank transfer slip was foiled by quick-thinking residents in South Pattaya. The incident took place at 3.30am in Soi Rungland Village, where 37-year-old Phiphat Nonthuean attempted to abscond with two iPhone 14 Pro Max devices, each valued at 48,000 baht.

 

The situation quickly escalated when locals, alerted by the suspect's suspicious actions, managed to detain Phiphat before he could escape. The community's swift response turned into a chaotic scene, with a crowd gathering to witness the mob's confrontation. Fortunately, the police arrived promptly, defusing the tense situation. They provided first aid to Phiphat, who had suffered injuries during the altercation, and then escorted him to Pattaya City Police Station for further questioning.

 

An anonymous witness detailed how Phiphat's scheme unfolded. He allegedly attempted to purchase the high-end phones from a shop in a South Pattaya mall, presenting a fake bank transfer slip to the shop's motorcycle taxi driver as proof of payment. When the driver, suspicious of the transfer's authenticity, contacted the store, he discovered the deceit. As Phiphat attempted to flee with the stolen goods, nearby bystanders reacted swiftly, capturing and restraining him until police intervention.

 

The police have since seized the iPhones and fraudulent slip as evidence, and Phiphat now faces charges of fraud and forgery. He is currently under investigation, with legal proceedings set to determine his punishment.

 

The incident has sparked discussions about fraud occurrences in Pattaya, highlighting not only the potential risks of such scams but also the vigilance and proactiveness of local residents in safeguarding their community. As the story circulates, it serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to community watchfulness, ensuring such brazen attempts are less likely to succeed.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-06