Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 29-year-old Russian tourist was left shaken after falling victim to a bag-snatching incident in Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 14, Pattaya, on the evening of 28 July.

 

The robbery occurred at approximately 20:00 when the woman, who was staying nearby, was walking to exchange money. According to her statement to police, a young man on a motorcycle suddenly approached and snatched her handbag before fleeing the scene at speed.

 

The stolen bag reportedly contained $100 USD and 1,100 Thai baht in cash.

 

Local patrol officers arrived swiftly to find the victim visibly distressed but physically unharmed. Police have since launched a search for the suspect, reviewing nearby CCTV footage and appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the thief in the area.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-29

 

 

 

Welcome to Pattaya... hope you enjoy the experience.

7 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Welcome to Pattaya... hope you enjoy the experience.

 

I agree. What a disgusting place! Should be avoided by all means.

15 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Welcome to Pattaya... hope you enjoy the experience.

A family friendly destination 

This type of crime happens everywhere in the world, including Europe! So to say it’s happening just in Pattaya is completely false! Everyone must be vigilant all the time ! 

Just now, smew said:

A family friendly destination 

Indeed...

12 minutes ago, Hakuna Matata said:

20 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Welcome to Pattaya... hope you enjoy the experience.

 

I agree. What a disgusting place! Should be avoided by all means.

 

Stupid comments should be avoided by all means !!!

 

While Pattaya is certainly not my choice of desitnation, such sweeping statements are just daft... 

 

I personally know of 3 back snatching incidents in Bangkok..... This is the first one I've heard of in Pattaya - though I think its safe to assume this and petty theft happens in any city around Thailand.... 

 

But... compared to Europe - this behavior in Thailand is in its infancy - so just judge a whole city based on one event - not very clever, not at all... 

1 minute ago, AlexPattaya said:

This type of crime happens everywhere in the world, including Europe! So to say it’s happening just in Pattaya is completely false! Everyone must be vigilant all the time ! 

And the internet is a great educator including for criminals.

 

10 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I personally know of 3 back snatching incidents in Bangkok..... This is the first one I've heard of in Pattaya - though I think its safe to assume this and petty theft happens in any city around Thailand.... 

 

Sample size too small. Moreover, it's purely anecdotal evidence.

 

Plus: claiming that "well, this happens in any city around Thailand" is pure whataboutery.

13 minutes ago, tubby johnson said:

25 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I personally know of 3 back snatching incidents in Bangkok..... This is the first one I've heard of in Pattaya - though I think its safe to assume this and petty theft happens in any city around Thailand.... 

 

Sample size too small. Moreover, it's purely anecdotal evidence.

 

Plus: claiming that "well, this happens in any city around Thailand" is pure whataboutery.

 

 

....  'whataboutery' you say...  Well done on learning a new word - work out when you use it correctly next time.

 

• Hua Hin (2015) – Gang caught snatching foreign tourists’ bags during Songkran.

• Chiang Rai (2017) – New Zealand tourist’s bag snatched at traffic junction.

• Chiang Mai (2019) – Bracelet vendor snatched tourist’s wallet at Night Bazaar.

• Chiang Mai (2025) – Swedish tourist’s phone snatched near Muay Thai gym.

• Chiang Mai (recent) – Tourist’s bag snatcher chased and caught by local.

• Chiang Rai (date unknown) – Myanmar worker’s bag snatched while cycling.

• Sattahip, Chon Buri (2025) – Woman dragged 40m during bag snatch.

• Nakhon Si Thammarat (2023) – Juice vendor robbed at night by motorbike thief.

• Rawai, Phuket (2025) – Australians arrested for snatching foreign tourists’ bags.

• Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat (2023) – Purse stolen roadside, thief groped victim.

• Cha-am (2015) – Hua Hin gang caught with stolen tourist goods from bag snatches.

• Nonthaburi (2025) – Myanmar woman’s bag taken from bicycle basket.

• Samut Prakan (2020) – Woman’s bag snatched in crowd at local fair.

• Samut Prakan (2025) – Construction worker caught snatching vendor’s purse.

• Nongprue, Chon Buri (2025) – Teen gang snatched Russian tourist’s bag.

• Sattahip, Chon Buri (2025) – Thief caught charging phone after snatching bag.

• Udon Thani (2018) – Elderly woman’s handbag snatched at bus stop.

• Hat Yai, Songkhla (2020) – Malaysian tourist’s bag snatched outside mall.

• Surin (2019) – Teen gang caught after series of motorbike snatches.

• Roi Et (2021) – Market vendor’s handbag stolen, suspect arrested.

 

 

Thats just the first few that pop up - many more....  As I wrote, it happens all over Thailand, not just Pattaya, thus solely condemning Pattaya based upon this one event is dumb.

 

That said, I'd hazard a guess and suggest that this happens more in area's of higher tourist footfall such as Pattaya and Patong, simply because of the 'Thais' those area's attract who want to take advantage of tourists in those area's.....  The same happens in central London, Paris and Barcelona - Thailand to a far lesser degree I think.

 

 

Wonder what pleasure it gives the Pattaya bashers  posting same daft comments at any given opportunities? Most of members of one of the largest group of expat in Thailand has a great, fairly civilized, life compared to a hut in the boonies and, contrary to what some believe, dont necessarily start drinking 9AM with first ST an hour late

30 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Stupid comments should be avoided by all means !!!

I agree... that goes for all.

31 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

though I think its safe to assume this and petty theft happens in any city around Thailand.... 

I assume ..... means "and the rest of the world"

I hope she recovers enough to enjoy the rest of her holiday.  I'm making no comment on Patts or Russians of course...

Troll post removed.

 

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2 hours ago, Hakuna Matata said:

 

I agree. What a disgusting place! Should be avoided by all means.

We say the same about you 😁

10 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 29-year-old Russian tourist was left shaken after falling victim to a bag-snatching incident in Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 14, Pattaya, on the evening of 28 July.

 

The robbery occurred at approximately 20:00 when the woman, who was staying nearby, was walking to exchange money. According to her statement to police, a young man on a motorcycle suddenly approached and snatched her handbag before fleeing the scene at speed.

 

The stolen bag reportedly contained $100 USD and 1,100 Thai baht in cash.

 

Local patrol officers arrived swiftly to find the victim visibly distressed but physically unharmed. Police have since launched a search for the suspect, reviewing nearby CCTV footage and appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the thief in the area.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-29

 

 

 

I hope it was not day one of her holidays.

Would it happen in Russia too sometimes?

3 hours ago, Hakuna Matata said:

 

I agree. What a disgusting place! Should be avoided by all means.

Bad personal experience?🙃🙃

14 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

so just judge a whole city based on one event - not very clever, not at all... 

some people hate the P4P scene so much, they're desperate to see pattaya collapse and crumble. 

 

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

• Hua Hin (2015) – Gang caught snatching foreign tourists’ bags during Songkran.

• Chiang Rai (2017) – New Zealand tourist’s bag snatched at traffic junction.

• Chiang Mai (2019) – Bracelet vendor snatched tourist’s wallet at Night Bazaar.

• Chiang Mai (2025) – Swedish tourist’s phone snatched near Muay Thai gym.

• Chiang Mai (recent) – Tourist’s bag snatcher chased and caught by local.

• Chiang Rai (date unknown) – Myanmar worker’s bag snatched while cycling.

• Sattahip, Chon Buri (2025) – Woman dragged 40m during bag snatch.

• Nakhon Si Thammarat (2023) – Juice vendor robbed at night by motorbike thief.

• Rawai, Phuket (2025) – Australians arrested for snatching foreign tourists’ bags.

• Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat (2023) – Purse stolen roadside, thief groped victim.

• Cha-am (2015) – Hua Hin gang caught with stolen tourist goods from bag snatches.

• Nonthaburi (2025) – Myanmar woman’s bag taken from bicycle basket.

• Samut Prakan (2020) – Woman’s bag snatched in crowd at local fair.

• Samut Prakan (2025) – Construction worker caught snatching vendor’s purse.

• Nongprue, Chon Buri (2025) – Teen gang snatched Russian tourist’s bag.

• Sattahip, Chon Buri (2025) – Thief caught charging phone after snatching bag.

• Udon Thani (2018) – Elderly woman’s handbag snatched at bus stop.

• Hat Yai, Songkhla (2020) – Malaysian tourist’s bag snatched outside mall.

• Surin (2019) – Teen gang caught after series of motorbike snatches.

• Roi Et (2021) – Market vendor’s handbag stolen, suspect arrested.

 

That's a lot of snatches.  And not the good kind...

 

2 hours ago, Negita43 said:

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

though I think its safe to assume this and petty theft happens in any city around Thailand.... 

I assume ..... means "and the rest of the world"

 

well done !!!! 👏 

 

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

…..  The same happens in central London, Paris and Barcelona - Thailand to a far lesser degree I think.

 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

 

....  'whataboutery' you say...  Well done on learning a new word - work out when you use it correctly next time.

 

• Hua Hin (2015) – Gang caught snatching foreign tourists’ bags during Songkran.

• Chiang Rai (2017) – New Zealand tourist’s bag snatched at traffic junction.

• Chiang Mai (2019) – Bracelet vendor snatched tourist’s wallet at Night Bazaar.

• Chiang Mai (2025) – Swedish tourist’s phone snatched near Muay Thai gym.

• Chiang Mai (recent) – Tourist’s bag snatcher chased and caught by local.

• Chiang Rai (date unknown) – Myanmar worker’s bag snatched while cycling.

• Sattahip, Chon Buri (2025) – Woman dragged 40m during bag snatch.

• Nakhon Si Thammarat (2023) – Juice vendor robbed at night by motorbike thief.

• Rawai, Phuket (2025) – Australians arrested for snatching foreign tourists’ bags.

• Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat (2023) – Purse stolen roadside, thief groped victim.

• Cha-am (2015) – Hua Hin gang caught with stolen tourist goods from bag snatches.

• Nonthaburi (2025) – Myanmar woman’s bag taken from bicycle basket.

• Samut Prakan (2020) – Woman’s bag snatched in crowd at local fair.

• Samut Prakan (2025) – Construction worker caught snatching vendor’s purse.

• Nongprue, Chon Buri (2025) – Teen gang snatched Russian tourist’s bag.

• Sattahip, Chon Buri (2025) – Thief caught charging phone after snatching bag.

• Udon Thani (2018) – Elderly woman’s handbag snatched at bus stop.

• Hat Yai, Songkhla (2020) – Malaysian tourist’s bag snatched outside mall.

• Surin (2019) – Teen gang caught after series of motorbike snatches.

• Roi Et (2021) – Market vendor’s handbag stolen, suspect arrested.

 

 

Thats just the first few that pop up - many more....  As I wrote, it happens all over Thailand, not just Pattaya, thus solely condemning Pattaya based upon this one event is dumb.

 

That said, I'd hazard a guess and suggest that this happens more in area's of higher tourist footfall such as Pattaya and Patong, simply because of the 'Thais' those area's attract who want to take advantage of tourists in those area's.....  The same happens in central London, Paris and Barcelona - Thailand to a far lesser degree I think.

 

 

Yeah while it's true that it's probably not wise to make some sweeping generalizations about Pattaya, the fact of the matter is that it's in the news a lot, so either the news media seems to have an ax to grind against Pattaya, or these stories are simply easy to find.

 

The other possibility is that the little section of Pattaya from Soi Buakhao to Beach Road and Central Pattaya Road to the south end of Walking Street is arguably an area where alot of crime takes place. 

4 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

The other possibility is that the little section of Pattaya from Soi Buakhao to Beach Road and Central Pattaya Road to the south end of Walking Street is arguably an area where alot of crime takes place. 

 

Seems rather simple.  If your plan is to rob tourists, you should go where the tourists are.

 

I agree with the comments you must remain vigilant, and aware of your surroundings. No matter where you are in the world. The common sense things like checking to see if you're being followed, NOT CARRYING handbags with long straps,NOT wearing flashy jewelry in tourist areas, walking in a group if possible,ECT. 

It absolutely sucks to be a victim of robbery . But there are things you can do to help and try to avoid it. 

 when I was a young man I was robbed on my way home. I learned these lessons the hard way. 

 Crime happens everywhere in the world. Not just Pattaya. 

Sadly, a really good situational awareness skill is needed in such places... need to scan who is around you and act accordingly, as too many scumbags around now. Don't fit the victim profile.

35 minutes ago, Sir Dude said:

Sadly, a really good situational awareness skill is needed in such places... need to scan who is around you and act accordingly, as too many scumbags around now. Don't fit the victim profile.

"situational awareness" goes with many other skill sets rapidly being deleted from the list of attributes of humanity. Mainly due to IT.

But it could be ET?

or

If you are looking for S*X then maybe Pataya is a great place for you.

If you are looking for a relationship probably best elsewhere.

6 hours ago, Hakuna Matata said:

 

I agree. What a disgusting place! Should be avoided by all means.

Please do.

9 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Welcome to Pattaya... hope you enjoy the experience.

Exactly..but i remember the same happened in phukett some years ago in which the woman died..this is really a cowards crime against women if they are caught just take their motorbike of them...then set an example for others..

6 hours ago, save the frogs said:

some people hate the P4P scene so much, they're desperate to see pattaya collapse and crumble. 

 

Come on , one event  are you living in a bubble or something...