Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

Bangkok’s Tourist Police have arrested two Algerian men accused of targeting tourists in pickpocketing incidents on the BTS Skytrain, amid heightened security during the Christmas and New Year period. The arrests followed an investigation into thefts on crowded train services and popular tourist routes, aiming to protect visitors and public confidence during the holiday season.

The operation was carried out under national instructions from Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, to intensify safety measures during Christmas and New Year 2569. The Tourist Police Bureau, led by Lt Gen Saksira Pueak-am, ordered stricter patrols and monitoring of foreign groups suspected of criminal activity in major tourist areas, shopping centres and mass transit systems.

Under the direction of Pol Maj Gen Donu Klam-sum, Commander of Tourist Police Division 1, investigators focused on a group of foreign suspects believed to be operating on the BTS. Surveillance and intelligence work identified patterns of theft during peak passenger hours, particularly on routes popular with tourists.

Investigators identified Mr Fouzi Soltani, aged 55, an Algerian national, as a key suspect, along with accomplices. Police confirmed Mr Fouzi had previously been arrested for theft at Phaya Thai Police Station in 2024, establishing a prior criminal record in Thailand.

On 30 December 2025, a Chinese tourist filed a complaint with Thong Lor Police Station after being pickpocketed while travelling on the BTS from Asok to Phrom Phong stations. CCTV footage reviewed by investigators showed two foreign men committing the theft, with Mr Fouzi identified as one of the suspects.

Following the CCTV identification, Tourist Police officers deployed teams to BTS stations with heavy tourist traffic. On 31 December 2025, officers located Mr Fouzi and an accomplice at Siam BTS station and coordinated with BTS security chief Thira Sirisukha to conduct an inspection.

The suspects were identified as Mr Fouzi Soltani, 55 and Mr Hamid Dif, 58, both Algerian nationals. Police found that Mr Fouzi’s permission to stay in Thailand had expired on 19 June 2024, with an overstay of 501 days, while Mr Hamid was unable to produce a passport.

Officers also found five baseball caps inside a black backpack carried by the suspects. Both men were charged with immigration offences, including remaining in the kingdom after permission had expired and entering and staying without authorisation.

The suspects were transferred to Pathum Wan Police Station for legal proceedings. Information was also shared with Thong Lor Police Station to support related investigations into the reported theft.

Thaitabloid reported that authorities said enforcement efforts will continue in key tourist zones and on public transport to deter similar crimes. Further legal action will proceed according to Thai law, including immigration and criminal processes.

Key Takeaways

• Two Algerian nationals were arrested at Siam BTS station for immigration offences linked to pickpocketing investigations.

• CCTV evidence connected the suspects to a theft reported by a Chinese tourist on 30 December 2025.

• Police are maintaining intensified security measures during the New Year holiday period.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Thaitabloid 2026-01-01

 

If he was arrested for a crime in 2024, why wasn’t he deported then?

1 hour ago, carlf said:

If he was arrested for a crime in 2024, why wasn’t he deported then?

Because committing a crime does not mean automatic deportation.

I'm not the vindictive type but certainly all foreign thieves should be deported. They don't even merit a prison sentence in the kingdom,

Not surprised