Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Police in Pattaya have arrested a 38-year-old man posing as a fortune teller after he allegedly stole an iPhone from a 19-year-old woman during a New Year’s Day fortune-reading session. The suspect was detained at the scene with the stolen phone recovered, preventing further loss to the victim. The incident occurred on 1 January 2026 and drew attention due to the suspect’s deceptive method and public setting.

The case was reported at around midday on 1 January 2026 to patrol officers from Pattaya City Police Station in Chonburi province. Officers were alerted to the theft of an iPhone 13 Pro valued at approximately 20,000 baht. The incident took place on the pavement opposite Wat Chai Mongkhon Phra Aram Luang in South Pattaya.

At the scene, police and rescue workers found that members of the public had already restrained the suspect. He was identified as Mr Udomsap, aged 38, who claimed to work as a fortune teller. The stolen iPhone belonging to the victim, identified only as Ms B, aged 19, was discovered hidden inside a brown shoulder bag and concealed within a face mask box.

Ms B told police that the suspect had dressed and spoken like an elderly man and was sitting on a mat offering fortune readings. Feeling sympathy and believing she was making merit on New Year’s Day, she agreed to have her fortune read. During the reading, the suspect allegedly warned her she would face misfortune and lose something valuable and attempted to persuade her to pay additional money for a ritual to remove bad luck.

After she refused and left, Ms B realised her phone, which had been placed beside her throughout the session, was missing. The suspect reportedly continued claiming his prediction was accurate and even described the supposed thief’s appearance. Suspicious, Ms B sought help from rescue workers and bystanders, leading to a search that uncovered her phone in the suspect’s bag.

Khoasod reported that Mr Udomsap later confessed to the theft, stating it was his first offence and that he wanted money to use during the New Year period. Despite his apology and request for leniency, the victim insisted on legal action to prevent similar incidents. Police took the suspect into custody with the phone and fortune-telling equipment as evidence, and formal charges are being prepared as the investigation continues.

Key Takeaways

• A man posing as a fortune teller was arrested for stealing an iPhone in Pattaya on 1 January 2026.

• The stolen phone, worth about 20,000 baht, was recovered at the scene and returned to the victim.

• Police are proceeding with charges after the suspect confessed to committing the theft.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2026-01-02

 

Video courtesy of SiamChon

Interesting, never thought to be wary of these guys. Beach massages, yes, watch your wallet. Leaving an expensive phone lying around is the main error.

I bet the fortune teller didn't see that coming! Boom, boom.

1 hour ago, mikebell said:

I bet the fortune teller didn't see that coming! Boom, boom.

He literally predicted it.