Pictures courtesy of เช็กข่าวพัทยา

A foreign scam gang is being sought by Pattaya police after an Indian tourist was tricked into handing over cash and had 80000 rupee stolen in a sleight-of-hand theft in the city’s northern area. The incident has raised fresh concerns over street-level scams targeting foreign visitors in busy tourist zones.

The case was reported at about 11pm on 2 January 2026, when Mr Gaurav Kumar, an Indian national, filed a complaint with Pattaya City Police Station. He later requested officers to review CCTV footage from outside the 89 Show venue in North Pattaya, Na Kluea sub-district, where the theft occurred.

According to the report, Mr Kumar was standing outside the venue when two foreign men arrived on a motorcycle and stopped beside him. The passenger got off, struck up a friendly conversation, confirmed the victim was Indian and claimed he planned to travel to India the following month.

The suspect then asked to see Indian banknotes as an example, and the victim, believing there was no threat, took out cash from his pocket. When returning the money, the suspect allegedly used a technique resembling a slight of hand, magic trick to discreetly remove some of the notes before quickly fleeing on the motorcycle with his accomplice.

After the suspects left, Mr Kumar discovered that 80000 rupee in cash and 1,000 Thai baht were missing. He immediately reported the incident to police and later returned with officers to inspect surveillance footage from the area.

CCTV images show the two suspects riding a black automatic motorcycle and circling the neighbourhood while searching for potential victims before approaching Mr Kumar. Residents in the area told police the men appeared suspicious and were seen loitering prior to the theft.

Some local witnesses stated that the suspects looked like Middle Eastern nationals and are believed to be Iranian, although this has not been officially confirmed. One resident managed to capture photographs of part of the incident after noticing the unusual behaviour.

Police investigators have collected all available evidence, including CCTV footage and images provided by residents, to assist with identifying and tracking down the suspects. Officers are reviewing movements before and after the crime to determine whether the pair may be linked to similar incidents in Pattaya.

Authorities have not reported any arrests so far and the investigation remains ongoing. Police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward to help locate the suspects and prevent further offences against tourists.

Key Takeaways

• An Indian tourist reported the theft of 80000 rupee and 1,000 baht in North Pattaya on 2 January 2026.

• Two foreign suspects used a distraction and sleight-of-hand technique before escaping on a motorcycle.

• Police are reviewing CCTV footage and witness images to identify and arrest the suspects.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from เช็กข่าวพัทยา 2026-01-04

 

 

This is a scam for the especially gullible. I would be wary of even getting my wallet out, never minding handing over my wad.

(That said, a money exchange got me in Bali!!!!)

3 hours ago, jacko45k said:

This is a scam for the especially gullible. I would be wary of even getting my wallet out, never minding handing over my wad.

(That said, a money exchange got me in Bali!!!!)

I got scammed by a money exchange in Cambodia, receiving 1 tenth of the expected sum because I was confused by the high denomination notes.

20 hours ago, mikebell said:

I got scammed by a money exchange in Cambodia, receiving 1 tenth of the expected sum because I was confused by the high denomination notes.

They are like that in Bali too, all adds to the confusion and distraction.

I got scammed at a laundromat.

Over-charged on bed linen.

Who hasn't been scammed at least once?

Hard to believe anyone would hand over their cash to a total stranger. Must be an insurance scam.

No scam involved in this tale. Just a fool and a thief.

5 hours ago, Upnotover said:

No scam involved in this tale. Just a fool and a thief.

... I must confess to having been a fool once. In mitigation I was 17 and in Singapore - abroad for the first time.

Approx. $850 USD /758 Euro /28,000 THB

That must have been one wad of cash. Even if it was only ₹2000 denominations, he would have had 40 bank notes. I just withdrew 30000 baht and the 30 banknotes barely fit in my wallet.

Anychance Mr. india is telling a tale?

10 hours ago, henryford1958 said:

Hard to believe anyone would hand over their cash to a total stranger. Must be an insurance scam.

Especially an Indian, they are Kings at scamming.

2 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

Approx. $850 USD /758 Euro /28,000 THB

That must have been one wad of cash. Even if it was only ₹2000 denominations, he would have had 40 bank notes. I just withdrew 30000 baht and the 30 banknotes barely fit in my wallet.

Anychance Mr. india is telling a tale?

What an Indian telling porkies?.....never!