Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

A Japanese tourist was robbed in Patong, Phuket, on the night of 2 January during New Year holiday celebrations, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about visitor safety in a busy tourist area. The victim reported the incident to Patong Police Station shortly after it occurred and officers immediately began inquiries. No arrests have been made so far, and the suspects remain at large.

The victim was identified by police as Sato Yuki, a Japanese national visiting Phuket for the New Year holiday. He reported the robbery at approximately 10:25pm on 2 January, stating that the incident occurred while he was walking along Thaweewong Road. The location was opposite the Crarin Hotel in Patong, within Kathu district, an area popular with tourists, particularly during festival periods.

According to Sato’s statement to police, two men riding a black motorcycle approached him from behind and snatched his bag. The suspects fled immediately on the motorcycle after seizing the bag, leaving the victim unharmed but without his belongings. The robbery happened at night, when the area was active with visitors and traffic linked to New Year festivities.

Sato told officers that the stolen bag contained several high-value items. These included an iPhone 17 valued at about 30,000 baht, an Insta360 camera worth approximately 6,000 baht and a pair of Bose earphones worth around 16,000 baht. Police said the total value of the stolen property was estimated at 52,000 baht.

Following the report, Patong police dispatched officers to inspect the scene and begin collecting evidence. Police confirmed they reviewed CCTV footage from the surrounding area and recorded additional statements from the victim. Investigators said these steps were part of ongoing efforts to identify the suspects and track their movements after the robbery.

Khoasod reported that authorities have not released descriptions of the suspects beyond the use of a black motorcycle. Police said the investigation is continuing and updates will be provided if progress is made. Visitors have been advised to remain cautious, particularly in crowded areas during holiday periods.

Key Takeaways

• A Japanese tourist, identified as Sato Yuki, was robbed in Patong on 2 January during New Year celebrations.

• Two men on a black motorcycle snatched a bag containing items worth about 52,000 baht.

• Police are reviewing CCTV footage and have made no arrests so far.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-04

 

 

Wow ... same as in Johor Malaysia - where snatch thieves are all over the place. Thai police better catch these thieves or nobody will be safe.

Wearing your bag across your shoulder will make it nearly impossible for someone to yank it off you, as you all know, it's a shame that people don't learn this before coming here. Predators are always looking for the vulnerable, and all they need to do is see a loose handbag.

...No Witnesses...Cameras In Front Of The Hotel...(?)

I lived in Japan for 8 years. You can literally drop your IPhone or wallet and once you realize it’s missing when u retrace your steps it’s more than likely still there. It’s a different world in Thailand and other places like America and perhaps Japanese are unaware. This guy will never likely see his property again. I’m sure it’s a hard learned lesson. Carry an envelope with the money you want to spend that day and a copy of your passport and buy a 300 baht wallet.