Photo via Facebook/ ไอ้เผือกนิวส์

A tourist from the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed Abdelkaliq Abdalla Khadim Almaazmi, was pickpocketed by two foreign men in Pattaya, losing approximately 14,500 baht. The incident occurred near the Marine Plaza Hotel when a stranger approached him for a conversation, distracting Almaazmi while an accomplice stole the cash. The crime has prompted local police to warn tourists to stay alert in nightlife areas and alleys.

Almaazmi, 45, filed a complaint with Mueang Pattaya Police Station early on January 13 after discovering the theft. CCTV footage showed two suspects, one in a black T-shirt and the other in blue, arriving on a motorcycle. The man in the black shirt engaged Almaazmi in conversation and discreetly removed cash from his pocket while the second suspect acted as a lookout.

Police identified the method as a common distraction tactic, with one perpetrator creating a diversion while the other commits the theft. Both suspects fled the scene on their motorcycle shortly after the interaction. Authorities have urged the public to be cautious and report any similar incidents or information that could aid in identifying the suspects.

This incident follows a similar theft in Bangkok last month, where three women allegedly stole from a foreign tourist’s tote bag. There, the suspects were captured on CCTV outside a restaurant near Chinatown, but no arrests have been reported. The recurring incidents highlight ongoing concerns about tourist safety in Thailand.

Looking ahead, the Pattaya police continue to examine the CCTV footage to capture the pickpockets. They encourage victims or witnesses to come forward, and plan to increase patrols in areas known for tourist activity to deter further crimes. Tourists are advised to be mindful of their belongings and wary of strangers approaching them, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways

• A UAE tourist lost 14,500 baht to pickpockets in Pattaya.

• Police have identified two foreign suspects using CCTV footage.

• Authorities warn tourists to be vigilant in nightlife areas.

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Pattaya Ranks 8th Worst Globally for Pickpockets and Scams

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2026-01-15

 

 

Looks like a desperate farang , why did Mohamed let him touch him ? I would have knocked him down,

9 hours ago, balo said:

Looks like a desperate farang , why did Mohamed let him touch him ? I would have knocked him down,

Hardly looks subtle and is rather blatant. Don't let people into your personal space.

No matter in which country, as soon as a stranger wants to start an absurd conversation on asking the usual silly questions, or if a beggar comes over....any of these, I remain at least 2 meters away, I answer in some invented language, bow, smile and walk on.

And also do not wear my Rolex, nor my Audemars nor my Baume and Mercier any more on a daily basis - far to dangerous when in Europe.

In Thailand, you can wear a genuine Rolex or Richard Mille everybody will think it's a grade A+ fake, so no problem and no risk.

Nobody gets inside my personal space like that.

So the woman is his "date" or she's in on the scam?

Mohamed must've been drunk?

At any rate 14,500 lashes for the two Alibabas for thievery.

On 1/16/2026 at 5:23 AM, jacko45k said:

Hardly looks subtle and is rather blatant. Don't let people into your personal space.

Different cultures have different "personal space" distance. Great book "The Silent Language" by Edward T Hall discusses personal space and he gives example of Arabs and Germans trying to do a chat. Hall says the Arabs like to get close enough to "smell the others garlic" whereas Germans give lots of space. Arab keeps moving in, German keeps backing up, each trying to reach their culturally incompatible 'comfort zone'.

Everyone thinks their own culture is 'right and logical' and others not so much

3 hours ago, Sigmund said:

And also do not wear my Rolex,

I dont even bring mine overseas.

1 hour ago, connda said:

Nobody gets inside my personal space like that.

The last one who tried to get inside mine ended up on the ground with a bloody nose.