A 27-year-old barista has reported a foreign man for stealing her iPhone 17 and fleeing without paying a food bill at a restaurant in Thonglor, Bangkok. The incident caused financial losses amounting to tens of thousands of baht. The suspect used a deceptive tactic, asking to borrow the phone before escaping through a rear exit.

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The victim, identified as Ms Parichat said the man entered the restaurant at just after noon and behaved like a normal customer, ordering food and staying for several hours. At approximately 3.10pm, he approached the counter claiming he had forgotten his phone and asked to borrow hers to call a friend. After briefly returning it once, he requested it again when a call came in, then walked around before seizing the opportunity to run out of the back door with the device.

The suspect also left behind an unpaid bill of 1,463 baht. CCTV footage later helped police identify him as a Mongolian man, 40 years old. Investigations revealed he has a history of theft offences across Bangkok and was previously arrested by immigration police and officers from Huai Khwang Police Station on 9 June 2025.

Authorities further confirmed that the man had overstayed his visa by more than two years, making him an illegal immigrant. The victim expressed frustration after discovering reports of his prior arrest, questioning how he was able to remain at large and reoffend despite his immigration status and criminal record.

Mr Niran Kengngaeo, co-founder of the Sai Mai Tong Rod page, described the case as a serious public safety concern. He said the suspect appeared undeterred by Thai law and confirmed he would coordinate with Thonglor Police Station to accelerate efforts to apprehend the individual.

He also called on the Immigration Bureau to investigate how a person with an expired visa and criminal background could continue living in the country. Officials are expected to consider deportation and blacklisting measures to prevent re-entry once the suspect is arrested.

Khaosod reported that police investigations are ongoing, with efforts focused on locating the suspect and bringing him into custody. Authorities have also urged members of the public and business operators not to lend valuable items to strangers, even if they appear to be legitimate customers.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 3 May 2026

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well that was a lovely gesture on the part of the barista. my kid did that ONCE in a bar and because Daddy wouldnt pay for a new Iphone, she never did it again.

And did they yet try tracking the phone?

They must pay good wages to that barista if he can afford an iPhone 17!

Did he really think he was gonna get away with that, and a 2 year overstay ... idiot.

Just now, garygooner said:

Did he really think he was gonna get away with that, and a 2 year overstay ... idiot.

Well it seems he did indeed get away with similar a year ago, so why not carry on?

Sad story, a kind lady lose what might be a lot of hard work and savings for her – I fully understandable that "the victim expressed frustration after discovering reports of his prior arrest, questioning how he was able to remain at large and reoffend despite his immigration status and criminal record".

Just now, scottiejohn said:

They must pay good wages to that barista if he can afford an iPhone 17!

Finance is easily available for employed Thais, as are credit cards, but it shouldn't prove too difficult for a fully employed person to save B30k.