Thai businessman Anuchart Rojpitipongsathon said he caught a Chinese passenger who stole cash from his bag during a flight to Hong Kong. Anuchart was carrying HK$90,000, worth nearly 400,000 baht, to purchase vehicle parts and had placed the money in an overhead compartment. He became suspicious after waking to see a passenger who was seated elsewhere closing the compartment and heading towards the bathroom. After landing, Anuchart discovered the money was missing, confronted the passenger and eventually recovered an envelope of cash from the man’s shirt. He chose not to pursue legal action because of his business schedule but warned travellers to keep cash and valuables close rather than storing them overhead.

Chinese people stealing from carryon bags is becoming a trend.

Perhaps he should go out and celebrate his

Good fortune !

Then again perhaps not !

He chose not to pursue legal action because of his business schedule but warned travellers to keep cash and valuables close rather than storing them overhead.

I wonder if he let it slide because he didn't declare the money upon leaving Thailand, then again upon entering Hong Kong?

I always keep the valuables on me when flying. NEVER in the above storage.

On 6/26/2026 at 8:05 PM, TedG said:

Chinese people stealing from carryon bags is becoming a trend.

Indeed it is.

Over the past couple of years I've read of people having money stolen from their overhead luggage - possibly as many as 5 or 6 times.

As soon as I read this headline - my first thought was "Chinese person involved ?"....

Its certainly a pattern.

On 6/27/2026 at 9:32 AM, impulse said:

I wonder if he let it slide because he didn't declare the money upon leaving Thailand, then again upon entering Hong Kong?

THB 400,000 is within Thai declaration limits for departure (< US$20,000 eq) and for taking into HK (<HK$120,000 / 510,000 baht) - so theres no issue with lack of declaration.

And thats a very strange part - not pressing charges - surely thats not up to the passenger but up to Police ????

Particularly as this occurred on a flight - surely the Airline would want to ensure charges were pressed.

Problem is that whether you keep in overhead bin or in seat pocket in front of you theres always a high chance you'll fall asleep on long haul

The only (almost) certain safe way is to have a money belt under your shirt etc but thats not ideal