Pattaya police are examining CCTV footage to identify a man suspected of stealing approximately 70,000 baht in foreign cash from a Turkish tourist at a shopping centre in South Pattaya.

The alleged theft took place late at the mall. Investigators at Pattaya City Police Station are also checking whether the suspect had accomplices or may be linked to similar offences.

The victim, 31-year-old Turkish tourist Hanife Hilal GOK, told police that a man approached her and began a conversation before asking to see her cash. After showing her money, she later found that 1,000 euros and US$900 were missing.

CCTV shows man matching suspect description

Police reviewing cameras inside and around the shopping centre found footage of a man in the area at about the time of the alleged crime.

He was described as a foreign national, tall and of average build, fair-skinned and sporting a beard. He was wearing a black-and-white patterned cap, a black T-shirt, black shorts, a black cross-body bag and black trainers.

Investigators are now tracing his movements and gathering further evidence. They are examining whether he acted alone, as well as any possible connections to cases involving similar methods.

Pattaya City Police have contacted relevant agencies, including Immigration, to check travel information that could help establish the suspect's identity. Officers are also checking hotels and accommodation near the shopping centre.

Practical warning for visitors and residents

The case highlights a risk for tourists and foreign residents carrying several currencies in busy public places. Police said offences of this kind can rely on building trust and distracting a victim before cash is taken.

Visitors should avoid displaying large amounts of cash or handing money to strangers who ask to inspect it. Where possible, travellers may wish to keep currencies separated and use hotel safes or other secure storage rather than carrying all their spending money at once.

Anyone who saw the man described by police, or has information that could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Pattaya City Police Station. Businesses in the area with relevant CCTV footage may also be able to help officers establish the suspect's route.Police have not said whether a suspect has been identified or arrested.

Join the discussion?

16 July 2026

View full article

Not the old 'show me your foreign cash' scam that amazes me people fall for!

They seem to have plenty of good CCTV pics of him so I hope to hear of his arrest soon.

I still don't understand how this works. You turn your money over to a stranger to hold? What?

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

asking to see her cash. After showing her money,

Why would she do that, at least to ask why?

Was the short conversation relevant to a complete stranger seeing the money?

More money than sense springs to mind.

A total stranger asks to see your foreign cash and you take the whole lot out.

That’s a lot of money to be walking round with. I wonder how he knew she was carrying so much money. It doesn’t say she went to a money changer, but he seems to have known about the cash.

"One for you, one for me. Two for you, one, two for me. Three for you, one, two, three for me."

That classic division method comes from the famous 1946 Looney Tunes cartoon, Racketeer Rabbit. Bugs Bunny tricks the gangster Rocky and his henchman, Mugsy, by splitting a stash of money.

Seems this time though, the gangster tricks the bunny!

Sounds like one of those 'I can get a better conversion rate for you' than RICH for your 'foreign cash' as reported.

As per Bexman above, maybe they had met earlier and this time she brought the goods.

Edited July 16Jul 16 by JerryM

Show me your cash? Why don't you F off?

Instead, goofball with dufus hat makes off with 900$US. If you are that stupid you are out $900.

Some members believe a guy like this should just have to give back the money and pay a fine, because it's ONLY theft, but not me.

Apprehend, charge, convict, sentence, deport, and black list.

6 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Not the old 'show me your foreign cash' scam that amazes me people fall for!

They seem to have plenty of good CCTV pics of him so I hope to hear of his arrest soon.

6 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Not the old 'show me your foreign cash' scam that amazes me people fall for!

They seem to have plenty of good CCTV pics of him so I hope to hear of his arrest soon.

That bloke has got be from England wearing a stupid hat like that.

Troll post removed @flaming dragon still incapable to understand that this is the news section and does not need your trolling nonsense.