Foreign tourists robbed in Bangkok by tuk-tuk driver and motorcyclist duo

[webfact]

Tourists Robbed By Tuk-Tuk Driver and Motorcyclist Duo
By Khaosod English


A tuk-tuk driver and motorcyclist re-enact for police how they allegedly robbed two tourists in downtown Bangkok, 9 Sept 2014.

BANGKOK — A tuk-tuk driver and a motorcyclist allegedly conspired to rob two Chinese tourists in downtown Bangkok on Sunday, the latest in a spate of crimes committed against foreign tourists in recent weeks.

According to Pol.Col. Ruechakorn Jornjewut, two Chinese tourists in their early 30s hailed a tuk-tuk from the popular tourist area of Khaosan Road to their hotel near Victory Monument on Sunday. The tuk-tuk was reportedly driven by Jonglak Sarapat, 36, a native of Roi Et province, Pol.Col. Ruechakorn said.

As the tuk-tuk slowed down near Mahanakorn Road, a motorcyclist sped past the vehicle and snatched a Louis Vuitton bag from one of the tourists, the officer said.

The tourist reportedly grabbed the motorcycle by its back railing and struggled with the driver for 15-20 metres before the motorcycle was eventually brought down. The commotion drew attention from other motorists including Nakrit Suwannalert, a taxi driver who came to the rescue of the tourist, Pol.Col. Ruechakorn said.

The tuk-tuk driver reportedly kept driving for a short while before dropping off the other tourist, who left her belongings behind as she rushed to escape. After reuniting the pair sought help from the police.

Police officers arrested the motorcyclist, 33-year-old Ekkapol Sankhthung, shortly after the alleged robbery took place. Mr. Ekkapol reportedly confessed to planning the robbery with the tuk-tuk driver, who was later arrested. Police raided his residence and recovered the tourist's belongings.

According to Pol.Col. Ruechakorn, the two suspects confessed to robbing female tourists in this manner two other times before they were caught on Sunday.

"When [Mr. Jonglak] picked up foreign female tourists, he would tell Mr. Ekkapol to follow him on motorcycle. When they reached an empty road, Mr. Jonglak would slow down the tuk-tuk and make it easy for the robbery to happen," Pol.Col. Ruechakorn said at press conference today.

Mr. Ekkapol and Mr. Jonglak said they needed the money to provide for their families.

However, police records show that the pair was previously arrested on narcotics charges, Pol.Col. Ruechakorn said.

"The confession that they committed the crime because they needed to take care of their babies is just an excuse," the officer said, adding that Mr. Ekkapol and Mr. Jonglak may have committed more crimes than they admitted to.

The pair has been charged with robbery that lead to the physical and mental harm of others, robbery using vehicles, and robbery at night time.

Although Thailand is generally regarded as safe place for foreign travelers, there have been a string of crimes against tourists in recent weeks. On Sunday night, three Taiwanese tourists were allegedly robbed by armed suspects near the popular resort town of Pattaya, and on 3 September a Chinese tourist was reportedly robbed in the same area.

In late-August, another Chinese tourist was physically assaulted and robbed by a taxi driver on her way to Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport.

Source: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1410254797&typecate=06&section=


-- Khaosod English 2014-09-09

[I knew this would happen]

Just two month ago some guys tried (failed) get my wife´s bag, so let me be the first to say: Hang them high!! (as an example for all the others)

Edited September 9, 2014 by I knew this would happen

[Costas2008]

Ahhhhhhh, that's so sweet......they wanted to provide for their kids.

Bet you they haven't got any kids.

Anyway, it's the farangs fault for producing so many gangster movies that have an adverse effect on these innocent Thais.

[FireMedic]

We want quality tourists so our quality transportation staff can take care of them.

[ratcatcher]

Looks like one of the thieving batsards is riding a late model Honda. Congratulations to the Chinese passenger for having the guts to hang on and drag down the motorcycle. Another one bites the rust.

[halloween]

The Thai version of criminal masterminds.

[jacky54]

ahem, can I be the first to say 'this kind of thing can happen anywhere'?

[Cuchulainn]

...............The tourist reportedly grabbed the motorcycle by its back railing and struggled with the driver for 15-20 metres before the motorcycle was eventually brought down.................

Good for you!!

[I knew this would happen]

ahem, can I be the first to say 'this kind of thing can happen anywhere'?

Sure, it´s perfectly normal. Nothing to worry about. Why even mention it, it´s everyday business!! Happens anytime, anywhere.............

Next time it´s YOU......and maybe they are high on yabaa.......but hey, perfectly normal!!

It´s the same thing with the death penalty, harsh punishments don´t scare real criminals, but I´d love to see that the police (under new supervision) makes some clear statments that they don´t like to see tourists robbed, assaulted, scammed or whatever. Specially in Thailand foreigners seem to be a welcome target as the police hardly ever cared.

Edited September 9, 2014 by I knew this would happen

[ratcatcher]

ahem, can I be the first to say 'this kind of thing can happen anywhere'?

ahem! You're absolutely right, but it keeps us lot entertained.

[Bluespunk]

"Although Thailand is generally regarded as safe place for foreign travelers, there have been a string of crimes against tourists in recent weeks."

Recent? Don't think so, crimes have been going on against tourists for years.

Edited September 9, 2014 by Bluespunk

[ramrod711]

Mr. Thawatchai said that people are also discovering that Thailand offers other advantages to people coming to spend their golden years in the Kingdom. It is a Thai custom to respect senior citizens. The nation can boast great year-round warm weather, easy access to international luxuries, a welcoming culture, and a range of easily accessible accommodation.

Just part of the "welcoming culture", you are welcome to leave your money, voluntarily or not.

[stubuzz]

However, police records show that the pair was previously arrested on narcotics charges, Pol.Col. Ruechakorn said.

I though all taxi drivers had to register and have thorough background checks done to combat this sort of thing?

[impulse]

The commotion drew attention from other motorists including Nakrit Suwannalert, a taxi driver who came to the rescue of the tourist,

Kudos and my thanks to Nakrit Suwannalert!

Edited September 9, 2014 by impulse

[2fishin2]

Same shiet different day

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[FireMedic]

We want quality tourists so our quality transportation staff can take care of them.

What mod keeps deleting my posts and picture without telling me why? Is this meme pic too offensive?

[thesetat2013]

Now that the junta has taken over and gotten motorcycle taxis to register it has left many without jobs or money to buy their drugs. If they cant rob a foreigner with price gouging then flat out robbery works.

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[iReason]

We want quality tourists so our quality transportation staff can take care of them.

thainess.jpg

What mod keeps deleting my posts and picture without telling me why? Is this meme pic too offensive?

Who knows...

There's certainly no consistency.

I guess they have to earn their pay...

[Bluespunk]

We want quality tourists so our quality transportation staff can take care of them.

thainess.jpg

What mod keeps deleting my posts and picture without telling me why? Is this meme pic too offensive?

Is that not a copyrighted picture? The uniform looks very familiar.

And to be honest you appear to have taken an image designed to promote a positive image of Thailand and are using it as a stick to beat Thailand and Thais with. Some might call that offensive. Not saying I do, but it is a reasonable point.

[dpeti73]

All these animals said "they needed the money to provide for their families".

Good how about try work something mother f****ckers?

[Bangmod]

Just two month ago some guys tried (failed) get my wife´s bag, so let me be the first to say: Hang them high!! (as an example for all the others)

So because they tried to snatches your wife's bag, they should start to execute people???

What kind of guy are you????

[bkkjames]

We want quality tourists so our quality transportation staff can take care of them.

thainess.jpg

What mod keeps deleting my posts and picture without telling me why? Is this meme pic too offensive?

pretty obvious unless you like lawsuits from the gal / company she represents in the photo?

[Rykbanlor]

I like how the police seem to acknowledge that stealing to provide for the family would partly justify it.

[razer]

... "previously arrested on narcotics charges" ... "Mr. Ekkapol and Mr. Jonglak may have committed more crimes than they admitted to"

The Thai justice system allows criminals back on the streets fairly easily. I believe in giving a person a 2nd chance, maybe even a 3rd chance, but not a 4th, 5th or 6th chance. Perhaps they should make a significant mandatory sentence for the third criminal offense.

[FangFerang]

A very cool and good Brit I know had his Mom pulled down because her bag was well-made and the strap didn't break. She could have been killed. The snatchers get minimal fines, a slap on the wrist..and visitors get killed. Do they really think people don't talk when they go home, protected from Thai silly defamation suits and all the sludge attached?

Foolish people. No wonder TAT has to make mythological figures.

Thai leaders and people live in a bubble. They say "The world is not our Father." No kidding. Brilliant! But...you want the world to buy your rice, visit your country, and respect your culture.

No one in the world ever thought they were your Father. We are your brothers and sisters, and if you rip us off and lie to us we will go elsewhere for business, for tourism and for retirement. Get over it. We know what you are doing....... Worse, we know what you are allowing to happen...

Get over it, meaning take a rest. No words can make the truth a lie.........

Edited September 9, 2014 by FangFerang

[robblok]

A very cool and good Brit I know had his Mom pulled down because her bag was well-made and the strap didn't break. She could have been killed. The snatchers get minimal fines, a slap on the wrist..and good people get killed. Do they really think people don't talk when they go home, protected from Thai silly defamation suits and all the sludge attached?

Silly people. No wonder TAT has to make mythological figures.

Gf had had the same happen got dragged over the ground (she is a Thai tour-guide) until the strap finally broke and the thief got away.

[Nemesis7]

Tuk Tuk drivers are mostly very aggressive and as if always waiting to create trouble these days.

[wvavin]

These two guys should be put away from the society for a long time.

[vogie]

Just two month ago some guys tried (failed) get my wife´s bag, so let me be the first to say: Hang them high!! (as an example for all the others)

So because they tried to snatches your wife's bag, they should start to execute people???

What kind of guy are you????

He gets my vote!

[CUNJU]

My neighbor had the same thing happen to her outside our condo, she was so shaken, she didn't leave her condo for 3 days!

Sad they are doing it to each other not only foreigners! Where's Buddha when u need Her-Him?