PATTAYA — Police arrested a 28-year-old Cambodian man within 24 hours of his alleged robbery of a Russian tourist in Pattaya, with the suspect claiming he turned to crime after losing his job due to anti-Cambodian sentiment following recent border tensions.
The arrest came less than 24 hours after the incident, when a motorcycle-riding thief snatched a bag from Miss Daria, a 29-year-old Russian tourist, while she was walking in Soi Chalermprakiat 14, Pattaya, Chonburi Province.
Police patrol officers found the woman in shock when they arrived at the scene around 8 p.m. She told police she was staying nearby and had been walking to exchange money when a young man on a motorcycle grabbed her bag containing $100 USD and 1,100 Thai baht before fleeing.
Investigators from Pattaya City Police Station deployed officers to search for clues, examining CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses in the surrounding area. Their efforts led them to discover the motorcycle used in the crime at Soi Sukhumvit 71, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, at 4:30 p.m. on July 29.
When the suspect spotted police approaching, he immediately attempted to flee, but officers had already cordoned off the area and successfully apprehended him.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Cambodian national Chid Jan, was arrested with Miss Daria’s bag in his possession. During questioning, he confessed to the crime, explaining that he had lost his job and had no money to send back to his wife and children.
Jan told police he had searched extensively for employment but claimed that due to negative sentiment from the recent Thai-Cambodia border clashes, no employers would hire him because of his Cambodian nationality.
Facing financial desperation, Jan said he decided to borrow a motorcycle from an acquaintance and search for victims. He encountered the Russian tourist walking alone in the secluded alley and committed the robbery before attempting to escape.
The suspect has been charged with nighttime robbery.
The Russian tourist praised the police officers for their swift action in apprehending the suspect within just a few hours and returning her stolen property. She expressed continued confidence in Pattaya as a safe tourist destination with thorough law enforcement protection, stating she plans to visit again when the opportunity arises.
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