PHUKET — Phuket police have arrested four British nationals within hours of a daylight robbery targeting an American lawyer’s $72,000 luxury watch, with the victim praising authorities for their swift response.
The incident occurred at 4:19 p.m. on September 18 in Layan Soi 7, Cherng Talay subdistrict, when a car deliberately rammed the rear of a motorcycle ridden by an American man before robbing his luxury watch.
The entire incident was captured on dashcam footage by Sompoom Nophawaankaew, a Phuket Airport firefighter who was driving home when he witnessed the robbery. “I was shocked because I’d never seen anything like this,” he said. “I saw the robbers had both knives and guns threatening the victim.” After the robbery, the American man ran to him for help, and Sompoom agreed to provide the video evidence to police.
The victim, an American lawyer based in Switzerland, told police he has visited Thailand over 60 times and had been in the country for 10 days when the attack occurred. He had been in the country for about 10 days, spending the day visiting cafes, markets, a laundry, and convenience stores before the attack.
While riding his motorcycle back to his accommodation, he was rammed by a sedan. Two large men then attacked him, striking his neck once with a knife handle and demanding his watch in clear English, threatening further violence if he refused. Feeling he had no choice, he surrendered the timepiece before the perpetrators fled.
“I’ve never had problems with anyone before or experienced anything like this,” the victim said. “I believe the gang had planned and followed me, choosing a time when few tourists were on the road to carry out this brazen attack. It was as violent as a movie scene, and I couldn’t defend myself.”
Police tracked the suspects through CCTV footage and fingerprints from the abandoned getaway car, leading to Friday morning arrests at a luxury villa behind Cherng Talay Municipal Office: Hussain (26), Wayne (25), Yanne (25), and Malique (27). Officers recovered the 2.3 million baht Audemars Piguet watch along with three vehicles and two firearms.
Following the arrests, the American victim visited Cherng Talay Police Station and praised the investigation. “I want to commend Phuket police for their professional and efficient work. They tracked down the criminals and made arrests within just a few hours,” he said. “This incident doesn’t affect my confidence because I’m certain Thailand remains a safe country for tourists.”
The victim suggested the Thai government consider implementing background checks or screening procedures for foreign visitors from all countries to prevent criminals from entering and ensure decisive legal action against perpetrators.
Police Colonel Sinlert Sukhum, Phuket Provincial Police Commander, said investigators are gathering evidence about the suspects’ relationships and whether others were involved. All four have been charged with armed robbery.
“I want to thank the good citizen who helped and provided evidence for our investigation,” he said. “If anyone has information or has experienced similar incidents, please come forward to view the suspects.”
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Previous report:
Phuket Police Hunt Foreign Suspects in American Tourist Robbery
