Thong Lo Police Arrest First Filipino Pickpocket Gang of 7

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Seven Filipino pickpocket gang suspects are arrested by Thong Lo police at a hotel in Bangkok's Phaya Thai area on October 21, 2024.

BANGKOK — Police officers have arrested another foreign pickpocket gang in downtown Bangkok, marking the first time a Filipino gang has been caught in such operations.

On October 23, Thong Lo police reported the arrest of seven Filipino pickpockets – five women and two men – at a hotel in Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai district, Bangkok. Evidence included the clothes worn during their crimes.

The suspects are Ms. Lourdes (61), Ms. Ofelia (67), Ms. Katrina (35), Ms. Annalyn (33), Ms. Joy (28), Mr. Brian (35), and Mr. Alid (45). All were charged with nighttime theft, which carries a penalty of 1-7 years imprisonment and fines of 20,000-140,000 baht, plus compensation for stolen property.

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Police arrest team poses for a photo with seven Filipino suspects (blurred faces) at their hotel room in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai area on October 21, 2024.

Thong Lo police received reports of foreign pickpockets operating in the Sukhumvit-Asok business area. Investigators tracked the suspects through CCTV footage and discovered they were staying at a hotel in Phaya Thai area. On October 21, police raided their hotel rooms and arrested all suspects, seizing the clothes worn during their crimes.

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Investigation revealed they entered Thailand on tourist visas. They confessed to multiple thefts, targeting areas frequented by foreigners. Their method involved surrounding victims before pickpocketing them, then transferring money to middlemen before flying home.

The Thong Lo area is popular among Japanese and European tourists. Previously, Thong Lo police had arrested pickpocket gangs from Vietnam, Cambodia, Congo, and China. This is the first arrest of a Filipino gang in the area. At least two victims have filed police reports.

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