German Tourist’s Lucky Escape: Bystanders Catch Thief in Pattaya

German tourist inspects his recovered wallet as Pattaya police officers document the incident.

PATTAYA — A German man was fortunate when a good Samaritan and a Pattaya journalist helped catch a transgender pickpocket who dropped the stolen wallet and tried to flee. The suspect later confessed to stealing to pay for rent.

Pattaya City Police investigated the incident after receiving a report at 6:30 a.m. on October 31 from Pratin Saengsuwardee, a 33-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, and a Pattaya journalist who had detained the suspect.

When officers arrived at the scene near Soi Pattaya 10 on Pattaya Second Road in Nongprue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, they found Mr. Phillipe, a 36-year-old German national, noticeably anxious while waiting at the scene.

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A motorcycle taxi driver, reporter, and German tourist stand guard over the pickpocket suspect while waiting for police officers.
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The suspect claims the theft was motivated by overdue rent.

Pratin recounted that while riding his motorcycle past the location, he witnessed Thawatchai hugging and attempting to pickpocket Mr. Phillipe’s pants pocket. The tourist noticed and struggled to recover his wallet, which fell to the ground. Thawatchai then fled into Soi Pattaya 10, but Pratin and the reporter who witnessed the incident managed to catch and detain the suspect.

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Initially, Thawatchai denied the pickpocketing attempt, but after Mr. Phillipe identified him, he confessed this was his first time stealing and said he needed money for rent.
Mr. Phillipe checked his wallet and found all 4,000 baht intact. He decided not to press charges.

Police took the suspect to the Pattaya City Police investigation room to record his criminal profile before releasing him.

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