BANGKOK — A case of foreigners scamming foreign tourists in Bangkok has resurfaced after a long hiatus, following the arrest of an Iranian couple who allegedly stole money from an Indian tourist at a shopping mall in Pathumwan District.
Police patrol officers from Pathumwan Police Station apprehended the suspects on October 23, 2025, at 7:40 p.m., recovering evidence including sixteen $100 bills totaling $1,600.
According to the investigation, Mr. Mostafa, 41, and Miss Marzieh, 36, approached a 46-year-old Indian tourist inside the shopping mall and struck up a conversation, asking to see his U.S. dollars. After examining the money, the Iranian pair returned the cash to the Indian man and quickly walked away. However, the victim soon discovered that 16 bills—$1,600—were missing and immediately pursued the couple.
The Indian tourist caught up with the suspects near the H&M store on the first floor of the shopping center, demanding they stop and return his money. The Iranian man retrieved money from his black shoulder bag but attempted to flee. The victim called for security guards to detain them, and security subsequently contacted police.
When questioned through an interpreter about whether they committed the theft as alleged, both suspects denied the accusations. However, based on clear evidence, police charged them with joint theft by snatching before transferring them to Pathumwan Police Station investigators for legal proceedings.
Under Thai law, the penalty for theft by snatching is imprisonment of up to 5 years and a fine of up to 100,000 baht ($3,050). For foreign nationals, the offense will be recorded on their criminal record and they will be deported from the country.
________________
Related articles: