PATTAYA — Tourist Police arrested two transgender suspects for pickpocketing an Israeli tourist after one dropped stolen cash while attempting to retrieve it, authorities said Tuesday.
Officers detained Chanayut, 25, from Nakhon Ratchasima province, and Kritsana, 27, from Roi Et province, after responding to a disturbance near a currency exchange booth on Walking Street.
The victim, identified only as Mr. Chamam, 52, of Israel, reported the theft of 1,200 baht ($38.50), $300 and 160 Israeli shekels ($50) — a total of $388.50.
Police found the second suspect collecting dropped money behind the exchange booth. Both suspects confessed to the theft, police said.
Authorities charged the pair with nighttime theft, which carries penalties of one to five years in prison and fines ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 baht ($640-$3,210) under Thai law — harsher than daytime theft charges.
Tourist police urged visitors to remain vigilant with valuables in crowded areas, particularly at night and during festivals.
__
