PHUKET — Police have charged an Icelandic tourist with theft after he allegedly snatched a taxi driver’s belongings in Patong, before later returning the items following a public intervention, authorities said.
The incident, which was captured on in-car CCTV and widely shared on social media, showed a female taxi driver picking up a foreign male passenger in Patong, Kathu district. During the journey, the passenger allegedly took the driver’s mobile phone and handbag, prompting her to stop the vehicle and call for help by honking the horn.
Members of the public later intervened, leading to the return of the stolen items, which included a mobile phone, cash and personal documents. The case sparked widespread online criticism.
At 19:00 on 22 June, the victim, identified as 39-year-old taxi driver Pitchapa Sangkhan, filed a formal complaint with police at Patong Police Station.
She told investigators that she picked up the male passenger from outside Patong Hospital at around 09:50 the same day, with the intended destination a hotel in Wichit, Mueang district, Phuket.
She said the passenger allegedly reached for her handbag, which was placed on the front passenger seat, while the vehicle was passing Wat Suwan Khiri Wong. When she attempted to retrieve her belongings, the passenger refused to return them and resisted.
The driver eventually stopped the car near Soi Khuan Yang Charoen, where she struggled with the suspect before honking for assistance, leading to bystanders stepping in and forcing the return of the items.
Police later reviewed CCTV footage and launched a manhunt.
At around 21:00 on the same day, officers from Patong Police Station located and summoned the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Icelandic national Johann Freyr Hallgrimsson, for questioning.
He was initially charged with theft, police said, and was scheduled to be formally charged on 24 June before being taken to court for detention proceedings.
Further legal action is underway.
