Search for Missing Belgian Tourist Ends in Sorrow at Pai Waterfall

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7 September 2024, 21:21

MAE HONG SON — The search for a missing 28-year-old Belgian woman ended tragically. Thai officials found her lifeless body submerged in the sandy bottom of a weir in Mae Yen Waterfall, Pai district, Mae Hong Son Province on Saturday.

Tourist police in Mae Hong Son Province and local officials in Pai district, including soldiers and volunteers, had formed a team to search for Ms. Cloe, a 28-year-old Belgian female tourist, who disappeared from her accommodation with her bicycle since Friday morning.

Her friend reported to the tourist police at 2:40 p.m. on September 6, concerned that Miss Cloe, who has a psychiatric condition, had gone missing from her accommodation and could not be contacted since 2:00 a.m.

On Friday night, the search team only found the bicycle parked at the entrance to Mae Yen Waterfall, which had a notice posted stating that the area was closed due to it being the flood season and at risk of landslides.

belgian pai2 — The search team only found the bicycle parked at the entrance to Mae Yen Waterfall on Friday night, September 6, 2024.

They tried to search towards the waterfall amid heavy rain and flash floods, which have made it impossible for vehicles to pass through. At 10:15 p.m., the team had to suspend the search.

They continued the search again on Saturday, September 7, until around noon when they found her clothes placed next to the overflow weir of Mae Yen stream in Village No. 1, Mae Hi Subdistrict, Pai District. Officials then drained all the water from the weir, and at 12:40 p.m., they found her body submerged face-down in the sand. Officials retrieved the body and sent it for an autopsy at Pai Hospital.

The preliminary examination by Pai Police Station investigators and doctors from Pai Hospital found no signs of wounds on the deceased’s body. They believe that the Belgian woman likely came to play in the water at the scene alone before drowning, with no one witnessing the incident or being able to help in time.

Afterward, officials contacted the Belgian Embassy to inform Miss Cloe’s family and expressed their condolences for this loss.

belgian pai3 — Friends of the Belgian woman join Thai officials in the search effort.

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Hotel Prices Rise as Phuket Sees 42% Increase in Foreign Tourists H1 2024

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Khaosod English

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7 September 2024, 13:56

PHUKET — Tourism booms in the first half of 2024, driving hotel room prices up in Phuket, said a Thai real estate analyst.

Carlos Martinez, Director of Research and Advisory at Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand) Co, Ltd, a Thai real estate advisory firm, commented on the overall tourism industry in Phuket for the first half of 2024, stating that the industry has recovered strongly with a total of 4.3 million tourists, which is only 7 percent below pre-COVID-19 levels.

The number of foreign tourists increased by over 42 percent year-on-year to 2.6 million, close to pre-COVID figures. The improvement in air transportation capacity is expected to support further growth in international tourist numbers in the second half of the year.

The number of domestic tourists also increased and, at 1.7 million, was 6 percent higher than the previous year, but still 13 percent below the pre-pandemic level. The number of international flights increased by 34 percent compared to last year, but is still 14 percent below pre-pandemic levels.

In the first quarter of 2024, Russia was the largest foreign tourist group, followed by China, despite China’s sluggish economy. There was also significant growth in tourists from India and Australia, as well as traditional short-haul markets such as Malaysia and Singapore.

The increase in international tourists has noticeably improved hotel performance, with an average occupancy rate of 84 percent, 3 percent more than last year and 2 percent more than before the pandemic. During the peak tourist season from January to February, the occupancy rate was over 90 percent, only to drop to 74-75 percent in May and June.

The average room rate (ARR) has continued to rise, reaching a new high of 6,837 baht ($200), 32 percent more than last year and 64 percent more than before the pandemic. This increase was driven by the growth of luxury and high-end hotels.

In terms of new hotel openings, one hotel was opened in Phuket in the first half of 2024, bringing the total number of rooms to 44,838. Five more hotels with 1,117 rooms are expected to open by the end of this year, an increase of 3.5 percent compared to last year, exceeding the average growth rate of 2.5 percent per year.

Carlos noted that the ongoing recovery in domestic demand, fueled by the weakened Thai baht which has made foreign travel more expensive for Thais, coupled with a strong upswing in foreign tourists, is expected to continue in the second half of the year.

The peak tourist season in the fourth quarter should benefit from favorable exchange rates, an almost fully restored air traffic capacity and a visa waiver policy that promotes growth.

However, geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, have led to an increase in Russian tourists seeking safer destinations, which has further boosted tourist numbers to Phuket.

Phuket hopes to welcome 2.5 to 2.7 million foreign tourists in the second half of the year. This influx is expected to have a positive impact on hotel occupancy rates, especially during the peak tourist season.

Nevertheless, prices are expected to gradually stabilize after the significant increase in average room rates in the second half of the year, supported by the weaker baht and favorable exchange rates.

At the same time, new hotel projects in Phuket may reach their limits due to rising land and financing costs caused by high interest rates and inflation. This could limit new supply and lead to higher occupancy rates in existing hotels.

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Bangkok Art Biennale 2024 “Nurture Gaia” Showcases 76 International Artists

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Khaosod English

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7 September 2024, 01:46

BANGKOK — Returning for its fourth edition this October, the Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB) announced on September 6 to add more 31 international artists and two more venues for the title Nurture Gaia. The expansion of artists and venues further enriches the city-wide event and continues to spotlight Southeast Asia’s vibrant art scene while also bringing diverse international perspectives to the continent.

The BAB is organised by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in collaboration with The Fine Arts Department (FAD), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev) and One Bangkok.

bab2 — Adel Abdessemed, DIE TAUBENPOST, 2021. ©Adel Abdessemed, Paris ADAGP

The various Biennale-host locations include ancient heritage sites such as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Temple of Dawn, the Museum Siam, art galleries, and more. Running from October 24, 2024 to February 25, 2025. The Biennale will showcase 76 leading artists from 39 countries across 11 venues.

Nurture Gaia draws its inspiration from the maternal figure of Mother Earth, symbolising her historical expressions as a nurturer and giver of life across cultures. Conceptually extending upon this, the Bangkok Art Biennale will explore vital contemporary themes such as anthropology, collectivism, ecology, feminism, and the politics of time and place.

The ‘Gaia Hypothesis’ proposes that the Earth functions like a living organism that supports life across organic and inorganic matter. Today, we face urgent issues such as climate change, pandemics, war, and environmental destruction caused by humans. There is a growing realisation that humanity, as an integral part of Earth, is facing critical challenges.

bab3 — Agi Haines, Alter Terrestrial. In collaboration with Nicholas Tamás. Image courtesy of MU Hybrid Art House. Photo by Hanneke Wetzer

The Biennale will feature a constellation of artworks, many of which will be on display for the first time, including drawings, paintings, sculptures, videos, and installations from established and emerging artists and collectives.

The additional 31 participating artists include:

Busui Ajaw (Thailand)
Bruce Asbestos (UK)
Lena Bui (Vietnam)
Kanya Charoensupkul (Thailand)
Viriya Chotpanyavisut (Thailand)
Daniela Comani (Italy)
Tony Cragg (UK)
Rob Crosse (UK)
Lello Esposito (Italy)
Gimhongsok (South Korea)
Agi Haines (UK)
Mella Jaarsma (The Netherlands / Indonesia)
George K. (India)
Anish Kapoor (UK)
Chitti Kasemkitvatana (Thailand)
Cole Lu (Taiwan)
Maria Madeira (Timor-Leste)
Zul Mahmod (Singapore)
Nakrob Moonmanas (Thailand)
Sophirat Muangkham (Thailand)
Mutmee Pimdao Panichsamai (Thailand)
Deneth Piumakshi Veda Arachchige (Sri Lanka)
Moe Satt (Myanmar)
Thavika Savangwongsakul (Thailand)
Latai Taumoepeau (Australia)
Komkrit Thepthian (Thailand)
Tian Xiaolei (China)
Aleksandar Timotic (Serbia)
Jasmine Togo-Brisby (Australia)
Wang Xiyao (China)
Pokchat Worasab (Thailand)

Programme highlights include a variety of artworks, such as performance and costume installation:

Mella Jaarsma (The Netherlands / Indonesia) explores the urgency of disappearing knowledge and the tension between contemporary art and tradition
Pokchat Worasub (Thailand) explores ethnic identity and marginality through photography
Agi Haines (UK) offers a provocative glimpse into the future of human adaptation, exploring the profound implications of potential body modifications designed to tackle emerging challenges
Adel Abdessemed (Algeria / France) will showcase a large-scale installation exploring the interconnectedness of mother and child
Mutmee Pimdao Panichsamai (Thailand) creates a new video work exploring the human mind and society using movement, lighting, and theatricality
Gimhongsok (South Korea) presents a new body of work, that consists of sculptural installations addressing the subject of labour conditions
Anish Kapoor (UK) and Tony Cragg (UK) will display major sculptures at One Bangkok as a part of Bangkok Art Biennale 2024, and where they will remain permanently.

bab4 — Chiara Camoni, Sister (Farfalla), 2023. Photo by Camilla Maria Santini. Courtesy the Artist and SpazioA, Pistoia

Our panel of esteemed advisors features seven prominent figures in the art world: Marina Abramović, world-renowned performance artist; Lito Camacho, Chairman, University of the Arts Singapore; Kim Camacho, art collector; Mami Kataoka, Director of Mori Art Museum; Jean-Hubert Martin, honorary director of the Musée National d’Art Moderne at the Centre Georges Pompidou; Qiu Zhijie, Artist, Curator, Writer, President of the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts and Professor at Central Academy of Fine Arts; and Dr. Eugene Tan, Director of the National Gallery Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum.

Led by Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB), the dedicated curatorial team for this year’s edition includes Pojai Akratanakul, curatorial section lead of BAB; Dr. Brian Curtin, art critic and educator; Akiko Miki, International Artistic Director of Benesse Art Site Naoshima and curator; and Dr. Paramaporn Sirikulchayanont, lecturer and former Director of the Art Centre of Silpakorn University, Bangkok.

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Click here for the full list of participating artists and collectives, representing North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Middle East, includes 76 artists

Police Bust Unlicensed Canadian Massage Instructor with Drugs on Koh Phangan

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Khaosod English

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6 September 2024, 23:58

KOH PHANGAN — Thai authorities arrested a Canadian man for illegally running a massage teaching business, charging 3,000 baht ($90) per session. He spoke incoherently and confessed to drug use, leading to additional charges.

On September 6, officials on Koh Phangan, including tourist police, administrative officers, local police, and immigration police, arrested Kyle, a 48-year-old Canadian national, at Kissmoon Village, Moo 2, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province. This followed a report that he was illegally offering massage courses to foreigners.

canadian massage1 — A screenshot shows customers booked the Canadian massage courses through WhatsApp.

He admitted to officials that he worked as a masseur and taught massage techniques to customers, charging 3,000 baht per course, paid in cash. Customers booked courses through WhatsApp, after which he would arrange massage and teaching sessions.

During questioning, Kyle appeared suspicious, sweating profusely, shaking, and speaking incoherently. Officials searched him and found Type 1 narcotics in the form of clear flakes in a plastic bag in his left pants pocket. He confessed that it was drugs he had received while partying with a friend.

canadian massage2 — The Canadian suspect confesses that he used Type 1 narcotics which police officers found in his left pants pocket.

He was charged with “being an alien working beyond permitted rights (massage work)” and “illegally possessing Type 1 narcotics for consumption.” He was handed over to Koh Phangan Police Station investigators along with evidence, including the drugs and the massage bed used for customers.

Currently, Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuek-am, the Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, has instructed heads of tourist police stations in tourist areas and nearby regions to intensify efforts to eliminate all forms of criminal activities by foreigners who enter the country to commit crimes. They are to prosecute cases strictly without exception to build confidence among tourists during this high season.

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Chinese Fugitive in $1.5 Million Fraud Case Uses Thai ID Card for 14 Years

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Khaosod English

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6 September 2024, 21:21

Thai ID card — Immigration police arrest 59-year-old Chinese man who had a criminal record for fraud in China, at his residence in the Huai Khwang area of Bangkok.

BANGKOK — A 59-year-old Chinese man, fleeing a fraud case in China involving over 50 million baht or 1.5 million dollars, has been living in Thailand for more than 14 years using a Thai ID card and a Thai name. However, he was discovered by immigration officers during an investigation.

Police Major General Phanthananutnart, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, stated that detectives from the 4th Division, Investigation Sub-Division, Immigration Bureau, discovered that Mr. Yu, a Chinese national, was using a Thai ID card under the name Yongyuth. They sent a letter to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand to inquire about Mr. Yu’s personal information, identity, and criminal history.

The immigration investigation team found that he had a criminal record for fraud in China 14 years ago. He had opened a hotel business and deceived victims into investing, causing damages worth over 50 million baht or 10.5 million yuan before fleeing to Thailand.

The officials then gathered information related to Mr. Yu and sent it to the Department of Provincial Administration for verification. It was found that ‘Yongyuth’ had been living in Thailand for more than 14 years.

The investigation team then obtained a search warrant from the North Bangkok District Court and arrested him at his residence in the Huai Khwang area of Bangkok.

Mr. Yu confessed that he had illegally entered Thailand through a natural border crossing and assumed a Thai identity card in 2010, living in Thailand ever since. The officials charged him with being a foreigner entering and staying in the Kingdom without permission and sent him to the investigating officers at the Immigration Bureau Investigation Division for legal proceedings.

Regarding the offenses of identity theft and using an illegally obtained ID card, the Department of Provincial Administration is considering legal action. At the same time, they have issued an order to remove the suspect’s name Yongyuth from the civil registration system.

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Austrian Nabbed on Koh Phangan for Doing Tour Guide Job Reserved for Thais

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Khaosod English

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6 September 2024, 20:26

KOH PHANGAN — Tourist Police arrested an illegal Austrian tour guide who charged foreign customers 2,000 baht per head, caught while taking customers on a tour of Koh Phangan.

On September 6, the Koh Phangan Tourist Police once again arrested a foreigner engaged in an occupation reserved for Thai nationals. The latest case involves an Austrian man who was guiding European tourists for a fee of 2,000 baht.

The arrest was carried out by Police Lieutenant Colonel Winit Boonchit of the Tourist Police Division 5, Section 2, along with Noppadol Khao Mali, the District Chief of Koh Phangan, and the District Security Officer, investigators from Koh Phangan Police Station, and Koh Phangan Immigration Police.

Mr. Gunter, an Austrian national, was arrested in front of a restaurant in Moo 8, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province. A Toyota Hilux Revo pickup truck with Surat Thani license plates was seized as evidence of his work as a tour guide.

austria guide1 — Austrian national Mr. Gunter (center) is arrested on Koh Phangan for illegally working as a tour guide, September 5, 2024.

During questioning, Mr. Gunter confessed to having been a tour guide for customers for two years. He had agreed to charge 2,000 baht per person for this particular tour. He picked up the customers from their hotel and took them to various specified locations.

Officials charged him with “operating a tour business without permission, being a foreigner working as a tour guide without permission, and being a foreigner working without a work permit.” He was then handed over to the investigating officers at Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings.

Previously, the Tourist Police had arrested several foreigners who were working in occupations reserved for Thai nationals, illegally operating various services such as car rentals, beauty salons, entertainment venues, and tour guiding.

Most of these individuals were residing in Koh Phangan District, Koh Samui District of Surat Thani Province, Krabi Province, Phang Nga Province, and Phuket Province, which are areas with beautiful natural tourist attractions and large numbers of foreign tourists.

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Alleged American Life Coach Arrested with Magic Mushrooms in Bangkok

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Khaosod English

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6 September 2024, 18:58

BANGKOK — An American man advertising on foreign websites, claiming to treat depression patients in Bangkok, was arrested with magic mushrooms as evidence.

On September 6, Police Major General Phantana Nuchanat led a team of immigration police to announce the arrest of Darius, a 62-year-old American national. He had secretly opened a facility in a house in Soi Ladprao 108, Chom Phon Subdistrict, Chatuchak District. He claimed to be a life coach with a master’s degree in psychology and over 20 years of experience, offering therapy to rehabilitate those with mental trauma or defects leading to depression.

In-depth investigation revealed that Darius was not a doctor as claimed. He had been living in Thailand for several years, initially working as a language teacher before transitioning to offering magic mushroom therapy courses.

magic mushroom3 — An immigration police explain the arrest of a 62-year-old American national and charged with unauthorized possession of a Category 5 narcotic substance (magic mushroom).

Police found that the house was not a treatment facility but a regular residence with 1-2 beds for clients to relax. A search of the refrigerator uncovered 13 bags of dried magic mushrooms weighing over 1 kilogram, which were seized for examination.

During questioning, Darius initially claimed he had a degree in treating patients with magic mushrooms but couldn’t produce any documents when asked. He then changed his story, saying it was knowledge passed down from his ancestors.

He claimed that magic mushrooms contain important extracts that can counter depression symptoms and that he was unaware they were a Category 5 illegal drug in Thailand. He sold courses for 2,000 baht each, mixing the mushrooms with chocolate, fruit juice, or using inhalation cards before playing music to induce relaxation for easier treatment. The business had been operating for about a month with few customers, which aligned with the financial trail uncovered by police.

The police officers then charged him with unauthorized possession of a Category 5 narcotic substance, which carries a penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 500,000 baht.

Previously, immigration police had made three similar arrests, mostly in coastal island areas of various provinces. These operations typically claimed to treat depression or mental trauma, but it’s believed that clients were unaware of the use of magic mushrooms in food or aromatherapy smoke. While intoxicated, victims were often persuaded to hand over various assets.

In one case on Koh Phangan, a victim unknowingly transferred several million baht worth of assets to the therapist. Officials warn both foreigners and Thais to be cautious of criminals disguising themselves in this manner, as it could lead to significant financial losses.

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Eight Myanmar Workers Detained for Illegal TikTok Sales in Nonthaburi

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Khaosod English

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6 September 2024, 15:16

NONTHABURI — Live streaming sales is a popular business in Thailand, but migrants or foreigners are not allowed to do it without permission.

Police Colonel Somkiat Sonjai, Superintendent of Nonthaburi Immigration, revealed on September 6 that officials had received a tip about a suspicious gathering of Myanmar workers in a rented house in Nonthaburi Province. They raided the house on Thursday evening and found that the Myanmar group was doing business through live streaming sales.

The house was a two-story townhouse located in a village in Soi Kantana, Bang Muang Subdistrict, Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi Province. Inside, they found numerous packaged clothing items and communication equipment for live streaming sales on TikTok.

Mr. Min, a 25-year-old Myanmar national, identified himself as the tenant, living with his wife, Ms. Nant, also 25, and six other Myanmar nationals. Upon inspection, none had proper immigration documents. They were arrested for illegal entry and working without permits and taken to the Nonthaburi Immigration Office.

myanmar livesale4 — The TikTok account that the Myanmar husband and wife used to live stream clothing sales for fellow foreign workers living in Thailand.

Officials seized one iPad, one iPhone 13, and bank passbooks as evidence for prosecuting a business reserved for Thai nationals.

Police Colonel Somkiat Sonjai, Superintendent of Nonthaburi Immigration, stated that after receiving the tip, the investigation team found that the group was live streaming clothing sales through a popular app, generating significant cash flow. The Myanmar couple acted as employers for the other Myanmar workers.

The couple confessed that they had legally entered Thailand for work, with the husband working as a car washer and the wife as a company employee, earning about 15,000 baht per month each. Wanting to increase their income, they bought clothes from the Pratunam area to live stream on TikTok for fellow foreign workers living in Thailand.

myanmar livesale2 — Immigration police officers raid a house in Soi Kantana, Bang Muang Subdistrict, Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi Province, where Myanmar workers used for live streaming sales on TikTok, on September 5, 2024.

The other Myanmar workers were relatives who had recently entered the country illegally and were in the process of obtaining permits. The couple invited them to help with the work, paying 2,000 baht per month. The couple earned about 10,000-15,000 baht per month from live streaming sales, unaware that it was illegal in Thailand.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Phak Srivanich explained that foreign workers are prohibited from live streaming product sales as it’s an occupation reserved for Thai nationals. The Myanmar workers engaging in work outside their permitted jobs is illegal. All were sent to Bang Yai Police Station for legal proceedings.

The couple was charged with harboring illegal immigrants. The others were charged with overstaying their visas, working without permits, and illegal entry. All face prosecution under Thai law.

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Red Lobster Says It Will Soon Exit Bankruptcy Protection

By

Associated Press

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6 September 2024, 14:01

Red Lobster Bankruptcy — FILE - Signage at a Red Lobster restaurant, May 20, 2024, in Lincolnwood, Ill. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — After months of dozens of restaurant closings and headlines about “endless shrimp” woes, Red Lobster says it will soon exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

A U.S. bankruptcy judge on Thursday approved the casual seafood chain’s reorganization plan, which includes a lender group led by asset manager Fortress acquiring the business. The green light arrives under just four months after Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy protection as it pursued a sale, following years of mounting losses and dwindling customers while it struggled to keep up with competitors.

At the time of filing in May, Red Lobster’s leadership shared plans to “simplify the business” through a reduction of locations. The chain, which lost $76 million in 2023, shuttered dozens of its North American restaurants over recent months — both leading up to and during the bankruptcy process. That includes more than 50 locations whose equipment was put up for auction just days before the Chapter 11 petition, followed by additional closures throughout the bankruptcy process.

Red Lobster said Thursday that it expects to operate about 544 locations across the U.S. and Canada upon emerging from bankruptcy. That’s down from 578 disclosed as of May’s bankruptcy filing.

Under terms of the acquisition, which is expected to close by the end of September, the chain will continue to operate as an independent company.

Once the deal is finalized, Red Lobster will also get a new CEO — Damola Adamolekun, former chief executive of P.F. Chang’s.

AP24141396402684 — FILE – Signs for a Red Lobster restaurant are shown in San Bruno, Calif., Tuesday, May 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Adamolekun was appointed to head RL Investor Holdings, the newly formed entity acquiring Red Lobster, by Fortress last week. In a statement Thursday, Adamolekun said that Red Lobster “has a tremendous future” and thanked Jonathan Tibus, who will leave the company and step down as CEO, for his leadership during the bankruptcy process.

Red Lobster’s purchaser is also providing additional funding to help the Orlando, Florida-based chain get back on its feet post-emergence. Adamolekun said the company’s long-term investment plan includes a commitment of more than $60 million in new funding.

Known for its affordable seafood and cheddary biscuits, Red Lobster has seen multiple ownership changes over the course of its 56-year history. The brand was founded back in 1968 by Bill Darden, who sold Red Lobster to General Mills in 1970. General Mills later went on to form Darden Restaurants, which owns Olive Garden and other chains. Darden Restaurants was spun off from General Mills in 1995.

Darden Restaurants later sold Red Lobster to a private equity firm in 2014. Thai Union Group, one of the world’s largest seafood suppliers, first invested in Red Lobster in 2016 and upped its stake in 2020 — but announced its intention to exit its minority investment earlier this year.

When announcing plans to divest in January, CEO Thiraphong Chansiri said the COVID-19 pandemic, industry headwinds and rising operating costs from Red Lobster had resulted in “prolonged negative financial contributions to Thai Union and its shareholders.” It reported a $19 million loss from Red Lobster for the first nine months of 2023.

While not the sole reason, among sources of loss were — yes — those endless shrimp. Last year, Red Lobster significantly expanded the iconic all-you-can-eat special. But customer demand overwhelmed what the chain could afford. Thai Union leadership later noted that the deal’s $20 price tag wasn’t making enough money.

Last year’s shrimp debacle wasn’t the first time Red Lobster saw consequences of “endless” promises. In 2003, the company reportedly lost millions of dollars on an all-you-can-eat “Endless Crab” promotion when crab prices rose.

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Two Indian Tourists Arrested in Pattaya for Theft on First Day in Thailand

By

Khaosod English

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5 September 2024, 23:47

indian battery — Pattaya Tourist Police arrest two Indian suspects of theft from another Indian citizen on September 5, 2024.

PATTAYA — Tourist Police in Pattaya arrested two Indian men on their first day in Thailand for stealing a camera battery from a fellow countryman, then casually strolling on Walking Street.

At 5:20 a.m. on September 5, Pattaya Tourist Police arrested Mr. Abhishek, 29, and Mr. Akash, 28, both Indian nationals, suspected of theft from another Indian citizen.

Mr. Shaik, 34, also an Indian national, reported to Pattaya City Police Station that his camera battery pack was stolen at a cannabis shop on Walking Street, Pattaya City, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.

indian battery2 — Pattaya Tourist Police bring two Indian suspects to the cannabis shop where the theft took place on September 5, 2024.

Before the incident, Shaik entered the cannabis shop where the theft occurred and placed his camera battery pack on a sofa. While he was shopping, three tourists of the same nationality entered the store.

CCTV footage shows the suspects noticing Shaik’s belongings on the sofa. The two suspects sat down, with the larger one sitting on top of the battery pack while the thinner one reached underneath to grab it and put it in a bag. They continued sitting to avoid suspicion before leaving the shop.

Later, Pattaya Tourist Police, stationed at a tourist safety point on Walking Street, were notified by Pattaya City Police about the theft. They quickly reviewed CCTV footage from the shop and along the suspects’ escape route, only to find that the perpetrators hadn’t fled but were still casually walking around nearby on Walking Street.

indian battery1 — A camera battery, which was stolen, is the evidence in this case.

When the two realized they were in trouble after police identified themselves, they tried to return the stolen item to Mr. Shaik, claiming they had found it on the ground. The police didn’t believe them and took them to the Tourist Police Station for questioning.

When shown the clear CCTV footage from the shop, the suspects confessed to intentionally stealing the item.

Initially, both suspects, who had arrived in Thailand just one day prior, were detained along with the evidence – a camera battery pack worth about 5,000 baht. They were handed over to Pattaya City Police Station investigators to be formally charged.

The offense of theft, Section 334: Whoever dishonestly takes away property belonging to another person or jointly owned by another person commits the offense of theft and shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding three years and a fine not exceeding sixty thousand baht.

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