Police Help Turkish Tourist Catch Young Thief on Jomtien Beach

Pattaya —

Pattaya police swiftly nabbed a young thief early Monday morning after he snatched a Turkish tourist’s phone on Jomtien Beach.

Deputy Chief of Investigation Pol. Lt. Col. Thananon Atipansi announced the arrest of a 13-year-old boy, whose name was withheld due to his age, who snatched a Redmi phone worth roughly 4,500 baht from 58-year-old Turkish tourist Mr. Akis Kul in the early morning of January 15th, 2024.

According to Lt. Col. Thananon, Pattaya police officer Tassanai Termphon (Pictured wearing white shirt and jeans) was patrolling Jomtien Beach on a tourist safety detail in plainclothes. Then, Tassanai heard Mr. Akis’s cries for help and spotted the young boy fleeing with the phone. With a quick pursuit, officer Tassanai apprehended the boy at the mouth of Soi 2 on Jomtien Beach Road, within only 50 meters of the crime scene and not far from the Dongtan Police station. The boy confessed to the theft, claiming he intended to keep the phone for himself.

Narrating the crime to the police and The Pattaya News, Mr. Akis revealed that he was chatting with the young suspect who had approached as if to ask him a question when the suspect suddenly snatched the mobile phone from Mr. Akis’ hand and fled. Mr. Akis immediately yelled for assistance and got it from officer Tassanai, who was patrolling nearby. The officer ran after the suspect and was able to catch him within just a few minutes.

Mr. Akis expressed his sincere gratitude to Officer Tassanai for helping him catch the thief. He mentioned that the quick work of the Pattaya police made him feel a deep affection for Pattaya and Thai law enforcement. The Turkish tourist also hugged the officer to demonstrate his gratitude. Later, he proceeded to the main Pattaya police station to officially report the incident.

The boy’s parents would be contacted regarding the theft and juvenile legal proceedings initiated.