Pattaya Tourist Police arrested a pickpocket suspect on Pattaya’s Walking Street yesterday.
The suspect, Sumalee Kima-rae, a 59 year old woman hailing from Phetchaboon province, was apprehended following the identification by a Chinese tourist couple. The suspect was caught for pickpocketing from the tourists who were engrossed in the festivities.
Pattaya Tourist Police Inspector, Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Ensan, detailed the circumstances of the incident. The suspect reportedly attempted to cut open the Chinese couple’s backpack from behind with the intent to steal from them. Fortunately, the couple felt a tug on their backpack, which led to the discovery of their bag being slashed and the subsequent capture of the suspect. The tourists, who had been watchful of their surroundings, promptly handed over the suspect to the Tourist Police stationed nearby on Walking Street.
Sumalee’s confession revealed that she was not working alone. She was part of a four-person gang, each member with a specific role. One person would distract the victim, another would use a razor blade to cut open the bag, a third person would steal the contents, and the stolen items were then shared amongst the gang members. In this instance, however, the rest of the gang managed to escape, leaving Sumalee to face the consequences alone.
Sumalee also admitted that the gang frequently targeted tourists, specifically in popular tourist destinations during festival periods. Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong shared that Sumalee had a history of pickpocketing offences, with seven such instances on her criminal record. Despite serving her sentences for previous crimes, she continued to pickpocket unsuspecting tourists, reported Pattaya News.
Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong advised tourists to exercise caution during Songkran and other festivals in Thailand. He recommended avoiding carrying backpacks or bags on their backs or sides, as these are common targets for pickpockets.
In related news, Thai police arrested three Mongolian men for pickpocketing foreign tourists at popular attractions in Pattaya, Chon Buri, and Bangkok.
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