Bangkok—
At 9:00 AM, on January 20th, 2024, the Thai Metropolitan Police Bureau captured a pickpocket and credit card theft gang stealing from foreign tourists at tourist attractions in Bangkok.
According to a report by the police, the suspects were publicly identified as Mr. Warongrit Rattanakijpisan, 46, Ms. Jirapa Saejiw, 39, and Ms. Manatsanan Naiphongsri, 44, and were arrested on charges of allegedly conspiring possession of illicit substances, type 1, without permission.
The suspects were captured at a famous hotel in Soi Suea Yai, Ratchadaphisek Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, on January 19th, said the police.
Furthermore, the police confiscated an amount of methamphetamine, 4 Electronic Data Capture (EDC) machines, 2 logbooks recording involved individuals, and other relevant evidence.
Previously the police tracked down three Chinese people who allegedly stole credit cards from foreign tourists in Wat Phra Kaew on January 6th. Upon the police investigation, the group leader was reportedly Warongrit who allegedly gave orders to other subordinates including Chinese people.
Warongrit had a duty to recruit other gang members and find EDC machines. Furthermore, Warongrit was a person under an open arrest warrant for attempting to export illicit substances to South Korea, according to the police.
The police had been tracking the group for 4 years, however, the group had no permanent settlement and no traces left behind. After a week of the police investigation, Warongrit reportedly appeared in Soi Suea Yai, Bangkok, leading to the police arrest at his safe house.
The group also had a well-laid plan to defraud Thai banks and spoofed identities for foreigners linked to a Chinese leader of call operator scams, according to the police.
Initially, the police escorted Warongrit and other members with property in dispute to the Phahonyothin police station for further investigation and legal processing.
