Pattaya —
Pattaya Tourist Police arrested a Thai female pickpocket who stole from foreign tourists during the Songkran festival celebrations on Walking Street.
At 2:46 AM on April 19th, 2024, Pattaya Tourist Police officers apprehended Ms. Sumalee Kima-rae, a 59-year-old woman from Phetchaboon province, on Walking Street in South Pattaya. The arrest was made based on the positive identification of the suspect by a Chinese tourist couple.
According to Pol Lt Col Piyapong Ensan, Pattaya Tourist Police Inspector, the suspect was caught by the Chinese couple attempting to slash their backpack from behind to steal the items inside. The tourists were enjoying the Songkran festivities; however, they felt a tug on their backpack. Subsequently, the couple discovered that their bag had been slashed and their belongings stolen. They immediately caught the suspect, who they had been cautiously observing, and brought her to the nearby Tourist Police stationed on Walking Street.
During the interrogation, Ms. Sumalee reportedly confessed to the crime and even demonstrated her pickpocketing techniques to the officers. She revealed that she was part of a four-person gang that carried out such acts, each member playing a specific role. The operation involved one person diverting the victim’s attention while another used a razor blade to cut open the bag, allowing a third person to steal the valuables. The stolen items were then distributed among the gang members.
However, on this occasion, the person responsible for cutting the bag was caught by the victims. The other gang members, therefore, escaped, leaving Ms. Sumalee, who was believed to be the gang leader, to face the consequences alone. The suspect further disclosed that the gang had been targeting tourists in various popular tourist destinations, particularly during festivals.
Pol Lt Col Piyapong revealed that Ms. Sumalee had a criminal record for over seven pickpocketing offenses. Even though she had served her sentences before, she continued pickpocketing unsuspecting tourists.
The Pattaya police are currently reviewing the nearby security footage to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects. Pol Lt Col Piyapong urged tourists enjoying Songkran and festivals in general in Thailand to exercise caution and avoid carrying backpacks or bags on their backs or sides, as these are common targets for pickpockets.
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