Koh Larn/Pattaya-
The Pattaya Tourist Police have arrested a man from Ayutthaya after he allegedly stole a tourist’s mobile phone on a ferry to Koh Larn. The suspect, identified as Mr. Somchai Buengnok, 52, has an extensive criminal record.
At approximately 10:30 a.m. today, Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensan, Senior Inspector of Tourist Police Division 4, received a report from Ms. Nicha, 37, a tourist who claimed her iPhone was stolen. Ms. Nicha reported that while on the ferry to Koh Larn, a Thai man around 50 years old befriended her. Upon arriving at Hat Ta Waen Beach, however, she discovered her phone was missing and suspected the man she had spoken with.
Upon receiving the report, Lt. Col. Ensan immediately dispatched patrol officers and detectives to investigate. They reviewed CCTV footage and gathered descriptions from the victim. The suspect was later spotted walking around Ta Waen Beach.
Police identified the suspect as Mr. Somchai Buengnok and conducted a search, finding the stolen iPhone in his shoulder bag. Mr. Buengnok confessed to the theft and was taken into custody.
Further investigation revealed Mr. Buengnok’s extensive criminal history, including indecent acts with a child under 15 in 2021, theft in 2021, and nighttime theft earlier in 2024. Mr. Buengnok has been detained and will face legal action for his latest offense.