Pattaya-
A Thai man, suspected to be under the influence of drugs and pretending to be a police officer, was caught rifling through tourists’ bags yesterday, April 13th, 2025, on Pattaya Beach. The situation escalated when a witness, who later stated to The Pattaya News that she knew the suspect wasn’t a police officer and had done this before, shouted to stop him, sparking a violent reaction. Enraged, the suspect grabbed a pair of scissors and chased the good Samaritan, attempting to stab them.
Quick-thinking tourists intervened, preventing further harm and leading to the suspect fleeing the scene. The incident, captured on video, went viral online, prompting swift action from Pattaya City Police.
Under the command of Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyoo, Chief of Pattaya City Police Station, alongside Pol. Lt. Col. Arun Saphanont, Pol. Lt. Col. Suradet Imjai, and Pol. Lt. Col. Thanes Saengiran, a team of investigators tracked down the suspect today, April 14th, 2025. They found him wielding a stick, acting aggressively, and showing signs of drug intoxication.
Pattaya police officers managed to subdue and arrest the man without further incident. During questioning, he admitted to his actions, including allegations of impersonating a police officer to extort and harass tourists. A drug test confirmed the presence of illegal substances in his system, although the exact drug was not revealed to the media.
The suspect now faces charges of possessing and using Category 1 narcotics. Police are urging anyone who may have been a victim of theft, extortion, or intimidation by this individual to come forward and file a report at Pattaya City Police Station.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to report suspicious activities via the Pattaya City Police Station’s Facebook page, by calling 082-7999-111, or dialing 191, available 24/7.
Photos: Pattaya City Police
