Pattaya, Thailand – February 24th, 2026 – A 55-year-old German tourist has commended the rapid response and efficiency of Pattaya police after officers quickly apprehended suspects involved in the theft of cash from his hotel room, followed by a physical assault on the city’s beach.
The incident occurred in the early hours of February 24th, 2026. Mr. Markus reported to Pattaya City Police Station that he had invited two transgender Thai individuals (earlier reports stated one) to his room at a Condominium on Pattaya Second Road, mistakenly believing they were cisgender woman.
According to the investigation, while Mr. Markus and one suspect, 24-year-old Phimmada Thanari, were in the bathroom, the other suspect, 22-year-old Kewalin Sukmuang, who remained outside, allegedly spotted and took cash from an envelope due to greed. The total stolen amounted to 35,000 Thai baht and 1,200 euros from the room. After the arrangement for companionship services fell through and did not match the agreed terms after Mr. Markus discovered the women were transgender, both suspects left the room. They later admitted to dividing the money, with Kewalin taking 15,000 baht and Phimmada taking 18,500 baht.
Upon discovering the theft, Mr. Markus hurried downstairs, located Phimmada near Pattaya Beach around 00:45 a.m., and attempted to detain her while calling for police assistance. Phimmada reportedly shouted for help, prompting 26-year-old Mawin Phlapphleng, 21-year-old Worawit Phosawang, and two other accomplices to join in and assault the victim, causing him injuries.
Pattaya City Police Superintendent Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, along with Deputy Superintendent for Investigations Pol. Lt. Col. Arus Saphanon, investigation teams, Pattaya Tourist Police, and Immigration Police from Chonburi province, conducted a swift operation. By 16:00 on the same day, authorities arrested four suspects: Phimmada Thanari (24), Kewalin Sukmuang (22), Mawin Phlapphleng (26), and Worawit Phosawang (21). Two additional accomplices remain at large and are being pursued.
Police charged Phimmada, Mawin, and Worawit with jointly causing bodily harm resulting in injury. Phimmada and Kewalin face additional charges of jointly committing theft at night in a dwelling or receiving stolen property.
Following their arrest, Phimmada and Kewalin reportedly raised their hands in a traditional Thai wai gesture to apologize, admitting the crime stemmed from greed upon seeing the large sum of money.
Mr. Markus expressed high praise for the Pattaya police, discussing their quick tracking and arrest of the suspects. He thanked the officers profusely and stated that he plans to return to Pattaya in December, intending to bring gifts for the police as a token of his gratitude.
