PHUKET, THAILAND – A Russian tourist’s hospital visit on the resort island ended in a financial nightmare when her handbag with more than 120,000 baht in cash was stolen, but police later recovered the money.
Bag stolen in crowded hospital waiting room
The theft took place at Chalong Hospital, where the visitor was waiting for treatment and had placed her handbag on the seat next to her. In an unguarded moment, a Thai woman took the bag and left the area before the tourist noticed it was gone. The loss amounted to 2,000 Swiss francs and 1,000 euros, worth about 120,000 baht (around 3,000 euros).
Three-day police search leads to arrest
Chalong police opened an investigation immediately and used surveillance camera footage to obtain initial clues about the thief’s identity. Officers followed leads for three days before locating the suspect at a house in Moo 7 in Rawai. During a search of the property, police found the stolen cash carefully hidden under a water tank in the bathroom.
Suspect confesses and cash returned
The arrested woman, identified only as “Ms. Namfon”, confessed to the theft and admitted exploiting the opportunity in the crowded waiting room. The recovered money was seized as evidence and was later handed back to the relieved Russian tourist.
“We are glad that in this case we were able to reimburse the entire amount,”
said a police spokesperson.
Police issue strong warning to tourists
The incident prompted police to issue a clear warning to all visitors, noting that public places such as hospitals, airports and beaches were favored locations for thieves.
“Always keep your valuables directly on you. Never leave bags unattended,”
appealed Police Lieutenant Colonel Somchai from Chalong Station. Officers stressed that thieves often took advantage of moments when victims were distracted or in pain, and that a single second of inattention could be enough.
Practical advice to avoid theft
Police recommended simple but effective precautions, urging tourists to carry money and their passport on their body, for example in a neck pouch worn under clothing. Larger amounts of cash should be split up, with most of it stored in the hotel safe, and bags in waiting rooms kept on the lap or between the feet. Visitors were advised to be especially alert when feeling stressed or unwell, as that was when thieves were most active.
Case ends well for victim, but legal process begins
For the Russian traveler, the case ended comparatively well, as she received her money back and was likely able to continue her holiday. For Ms. Namfon, the legal process was now beginning, with a possible indictment for theft and a potential prison sentence. The case underlined that police on the island pursued even relatively small offences against tourists consistently, in order to protect the reputation of the holiday destination.