BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thai tourist police arrested a Chinese passenger suspected of stealing cash from another traveller’s carry-on bag on a flight from Laos to Bangkok, amid rising warnings over theft on short international routes.
Arrest after landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport
The tourist police detained the suspect, identified as Zheng, on Sunday, 13 April, after the aircraft landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Officers said he was a Chinese national.
Police from Tourist Police Division 3, under Tourist Police Bureau 1, seized 16,020 baht allegedly linked to the theft, along with additional foreign currencies. The money was recorded as evidence.
Report of 65,000 baht missing on flight TG571
The case originated from a complaint filed by a 45-year-old Chinese tourist and two companions. They reported that a total of 65,000 baht had gone missing during Thai Airways flight TG571 from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Suvarnabhumi.
According to the report, investigators led by Police Colonel Manop Likitmanon launched targeted measures to identify the suspected thief among arriving passengers. Their efforts focused on passengers disembarking from the same flight.
Checks at Gate C6 after crew alert
Police inspected passengers as they disembarked at Gate C6 in the terminal building. The operation was supported by Police Lieutenant Colonel Apirung Phiamongkol and Police Lieutenant Colonel Seksanti Thiraruangrat.
The cabin crew had earlier reported a passenger who allegedly took money from an overhead luggage compartment during the flight. This information guided officers toward specific individuals for closer checks.
Search reveals cash and multiple currencies
During the search of Zheng, officers found the cash suspected to have been stolen. They also discovered other foreign currencies in his possession.
The seized funds were logged as evidence and handed over to the responsible police unit along with the suspect. Both the money and the accused were then processed under standard evidentiary procedures.
Confession and charges
During questioning, Zheng allegedly admitted to the theft. He faced accusations of theft aboard an aircraft or on public transport, as well as possession of stolen property.
He was subsequently transferred, together with the confiscated evidence, to the Suvarnabhumi Airport police station for further legal proceedings, according to the outlet KhaoSod. Authorities did not release additional details about the potential penalties.
Warning over rising credit card thefts on short routes
In a related development, immigration authorities warned of an increase in credit card thefts on short international flights. More than 80 cases had been recorded, with total losses exceeding 8 million baht.
Pol Col Phongthorn Phongrattanant, deputy commander and government spokesperson for Immigration Division 2, said most incidents occurred on routes of no more than three hours’ flying time.
“Most of the cases involve flights with a maximum duration of three hours.”
said Phongthorn Phongrattanant, deputy commander and government spokesperson for Immigration Division 2.
Tactics used and advice for travellers
According to authorities, perpetrators often open bags in overhead bins and use stolen cards via mobile banking immediately after landing. The short time on board and the congestion during disembarkation were said to favour such crimes.
Raiwin Worawongsathit, president of the Credit Card Fraud Prevention Club, urged travellers to keep cards on their person and make full use of banking app security tools.
“I advise people to always carry their cards on their body, use card control functions in apps, activate transaction alerts and inform the bank about their trip before departure.”
said Raiwin Worawongsathit, president of the Credit Card Fraud Prevention Club.