BANGKOK, THAILAND – Police detained two suspected members of a Vietnamese pickpocket gang who had allegedly entered Thailand illegally to target tourists over the New Year period.
Suspicion raised at Wat Pho
An alert security guard at the famous Wat Pho temple had noticed a group of Vietnamese visitors behaving suspiciously, reportedly in a way similar to a previously known theft gang. Officers from Phra Ratchawang police station launched an immediate search and traced suspects to a well-known Vietnamese community in Soi Prachasongkroh.
On 6 December at about 3 p.m., officers located the pair at an apartment on Ratchadapisek Road. The two spoke fluent Thai and initially claimed they were in the country legally.
False identity uncovered by immigration
Checks by immigration authorities revealed that the woman identifying herself as Duong Thi Ngoc Thao was in fact Vo Thi Anh Tuyet (59). She had previously been convicted in 2024 for theft at a religious site, deported, and released in September 2025.
According to the findings, she had re-entered using a forged passport, a new name and a younger date of birth. Her alleged accomplice, Huynh Hoa Loc (31), was also registered as a member of the earlier gang, and investigators said their plan appeared clear.
Illegal river crossing from Laos
During questioning, the detainees reportedly made a full confession, stating that they had entered Thailand in the night of 5 December by boat over the Mekong from Laos together with a third wanted suspect. A Thai smuggler had allegedly picked them up and transported them to Bangkok, with each person paying 11,500 baht (about 285 euros) for the illegal journey.
“They admitted that they intended to steal from tourists during the New Year celebrations,”
said a police spokesperson. The suspects had allegedly planned to exploit large crowds at major tourist attractions.
Search for third suspect continues
Police were now intensively looking for the third man, Nguyen Huu Van (53), who was also the subject of an arrest warrant issued in 2024. The two detainees were charged with illegal entry and transferred to the responsible police station.
Investigators said inquiries were continuing in order to dismantle the entire smuggling route. Authorities described the case as an example of the professional methods used by international criminals who have chosen Thailand as a target for quick thefts.
Heightened security in tourist districts
With the New Year travel season approaching, officials said security had been placed on the highest state of alert, as pickpockets were particularly active at this time. Police were increasing patrols in key tourist areas such as Sukhumvit, Silom and around the Grand Palace, and travellers were urged to remain especially vigilant.
Authorities framed the arrests as both a success and a warning, noting that the threat from organised petty crime in the capital remained high.