PATTAYA, THAILAND – Police in the seaside resort city have launched an investigation after two Finnish tourists reported that USD 2,000 disappeared from their rented villa in Jomtien — a theft with no visible signs of forced entry.
Tourists Report Midnight Discovery
Shortly after 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Miss Sini Susanna Anttila arrived at the Dongtan Curve Police Station with her sister to file a report. Both were described as visibly upset as they detailed how money in foreign currency — equivalent to roughly 60,000 baht — had gone missing while they were out for dinner.
According to their statement to Police Lieutenant Anan Mahakij-asawakul, they had left their villa in Soi Jomtien 7 earlier in the evening and returned to find the cash gone. Nothing else appeared to be disturbed.
No Signs of Break-In
What puzzled investigators was the complete absence of any signs of break-in. Doors and windows were intact, and other occupants of the house had not noticed anything unusual.
Police immediately registered the case in the daily incident log and dispatched a special investigation team to the scene during the night. Officers collected evidence and began searching for CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
Police Launch High-Priority Operation
Authorities later confirmed that the case was being treated as a high-priority theft investigation. The focus of the operation, they said, was to identify how the thief gained access to the property without leaving traces. Witness interviews were already under way in the neighborhood.
Local officers have been coordinating with area patrols in the broader Jomtien district, a part of Pattaya known for its beachside villas popular among European visitors.
Concerns Over Holiday Security
The incident has unsettled some of the city’s international tourists, reigniting questions about the safety of short-term rental houses in Thailand’s most visited seaside destinations.
Holidaymakers expressed concern that even well-kept rental properties may not always be secure.
“IF SOMEONE CAN ENTER WITHOUT BREAKING ANYTHING, WE NO LONGER FEEL SAFE LEAVING OUR THINGS”,
said one tourist staying nearby.
• No signs of forced entry have deepened the mystery.
• Police evidence teams are reviewing surveillance footage in the area.
• Residents and tourists are being asked for any information that may assist the inquiry.
Authorities in Pattaya continue to investigate, but as of now, the suspect remains unknown. Officers have urged visitors to safeguard valuables and to report any unusual activity promptly.
Ongoing Investigation
As inquiries continue, law enforcement officials have not ruled out any possibilities, from internal access to electronic lock manipulation. Police said updates would be released as soon as substantial progress is made.
“WE ARE TAKING THIS CASE SERIOUSLY AND WILL DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO LOCATE THE SUSPECT,”
a police representative affirmed.
The case serves as a reminder for travelers in the region to remain cautious with cash and personal belongings, particularly in private accommodations, even in areas considered safe.