Pattaya, Thailand – An Israeli tourist was detained early on Friday after staff and nearby motorcycle taxi drivers caught him trying to flee with donation envelopes meant for a Buddhist temple, police and witnesses said.
Massage dispute escalated
Around 2 a.m. on October 17 the 36-year-old man attended a traditional Thai massage parlour on Soi 5 in Pattaya for a one-hour treatment. Staff said he paid the usual 300 baht but later demanded a full refund. When employees refused, they said, he grabbed several donation envelopes from the reception counter and ran off.
Chase and arrest
Workers reacted quickly, pursued the man and called for help. Motorcycle taxi drivers who were parked nearby joined the pursuit and, after a short foot chase, detained the tourist. A search reportedly turned up the stolen donation envelopes in his pockets, with cash inside that had been intended for temple use.
Suspect’s account and police response
At the police station the 36-year-old, who initially gave the name “Mr. Bar Bigger” – a name officers said was likely fictitious – denied intending to steal. “I did not know there was money in the envelopes. I thought they were information cards with the shop’s address,” he told investigators, according to police.
Investigators expressed scepticism. “His attempt to flee and the false name speak a different language,” a police officer said, adding that footage from the parlour’s security cameras documented the incident in full.
Cultural outrage and possible charges
The theft of donations is regarded as particularly offensive in Thailand, where contributions to Buddhist temples are treated with reverence. Staff at the massage parlour said they were deeply upset. “The money was meant for charitable purposes. We have never experienced anything like this,” one employee said.
The tourist was taken to Pattaya City police for further questioning. Authorities said he could face theft charges and possible action from immigration officials.