PATONG, PHUKET – A taxi driver in Phuket has filed a complaint against a European tourist who allegedly snatched her handbag during a ride. The brazen theft was recorded by an in-car camera and caused outrage on social media. The 39-year-old only got her belongings back due to the brave intervention of passersby, while the man fled.
Passenger Reaches for Handbag on Front Seat
It was shortly before 10 a.m. when Pichapa Saengkhan picked up the man in front of Patong Hospital. The European-looking tourist wanted to be taken to a hotel in the Wichit sub-district of Mueang Phuket.
The journey took them past the Suwannakhiriwong Temple. Suddenly, as the driver later described to the police, the passenger reached over and grabbed the handbag from the front passenger seat.
Victim Honks, Residents Rush to Help
The bag contained her mobile phone, cash, and several important documents. Pichapa demanded its immediate return, but the man refused. When the taxi reached the entrance to Khuan Yang Charoen Soi, she stopped the car and attempted to retrieve her property.
The passenger resisted and tried to wrench the door open to escape. The taxi driver then repeatedly honked her horn to attract attention. Residents and passersby ran over and approached the vehicle.
Perpetrator Throws Bag Back and Flees on Foot
The sudden resistance from those nearby had an effect. Cornered by the passersby, the man returned the handbag and its contents, wrenched open the door, and ran off.
The distressed driver was left with her property while the alleged thief disappeared into the streets of the Wichit district. A camera inside the vehicle captured the entire incident.
Police Evaluating CCTV Footage from the District
Following the incident, Pichapa Saengkhan officially filed a report at the Patong Police Station on June 22. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wichit Nokkaew took her statement and initiated an investigation against the unknown tourist.
The officers are now reviewing CCTV footage from the area around the crime scene. They are also gathering witness statements to identify the fleeing European and locate him for questioning. Legal proceedings for theft could be initiated against him once identified.