PATTAYA, THAILAND – Two foreign distraction thieves stole cash worth more than 10,000 baht from a tourist in South Pattaya in broad daylight, according to local reports.
Tourist targeted in side street near Marine Hotel
The theft took place in the early morning of 13 January in a side street next to the Marine Hotel in South Pattaya, while police began their investigation on 14 January 2026. Two well-dressed foreign men, who appeared trustworthy, approached the victim, whose name and nationality were withheld at his request.
One suspect engaged the tourist in a friendly conversation about his background and holiday. During this brief exchange, the other man used a moment of inattention to reach unnoticed into the tourist’s pocket and remove cash equivalent to about 8,500 baht in AED from the United Arab Emirates and 1,500 baht in local currency, bringing the total loss to more than 10,000 baht.
CCTV images show suspects fleeing on motorcycle
According to the victim, the incident occurred at around 7:00 a.m. on 13 January in the small street beside the Marine Hotel. He only noticed the loss on 14 January at about 5:30 p.m. and then contacted journalists and the police.
The man provided authorities and media with clear footage from several CCTV cameras in the area. The images showed the two suspects arriving together, one starting the conversation and both leaving immediately after the theft on a waiting motorcycle.
Police report filed and call for prosecution
The victim filed a complaint at Pattaya City Police Station and urged officers to identify the alleged perpetrators and bring criminal charges against them. In available photos, the suspected main offender was described as a shorter man wearing a hat, while the victim appeared as a taller man with a shirt collar.
Victim issues public warning to other visitors
The tourist publicly warned others about similar schemes in the city’s tourist zones.
“Even in busy areas during the day and in the midst of many people, criminals are bold enough to strike, especially when strangers start an overly friendly conversation,”
said the victim, a tourist.
Reports of separate herbal remedy fraud
Police in Pattaya pursued the case against the backdrop of further reports of various fraud schemes targeting visitors over the past twelve months. Another recurring method involved a friendly foreign stranger approaching tourists on the street.
The stranger allegedly offered supposed miracle herbs against hair loss or for rapid weight reduction. Victims were persuaded to buy extremely overpriced herbs that did not deliver the promised effects.
Authorities urge vigilance in street encounters
Authorities called on residents and tourists to be especially cautious when unfamiliar people make unexpected contact or when offers are made on the street. They urged the public to report suspicious situations to the police without delay.