Bangkok Post – Thief who preyed on tourists for more than 10 years arrested

Woman Who Has Been Arrested 11 Times Said She Was Saving Up To Open A Cafe

A 55-year-old thief who targeted tourists has been arrested after more than 10 years on the job.

Police arrested a woman identified only as Pornthip at a condominium building at 23 Pradipat Soi in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai district.

She was wanted on a warrant issued March 25, based on a report filed by a South Korean tourist. He claimed the suspect stole his bag while he was taking photos at Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, in Phra Nakhon district.

Pornthip allegedly stole the bag which was hanging from a stroller. Security video showed a woman matching his description committing the crime.

A search of her home revealed the clothes she wore in the video, as well as bags belonging to two other victims who had filed a complaint on May 24 and 29.

The woman confessed to the crimes, telling police she started stealing in 2010 and regularly targeted foreign tourists at temples, parks and department stores. His favorite tactic was to wait for travelers to take photos and not pay attention to their belongings.

She also admitted pawning the stolen goods, saying she was saving to open a cafe.

Police said Pornthip had previously been arrested 11 times in and around Bangkok, including once for drug possession. She was released from prison on the charge in March this year.