PATTAYA, Thailand – A large-scale police operation is underway in Pattaya after a series of violent assaults on women occurred within a four-hour span on the night of May 20. Pol. Col. Anek Srathongyu, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, has ordered an urgent manhunt for the suspect — a man estimated to be around 30 years old, riding a black-and-red Honda Wave motorcycle.
The suspect reportedly picked up women on his motorbike under false pretenses, took them to secluded locations, threatened them with a knife, and assaulted them before stealing their belongings. Three women were targeted in similar fashion. Two have filed official reports, while the third managed to escape and has provided information to police but has not yet pressed charges.
First Victim – Around 10:00 PM
The first reported case occurred around 10:00 PM. The victim, Ms. Nok (alias), 20, originally from Udon Thani and working at a bar in Pattaya, was walking along Pattaya Beach Road near Soi 6 when she was approached by the suspect. Speaking in broken Thai, he persuaded her to ride with him, claiming he wanted to take her to his room. Trusting him, she agreed.
Instead, he took her to an isolated, wooded area behind a shopping mall in North Pattaya—approximately 1–2 km from where he picked her up—where he threatened her with a knife and attacked her. Afterward, he stole her mobile phone and handbag before fleeing the scene. The victim sought help from nearby residents and filed a report with Pattaya City Police.
Second Victim – Around Midnight
The second incident happened shortly before midnight. Ms. Pla (alias), 17, a tourist from Surin who had arrived in Pattaya only two days earlier, was sitting near the beach at Soi 3 with friends. She later waited alone for a ride via a mobile app (Bolt). A man on a motorcycle approached and asked in English, “How much?” to which she replied that she was not involved in that kind of work and was waiting for her driver.
The man then falsely claimed to be her Bolt driver. Although his broken Thai and foreign accent raised suspicion, she eventually accepted the ride. Instead of taking her to her accommodation, he diverted to a secluded area about 500 meters from the first incident. There, he threatened her with a knife and attempted to force her through a metal gate into an overgrown lot. She resisted, challenged him, and ultimately managed to flee. Local residents assisted her in contacting police. She later gave testimony and urged officers to find the suspect.
Third Victim – Around 1:00–2:00 AM
The third incident occurred in the early hours between 1:00–2:00 AM. Though this victim has not officially filed a complaint, she spoke with police and gave a matching description of the suspect. As with the other cases, she was lured onto a motorbike and taken to a wooded area. The suspect attempted to assault her, but she resisted and was able to escape.
On May 21, Pol. Capt. Itthiporn Tangchuthaveesap, Deputy Inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, along with investigators, escorted the two women to the pickup locations and the sites where the crimes occurred, to aid in documentation and reporting. Both victims confirmed that the same man was responsible. They were also taken to Pattaya Pattanakarn Hospital for medical examinations.
Investigators have obtained CCTV footage of the suspect and are working to track him down. Pol. Col. Anek has asked the public for patience while police pursue the case and expressed confidence that the suspect will be apprehended soon.
