PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya police have detained two transgender individuals—one from Laos and one from Thailand—after a Russian tourist reported that more than 10,000 baht in cash disappeared following a paid sexual encounter at a hotel near Walking Street. The incident was reported at around 5:08 a.m. on July 1, when motorcycle patrol officers from Pattaya City Police Station were approached by the Russian tourist. He told officers he had agreed to pay 3,000 baht for sexual services in his hotel room. After the encounter, he discovered that approximately 10,000 baht in cash was missing from his bag. The tourist asked police to review the hotel’s CCTV footage to help identify the person responsible. Officers immediately launched an investigation, examining the scene, gathering evidence, and coordinating with Pattaya City officials. Their inquiries led to the detention of two individuals for questioning.
The first was identified through a passport as Phouangmalay, a Lao national. The second was identified through a Thai national identification card as Phlai, a Thai national. Both individuals were taken to investigators at Pattaya City Police Station for detailed questioning. Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage, tracing movements into and out of the hotel, and collecting forensic evidence to establish the facts surrounding the alleged theft. Police emphasized that the case remains under investigation and no charges have yet been announced. Should the evidence support allegations of theft or any other offences, legal action will be taken in accordance with Thai law. Authorities also reminded both Thai and foreign visitors to exercise caution when carrying valuables and warned against engaging in prostitution, noting that such encounters carry risks of theft, fraud, and other crimes in addition to potential legal consequences. Police said the investigation is continuing and that anyone found to have committed an offence will be prosecuted based on the available evidence.
