4 arrested for targeting tourists for necklace, bag snatches

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Area police have captured a gang of thugs who admitted to stealing necklaces and handbags from tourists in Naklua and Banglamung.

Top Chonburi and Banglamung police announced Nov. 1 the arrests of Thawatchai Srinachu, 20, Ekachai Phasuk, 19, and two underage boys ages 16 and 17. Officers also confiscated two handguns, bullets, motorbike, mobile phone and 510 baht.

Four young men have been arrested for robbing tourists to pay for their drug habits.Four young men have been arrested for robbing tourists to pay for their drug habits.

German tourist Peter Bovenseepen, 69, identified the suspects as the men who robbed him of his bag on Soi Pothisan 8. Neighbors called police about the suspects, who were found sitting in a house in Naklua.

Police said Thawatchai, the accused gang leader, admitted to robbing tourists throughout north and east Pattaya, assuming they would not file a complaint and simply go home.

He said the gang robbed tourists to pay for their drug habits.