PATTAYA, Thailand – Officers on duty at Pattaya Police Station received a report of an armed robbery involving a foreign tourist in Soi Pratumnak 5 at 8:46 PM on April 20. The case was immediately escalated to Police Chief Colonel Anek Srathongyu and the Tourist Police, who quickly responded to investigate.
The first reported victim was a Thai woman, Ms. Wichayada (surname withheld), 21, who said a man wearing an orange motorcycle taxi vest rode alongside her and asked if she needed a ride. When she declined, he followed her and eventually blocked her path before brandishing a firearm. Terrified, she ran into a nearby hotel to seek help. The suspect fled the scene on his motorcycle.
Soon after, the suspect targeted another victim—Miss Liliia, a Russian tourist walking with her friend and 3-year-old daughter near Soi Pratumnak 6 after leaving a market. Witnesses said the man circled the area three times before confronting them in a dimly lit alley. He threatened them with a gun and demanded money. Fearing for her child’s safety, Liliia handed over 3,100 baht before the suspect fled on his motorcycle.
Police radioed nearby units to intercept the suspect based on witness descriptions but were initially unsuccessful. Investigators and Tourist Police began reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to local witnesses in hopes of tracking the man down.
Authorities now believe they have identified the suspect and his getaway vehicle. An arrest is expected soon.
