PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya police arrested a 34-year-old man suspected of carrying out a series of motorcycle bag-snatching offences after tracking his movements and identifying his motorcycle through CCTV footage. The suspect, identified as Phachara Nonsirat, also known as Lek, was arrested near Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 25, Pattaya Third Road, at around 6 pm on November 1. Police said he was riding a blue-and-white Yamaha Fino motorcycle believed to have been used in the offences.
Investigators had been monitoring locations where the suspect was believed to have struck repeatedly. Officers reportedly spotted him riding around Pattaya and looking for another potential victim before intercepting him. A subsequent search of his room in Nong Kham, Sri Racha, uncovered belongings believed to have been taken from several victims. Several people later came forward to identify the suspect, with one or more victims recognizing him.
Police said the suspect had allegedly disguised himself in different outfits, including food-delivery clothing and women’s attire, to avoid attracting attention while targeting victims. He reportedly admitted involvement after being confronted with the evidence, telling officers that he had spent the proceeds on daily expenses, mobile-phone installments and rent.
Police charged him with snatching property using a vehicle to facilitate his escape. The case will proceed through the legal process. Police urged tourists and beer-bar operators to remind visitors to remain alert and keep valuables secure.
One victim, who said he had lived in Pattaya for 16 years, thanked officers for the swift arrest and recovery of his belongings, saying the result had restored his sense of safety. Police display the motorcycle allegedly used in a series of bag-snatching incidents in Pattaya, along with property recovered during the investigation.
