Bangkok handbag thief caught after motorcycle crash
A dramatic incident unfolded yesterday, December 30, in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district, when a 25 year old man was apprehended after a botched handbag snatching. The suspect collided with a civilian’s motorcycle during his escape, resulting in a head injury. The arrest was made near the entrance of Soi Phahonyothin 61.
At approximately 1.14pm, police received a report from the radio centre about the theft at the mentioned location. Upon arrival, they found the victim, a local woman, who explained that while she was unlocking her bicycle parked under a footbridge, a man on a blue Wave motorcycle snatched her handbag and attempted to flee.
The quick response from police led to a chase where the suspect, Natthawut, lost control after hitting another motorcycle, crashing, and sustaining injuries.
“I was simply unlocking my bicycle when suddenly, a man on a motorcycle grabbed my handbag,” the victim recounted. She described how the strap of her handbag broke during the struggle, and despite her efforts to retrieve it, the thief managed to escape until his mishap at the entrance of the soi.
The impact left the suspect with a bleeding head, rendering him unable to continue his escape.
During interrogation, Natthawut confessed that he had been riding from Ladprao Market and noticed the victim’s appealing handbag. Assuming it contained a substantial amount of money, he impulsively decided to snatch it.
Bangkok theft
However, his plan was thwarted when he collided with a resident’s motorcycle, leading to his downfall.
The victim shared that this was not her first encounter with such a crime. She recounted a previous incident several years ago in the same area where two armed assailants robbed her.
Fearing for her safety at the time, she complied with their demands without resistance. Unfortunately, due to the nighttime setting, she could not provide any useful descriptions of the culprits. She urges women travelling alone to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.
“I want all women to be vigilant, especially when moving about alone,” she advised, recalling her past experiences.
The police, led by Anan Worasat and supported by Sanpich Sirisunthorn, Prateep Kammee, and Yuranan Phetmanee, along with the patrol and investigative units from Bang Khen Police Station, are currently questioning Natthawut, reported KhaoSod.
They are also checking his criminal history to determine if he has been involved in similar offences previously. Charges of theft are expected to be filed as the investigation progresses.
