Motorbike taxi driver arrested after robbing Australian tourist

A reenactment was held at Rawai Palm Beach Resort, opposite the Rawai Municipality yesterday (May 9) led by Chalong Police Chief Col Pakayot Tanongsak together with Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos.

The suspect in the re-enacment was 48 year old Tanapon Sukjam, a motorbike taxi driver from Surat Thani who’s stationed at Rawai Beach.

On May 8, around 3:30am, Tanapon robbed 39 year old Australian Stephen Kennedy, who was also at the re-enactment, presenting himself as the victim.

Col Pakayot says, “Tanadon took Mr Kennedy from a night club in Rawai to the Palm Beach Resort. When they arrived Mr Kennedy gave the motorbike taxi driver an Australian 100 dollar banknote, worth about 2,600 baht. Mr Kennedy asked for change, but Tanapon refused.”

“Tanapon snatched an iPhone 6 and a bag which contained 100 Australian dollars, 250 baht cash and credit cards from Mr Kennedy. Tanapon told police that he doesn’t get enough money in his motorbike taxi work. He thought that Mr Kennedy wouldn’t remember anything because he was drunk,” he explained.

Tanapon told police that he already sold the mobile phone and spent all the money. Tanapon’s been charged with robbery.