3 Mongolian men arrested for pickpocketing tourists in Thailand

Thai police arrested three Mongolian men on March 23 for pickpocketing foreign tourists at popular attractions in Pattaya, Chon Buri, and Bangkok.

Officers from the Tourist and Immigration Police in Chon Buri and Pattaya detained five Mongolian men at a hotel in the On Nut neighbourhood of Bangkok on March 23.

Among them, three were suspects wanted for multiple pickpocketing incidents in Pattaya, Chon Buri, and Bangkok. Details of the other two suspects were not disclosed.

The three Mongolian thieves were identified as 32 year old Naidan Nansalmaa, 25 year old Gangzorig Avirmed, and 24 year old Amabold Dorikhorol.

Their arrest followed a complaint by a 71 year old Chinese victim, Sue Yue Ying. Sue filed a complaint with the police on March 8 that her black handbag containing her purse was stolen at Pattaya Floating Market at about 1.30pm. She lost a total of 22,800 baht in cash, including 4,200 yuan (about 21,000 baht) and 1,800 baht in cash.

Following an investigation, officers successfully identified the Mongolian thieves by reviewing security camera footage obtained from the floating market. Subsequently, the police tracked them to a hotel in Bangkok and apprehended them on March 23.

The three Mongolian men admitted to the pickpocketing crimes. They confessed to targeting foreign tourists at tourist attractions, operating as a group, and handing over all stolen money to their gang leader.

The gang leader distributed the stolen money and belongings among the gang members later. The identity of the gang leader was not disclosed by the police. Additionally, the trio made unsuccessful attempts at pickpocketing in train stations and shopping malls across Bangkok.

They have been charged under Section 334 of the Criminal Law for stealing property belonging to others. This offence carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to 60,000 baht.

Furthermore, their visas were revoked, and they were blacklisted to prevent future entry into Thailand and the commission of additional crimes within the country.