Pattaya police allegedly ignore theft case of Japanese tourist
A Japanese tourist accused Pattaya Police Station officers of inaction after losing cash and belongings on his first day in Pattaya. The officers reportedly asked him to investigate the theft case himself.
The victim, 78 year old Yoshiki Matsuura, reached out to Thai news agencies to expose the inaction of the Thai police to the public. He expressed his disappointment and urged the officers to perform their duties and take his case more seriously.
Matsuura explained that he was walking along the street at night when a Thai man approached him. The man spoke with him for about five to ten minutes before they went their separate ways.
Shortly afterwards, the Japanese tourist noticed that his crossbody bag was cut open. Upon checking his belongings, he discovered that 1,400 baht in cash, driving licences, and credit cards were missing. He suspected that the Thai man who had approached him was the thief.
Seeking assistance, Matsuura approached Tourist Police officers at a booth located only about 3 metres from the scene of the incident. However, the officers urged him to file a complaint at Mueang Pattaya Police Station.
Matsuura then sought help from a female Thai friend to assist him in communicating with the police. He claimed that the police provided him with only a complaint document and did not initiate any investigation into the theft.
The officers allegedly told Matsuura to gather CCTV footage from the scene himself and to contact the police again if he obtained clear evidence of the suspect.
Matsuura expressed frustration, saying it was the duty of the police to handle such matters, not his. He added that he had not expected such an experience on his very first day in Pattaya.
The story drew significant attention online, with many Thai netizens expressing their views on the matter. Some commented that this reflects the typical behaviour of Thai police, regardless of whether the victim is Thai or foreign.
One netizen remarked that seeking help from news agencies and social media is often the only way to obtain justice in Thailand. Another claimed that the police tend to prioritise cases involving celebrities, wealthy individuals, or influential figures.
As of now, officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station have yet to address the matter publicly.
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