Bag-snatching Phuket teens arrested for robbing tourists

PHUKET: Two Phuket teenagers were arrested yesterday for snatching a bag from two Chinese tourists.

Natthapong “Mad” Intan ,19, and his 17-year-old accomplice were both arrested at their rented accommodation in Rassada.

“A complaint was lodged at Thalang Police Station on Thursday morning by Chinese nationals 27-year-old Li Xue Juan, and 30-year-old Sun Ce,” said Maj Kittiphum Tinthalang of the Thalang Police.

“The two had been walking along Namtok Ton Sai Road, when the two thieves rode past on a motorbike and snatched Ms Li’s bag. Inside was 500 baht in cash, two mobile phones and some documents,” said Maj Kittiphum.

“Using the GPS signal from Ms Li’s mobile phone, we managed to track down the two teenagers at their rented room on Soi Patchanee.”

Both suspects confessed to the crime and were taken to Thalang Police Station, where they were charged with theft, confirmed Maj Kittiphum.

“Because one of the suspects is underage, he will have to appear before the Phuket Family and Juvenile Court on Monday to hear the charges against him,” Maj Kittiphum explained. “The other will be processed normally.”

— Thawit Bilabdullar