Brazen Phuket snatch artist targets Russian tourist

PHUKET: A Russian tourist in Phuket Town became the latest victim of a snatch theft yesterday when an unidentified man stole her bag in broad daylight.

Phuket City Police inspector Lt Col Yongyuth Krongmalai received a report of the snatch at about 3:30pm.

Arriving at a retail store on Patipat Road, Col Yongyuth was confronted with the victim, a rather panicked Russian female.

It an interview at Phuket City Police Station, in the presence of a Thai friend who translated, Anna Telecheva explained that she was at the front of the shop waiting for a friend when the robbery happened.

While she was using her cell phone, a man driving a green Honda Click motorbike stopped in front of the shop and dismounted. Leaving the motorbike running, he walked straight up to Ms Telecheva and grabbed her bag which was beside her. He then ran back to the motorbike and rode off, said Col Yongyuth.

“The thief didn’t attempt to hide his face and wasn’t wearing a helmet. The only detail of the motorbike number plate she could recall was that it contained a ’49’.”

Among the items stolen, the police report lists an iPad, 2,500 baht, and the Russian ruble equivalent of about 6,300 baht.

The search for the snatch man continues.

— Chaichana Keowkaow