Tourist theft in Patong escalates to stabbing incident
A foreign tourist caused a disturbance in Patong early yesterday morning, January 13, following an alleged theft of headphones from a local shop and injuring a passerby who tried to assist.
The incident took place around 1.30am at a shop on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road, known for selling bags, headphones, and various items. Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanan Mekchai from the Patong police reported that the theft was brought to attention by 42 year old Ngo Van Binh, a Vietnamese employee at the store.
Ngo recounted that the tourist, accompanied by a female companion, both of unknown nationalities, entered the shop to browse. During their visit, the man allegedly took a pair of headphones without paying.
Upon noticing the theft, Ngo pursued the couple, calling for help.
Chanaphon Soponrat, a 31 year old from Phatthalung, responded to the calls and joined the chase. However, the suspect reportedly brandished a knife and injured Chanaphon’s left arm before escaping.
Chanaphon was transported to Patong Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment for his injuries, reported The Phuket News.
Police are actively searching for the suspect, who remains at large. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and collecting witness statements to apprehend the individual and ensure justice is served.
In related news, two Liberian nationals were detained in connection with a gold-selling scam in Bangkok that resulted in the theft of US$90,000, equivalent to around 3 million baht, from a Thai businessman. The scam involved swapping counterfeit banknotes for genuine ones.
Police Colonel Pansa Amarapitak, the chief of Thong Lor Police Station, announced the arrest of 32 year old Solomon Varney Gaddeh, and 50 year old Yousouf Cherif. The duo was apprehended while walking on Udomsuk Road in Bangkok’s Bang Na district late on January 4.
The arrests came after a complaint was lodged by the owner of an iron and gold ore importing company, who reported that two African men had swindled him out of US$90,000 during a meeting intended for the purchase of 2 kilogrammes of gold.
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