TWO men stole the bag of a Swedish tourist as he swam in the sea off Phuket's popular Kata beach, police said today.
One man picked up the 70-year-old man's bag of belongings and joined his accomplice on a waiting motorcycle before the pair sped off.
However, alert bystanders saw what happened and noted the registration number of the vehicle as it disappeared into the distance.
Colonel Vichit Intarasom, the new chief of Chalong police station, which oversees south Phuket's beaches, related the circumstances of the beach heist today.
Accused of the theft is Thienchai Kamtasit, 36, from Nakornsrithammarat. Police arrested him about 2pm on Sunday, soon after the theft.
He was the robber, Colonel Vichit told the media today.
Police, still hunting the motorcycle rider, displayed Khun Thienchai and the bag and the contents belonging to the Swedish tourist.
The bag contained 3835 baht in cash and credit cards.
Snatch thefts are rare on Phuket's beaches because the vendors who rent lounges and the beach masseuses are usually protective of items left by swimming tourists.
Three people arrested for possession of small quantities of the illegal methamphetamine yah bah were also presented today at the media conference.
Phuket Waterpark Slashes Entry Prices in HalfOne man picked up the 70-year-old man's bag of belongings and joined his accomplice on a waiting motorcycle before the pair sped off.
However, alert bystanders saw what happened and noted the registration number of the vehicle as it disappeared into the distance.
Colonel Vichit Intarasom, the new chief of Chalong police station, which oversees south Phuket's beaches, related the circumstances of the beach heist today.
Accused of the theft is Thienchai Kamtasit, 36, from Nakornsrithammarat. Police arrested him about 2pm on Sunday, soon after the theft.
He was the robber, Colonel Vichit told the media today.
Police, still hunting the motorcycle rider, displayed Khun Thienchai and the bag and the contents belonging to the Swedish tourist.
The bag contained 3835 baht in cash and credit cards.
Snatch thefts are rare on Phuket's beaches because the vendors who rent lounges and the beach masseuses are usually protective of items left by swimming tourists.
Three people arrested for possession of small quantities of the illegal methamphetamine yah bah were also presented today at the media conference.
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