A NAMELESS Phuket tuk-tuk driver is being credited with saving a tourist who became the victim of a ladyboy pickpocket from losing 4500 baht today.
Ladyboy katoeys Aroonrat Pakgechat, 22, and Eakkachai Chaisri, 32, are being held at Chalong police station pending court appearances.
Police say the pair rode their motorcycle about 7am to a spot near the local Karon council administration offices at Kata beach, where Khun Aroonrat offered herself to a tourist for 1000 baht.
When the tourist rejected the proposition, Khun Aroonrat made a scene, implying to other tourists nearby that the man was a regular customer.
Using the perfomance as a cover, police say, Khun Aroonrat picked the tourist's pocket, remounted the motorcycle, and sped off.
However, an observant tuk-tuk driver gave chase. Near the PTT service station t-junction with Patak Road, the tuk-tuk driver cut off the ladyboys' motorcycle, jumped from the driver's cab and made a citizen's arrest before calling police.
Khun Aroonrat admitted the theft, but Khun Eakkachai pleaded innocence. The tourist was pleased to have his wallet returned but reluctant to take the matter further.
Phuket Expat Star Scores a Winner Over DeathLadyboy katoeys Aroonrat Pakgechat, 22, and Eakkachai Chaisri, 32, are being held at Chalong police station pending court appearances.
Police say the pair rode their motorcycle about 7am to a spot near the local Karon council administration offices at Kata beach, where Khun Aroonrat offered herself to a tourist for 1000 baht.
When the tourist rejected the proposition, Khun Aroonrat made a scene, implying to other tourists nearby that the man was a regular customer.
Using the perfomance as a cover, police say, Khun Aroonrat picked the tourist's pocket, remounted the motorcycle, and sped off.
However, an observant tuk-tuk driver gave chase. Near the PTT service station t-junction with Patak Road, the tuk-tuk driver cut off the ladyboys' motorcycle, jumped from the driver's cab and made a citizen's arrest before calling police.
Khun Aroonrat admitted the theft, but Khun Eakkachai pleaded innocence. The tourist was pleased to have his wallet returned but reluctant to take the matter further.
Update The fairy tale success story of FC Phuket's rise and rise up the Thailand football tree took second place today to the real life drama of a star player who suffered an apparent heart attack.
Phuket Expat Star Scores a Winner Over Death
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Photo Album In a night of great drama, Phuket won the game but almost lost one of its stars when a player collapsed with a suspected heart attack on the field. He is in a serious condition.
FC Phuket Wins, Player Collapses in 1-0 Drama
Andaman Governors Must Unite to Save Phuket
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Andaman Governors Must Unite to Save Phuket
Phuket Lifeguards Say 'Let's Close Karon Beach'
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Phuket Lifeguards Say 'Let's Close Karon Beach'
Phuket Tourist's Wild Ride Earns Wife's Evil Eye
Photo Album Nobody told Russian tourist Mike Shekin that a beach holiday on Phuket does not include drunkenly riding a motorcycle along popular beaches around midnight.
Phuket Tourist's Wild Ride Earns Wife's Evil Eye
Credit, where credit is due - Well done to the Tuk Tuk guy. Can't tar them all with the same brush and it's not the first time a Tuk Tuk guy has been in the new for a good cause.
Attitudes changing - it'll take a measure of understanding and tolerance on both sides.
Posted by Graham on October 30, 2010 16:27