PHUKET: A Swedish expat resident went to Phuket's Kamala police station today following the arrest of a Russian man who has been accused of a series of thefts from homes all over Phuket.
The Swede couldn't see anything she recognised among a trove of computers, smartphones, wallets, watches, jewellery and sunglasses.
Then the Russian man's Thai girlfriend lifted her arm above a desk. ''That's my watch,'' the Swedish woman exclaimed. ''It was given to me for my birthday in March by my husband.''
Later, although she did not wish to be named, she expressed her indignation to the pair over her home being raided on November 7.
The accused Thai woman, Maturin Sopapon, 29, claimed she had bought the distinctive white watch at a market for 199 baht.
Her boyfriend, Pavel Zhuravlev, 35, admitted possession of a small amount of drugs but denied being involved in any theft.
Arrested on Christmas Day, the pair allegedly stole from homes all over the island, the latest burglary coming on Christmas Eve.
Responding to media questions, Mr Zhuravlev said he was ''just a tourist'' and had lost his passport more than a year ago. He said he was sent money to survive from Russia, although he had no family there.
The items allegedly stolen were all his, he said, purchased from ladyboys in Patong. He had possession of several IDs belonging to other Russians because they were friends who had returned home.
People who believe they may find their belongings among the items allegedly stolen are invited to call Lieutenant Tapanapat Jaturonphan on 084 4774946 to arrange a visit to Kamala police station.
The Swede couldn't see anything she recognised among a trove of computers, smartphones, wallets, watches, jewellery and sunglasses.
Then the Russian man's Thai girlfriend lifted her arm above a desk. ''That's my watch,'' the Swedish woman exclaimed. ''It was given to me for my birthday in March by my husband.''
Later, although she did not wish to be named, she expressed her indignation to the pair over her home being raided on November 7.
The accused Thai woman, Maturin Sopapon, 29, claimed she had bought the distinctive white watch at a market for 199 baht.
Her boyfriend, Pavel Zhuravlev, 35, admitted possession of a small amount of drugs but denied being involved in any theft.
Arrested on Christmas Day, the pair allegedly stole from homes all over the island, the latest burglary coming on Christmas Eve.
Responding to media questions, Mr Zhuravlev said he was ''just a tourist'' and had lost his passport more than a year ago. He said he was sent money to survive from Russia, although he had no family there.
The items allegedly stolen were all his, he said, purchased from ladyboys in Patong. He had possession of several IDs belonging to other Russians because they were friends who had returned home.
People who believe they may find their belongings among the items allegedly stolen are invited to call Lieutenant Tapanapat Jaturonphan on 084 4774946 to arrange a visit to Kamala police station.
