PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya police have arrested a 43-year-old suspect in connection with the theft of gold jewellery and cash valued at nearly one million baht (approximately US$27,000) from a Russian tourist who was found sleeping by the roadside in central Pattaya.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Put Prathumtong, was apprehended at an apartment complex on Thursday following an investigation by Pattaya City Police. Officers seized key pieces of evidence, including a diamond ring and pawnshop tickets for gold necklaces. Police noted that the suspect identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and had been dressed as a woman at the time of the alleged incident.
The victim, Mr. Konstantin Gushcin, a 54-year-old Russian national, reported that the incident occurred during the early hours of Wednesday. After drinking heavily in the city, he reportedly fell asleep on the roadside. Upon waking, he discovered that several items—including gold jewellery, pendants, and a significant amount of cash—were missing.
Mr. Gushcin promptly filed a complaint with local police. Officers reviewed nearby CCTV footage, which showed the suspect approaching the victim, engaging him in conversation, and then discreetly stealing his valuables. Investigators tracked the suspect’s movements using footage from multiple locations and were able to locate and arrest the individual at a nearby apartment.
The suspect and the recovered evidence have been handed over to investigators for further questioning. Police are now working to recover the remaining stolen items, some of which had already been pawned, and return them to the rightful owner.
Pattaya, a popular coastal city known for its nightlife and tourism, occasionally sees incidents involving opportunistic theft, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Authorities advise visitors to remain cautious with valuables, particularly when consuming alcohol or spending time in unfamiliar public areas.
