On September 8, 2014, at 5:36 p.m., Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensan, Superintendent of Tourist Police Station 4, Division 2, Tourist Police Bureau 1, reported that a theft involving a tourist’s mobile phone occurred earlier that morning. The incident was reported by Ms. Nicha, 37, a tourist who said her iPhone had been stolen by a man in his 50s while she was traveling to Koh Larn.
According to Ms. Nicha, the suspect—a Thai man, approximately 50 years old—approached her while she was on a passenger boat headed to Ta Waen Beach on Koh Larn. The man engaged her in conversation and seemed friendly. Upon arriving at the beach, Ms. Nicha noticed her phone was missing after she attempted to take a picture. Suspecting the man she had spoken with, she immediately informed the Tourist Police.
After receiving the report, the police launched an investigation, analyzing CCTV footage from the area. They were able to identify the suspect, later named as Mr. Somchai, 52, seen walking near Ta Waen Beach. Officers approached him, identified themselves, and conducted a search, which led to the discovery of the stolen phone in his shoulder bag. Confronted with the evidence, Mr. Somchai admitted to the theft.
Mr. Somchai was arrested and taken into custody, along with the recovered iPhone. A background check revealed that the suspect had a history of criminal activity, including charges of indecency with a minor under 15 at Bang Chan Police Station in 2021, theft in Ratchaburi that same year, and another theft case in Pattaya in 2024. Due to his extensive criminal record, Mr. Somchai was handed over to investigators to face further legal action.
