Bangkok’s Pickpocketing Scare: Singaporean Tourist Comes Apart
What Went Down
On September 3 at 11:50 am, Elisie Fung, a Singaporean visitor, was robbed right in front of the famous four‑faced Buddha at the Erawan Shrine near Central World. She lost $1,700 in cash and three credit cards while she was busy paying her respects.
Police Investigation & Arrests
- The Lumpini Police Station flagged the incident and ran a CCTV review. Three suspects were caught on film attempting the crime.
- Two of them are Vietnamese: Nguy Van Cong, 42, and Do Thi Kim Hoa, 55.
- The third suspect, Pueng Min Hai, 32, is still at large.
News agencies reported that Do Thi Kim Hoa was nabbed inside a hotel, while Nguy Van Cong was detained at a border checkpoint in Chanthaburi province. All three deny the charges.
How the Theft Happened
The CCTV footage shows a slick three‑handshake operation: the woman slips her hand into the victim’s bag, while the two men follow close behind. Elisie’s handbag was slung on a pram she was walking – a familiar scene for many tourists in Bangkok.
Where to Go from Here
For tourists flying into Thailand, this is a gentle reminder: keep your bag inside your sight and stay aware of your wallet. Even the busiest public places can turn into daily operations for pickpockets. If you feel like you were robbed, always file a police report immediately – the authorities are keen to catch these thieves.
