Pickpocket Gang Targeting Foreigners Busted

Three suspected members of a pickpocket gang which targeted foreigners were arrested Thursday night in the Lat Phrao district.

Kissada “Oat” Sawasdee, 33, Panthagarn “O” Watsola, 20, and Chakrapan “Yin” Ngamwong, 20, were wanted for mugging a Japanese tourist earlier this year. Chakrapan was apprehended in Soi Lat Phrao 71, while the other two turned themselves in.

The trio allegedly injured Shinichi Kowaguchi on Feb. 22 in Soi Sukhumvit 24 when they snatched his bag.

Lat Phrao police investigators said there were six people in the gang, who worked the streets on motorcycles and frequently switched roles.

Thursday’s arrest came after police raided a phone shop in the Huai Khwang district and arrested Pornthep Kitchaisophon and Uranee Chayaniwanit, who they accuse of fencing the gang’s loot.

Officers seized 23 mobile phones.

The other three gang members are still on the run. Lt. Col. Jirakit Jarunapat said police have applied for arrest warrants but would not disclose their names.

Full Story – Khaosod

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