Couple held for snatching European running champ’s bag
A EUROPEAN running champ holidaying in Chiang Mai had his bag containing a valuable camera snatched from him by a couple who offered him a lift on their motorcycle, but police were able to arrest them in just 10 hours, Sanook.com reported today (April 13).
National Police Chief Pol.Gen. Chakthip Chaijinda, who is currently in Chiang Mai to focus on crime suppression and safety, presided over a press conference where the 2 suspects, Miss Tulaporn, 27, the owner of the Honda motorcycle, and her boyfriend, Mr Pattanapong, 22, were brought before the press.
The victim, Mr Nathan from Switzerland, told police that he came to Chiang Mai for Songkran holiday and on Wednesday April 11 night, this couple approached him and offered him a lift to his hotel.
After riding their motorcycle for a while, the motorbike suddenly stopped and Pattanapong tried to snatch his bag. He put up a fight and they came to blows, but Tulaporn took this opportunity to yank his bag.
This couple only sped away after a passing teenager tried to help him.
Nathan thanked police for arresting the suspects so quickly, and also mentioned that he has been bruised in many places. He added that he is sad at not getting his belongings back, particularly the GoPro camera which has been thrown into the river.
Pattanapong told police that Nathan had asked them to drop him off at his hotel for 50 baht, but when they reached the area where the fight took place, he started yelling and told them to stop. They did so and when they asked for the fare, he would not give it.
Pattanapong added that he needed the money to celebrate Songkran with his girlfriend.
However, police detectives said Pattanapong has a record of having been previously arrested on theft charge but at that time he was a youth.
Police have initially filed theft charge against the couple.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Nathan giving a bouquet of flowers to Chiang Mai police for quickly arresting the suspects. Photo: Sanook.com
In-text: The suspects after they were arrested. Photo: Sanook.com
Comments
