A THAI man from Rayong province was arrested at Pattaya beach today (Dec.1) for assaulting and robbing a Russian woman tourist last Sunday (Nov. 28), TV Channel 7 said.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Atthasit Kitchahan, commander of the Chonburi provincial police, said Mr. Kriengsak Klomkaew or Ped Na Lai, 42, was arrested under a Pattaya provincial court warrant on the charges of assaulting and robbing Mrs. Alena Seryuk, 56.
The Russian tourist was photographing scenes in Pattaya when a man with tattoos on his face attacked her near Bali Hai Lighthouse, South Pattaya, causing facial swelling and making off with US$2,000 and her mobile phone.
Police investigators tracked the stolen mobile phone to a shop at this seaside city that had bought it for 1,500 baht from a man whose description fitted the suspect.
Police easily found him drinking with a group friends and upon being arrested he confessed to the crime saying he had no money and needed some to buy alcohol and drugs. He added he had committed nine similar robberies in Rayong.
A background check revealed that he had already been prosecuted several times in the past.
CAPTION:
The robbery suspect who was arrested in Pattaya today. The Thai headline says, “A shameful act, robbing a Russian woman.” Photo: TV Channel 7
