Chinese Tourist Abducted, Robbed in Pattaya
PATTAYA — A Chinese tourist was abducted, robbed, and forced to hand over more than 230,000 baht in cash and valuables by men posing as police officers in the early hours of Thursday morning in Pattaya.
The brazen crime occurred around 5:30 a.m. on North Pattaya Road near Pattaya Sai 3, in tambon Na Kluea. According to Pattaya City Police, security footage captured the terrifying moment when two men in dark clothing forced the victim, 52-year-old Lin Yifan, into a vehicle in front of a local food stall.
A witness, who asked not to be named, said that three Chinese men—including Mr. Lin—had been dining together at a noodle stall shortly before the incident. After finishing their meal, the group split up, and Mr. Lin used a ride-hailing app to call for a vehicle.
While waiting for his ride, a white SUV pulled up beside him. Men wearing black hoodies jumped out of the vehicle and grabbed Mr. Lin. Though he tried to escape and struggled against his attackers, he was ultimately dragged into the SUV, which quickly sped away from the scene.
The witness said they did not intervene, believing it might have been a legitimate police arrest.
In his report to Pattaya City Police, Mr. Lin described a harrowing ordeal. After being forced into the SUV, his hands were tied behind his back, and he was threatened with a weapon. He could not confirm whether it was a real firearm or merely an object used to intimidate him.
The suspects, who reportedly spoke a mix of Thai and English, searched Mr. Lin thoroughly and took several personal belongings, including:
- Two iPhones
- 15,000 baht in cash
- A pair of eyeglasses
But the theft did not end there. Investigators later discovered that the kidnappers had accessed Mr. Lin’s Chinese banking application on his phone, transferring approximately 150,000 baht to an unknown account. In total, Mr. Lin lost over 230,000 baht during the ordeal.
The suspects eventually released Mr. Lin at a shooting range roughly nine kilometers away from the abduction site. Disoriented but unharmed, he quickly sought assistance and reported the crime to the local police.
Pattaya authorities have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. Investigators are analyzing CCTV footage and gathering evidence in hopes of identifying and apprehending those involved.
Incidents like this raise fresh concerns about the safety of tourists in Pattaya, a popular beach destination known for its nightlife and entertainment scene. Crimes involving individuals posing as law enforcement have occurred periodically in Thailand, often targeting foreign visitors who may be unfamiliar with local policing protocols.
Authorities are urging the public and tourists alike to remain vigilant. Travelers are advised to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a police officer, especially if approached in an unusual setting or manner.
Pattaya City Police have assured the public that they are working swiftly to bring the suspects to justice. They have appealed to anyone with information about the case to come forward.
As Thailand continues to welcome millions of international visitors each year, local officials emphasize that maintaining tourist safety remains a top priority. However, cases like Mr. Lin’s underscore the importance of caution, particularly during the late-night and early-morning hours.
