Chinese Tourist Robbed by Transgender Woman in Pattaya Hotel Room
PATTAYA – A Chinese tourist’s night out took a shocking turn when he was allegedly robbed by a transgender woman he had invited to his hotel room after meeting her at Pattaya Beach.
The victim, 36-year-old Mr. Zhang, filed a complaint with Lieutenant Mana Sak Phonyiam, Deputy Inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, following the incident, which occurred in the early hours of July 18.
According to Mr. Zhang, he was enjoying a walk along Pattaya Beach when he encountered a friendly transgender woman. The two began chatting, and the conversation reportedly became flirtatious. After a while, Mr. Zhang invited her back to his hotel room nearby to “hang out and relax.”
Once inside the room, Mr. Zhang decided to take a shower while his guest waited. However, when he emerged from the bathroom, he was stunned to find the woman had vanished—along with 20,000 baht in cash from his wallet, which he had left on a nearby table.
Shocked and upset, Mr. Zhang immediately went to Pattaya City Police Station to report the theft. He told investigators that the woman had disappeared without a trace, taking his cash and leaving no clear identification.
Police Launch Investigation, Review CCTV Footage
Lieutenant Mana confirmed that an investigation is now underway. Officers are working to identify the suspect using CCTV footage from the hotel and surrounding areas. Police have also interviewed hotel staff and collected forensic evidence from the room.
Authorities are treating the case seriously and have not ruled out the possibility that the theft may be part of a recurring pattern of similar crimes targeting tourists in the beachside resort town.
“Unfortunately, there have been cases in the past where individuals take advantage of tourists’ trust or intoxication,” said one police official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We are committed to tracking this individual down and bringing them to justice.”
Local Community Reacts: Call for Stronger Tourist Protections
The incident has sparked concern among both local residents and fellow travelers, many of whom are urging law enforcement to take more proactive measures to protect tourists from such scams.
“This kind of behavior damages Pattaya’s reputation,” said Somchai W., a local beach vendor. “Most of us work hard and play fair. When stories like this come out, it hurts everyone.”
Many locals expressed sympathy for Mr. Zhang and hoped the suspect would be apprehended quickly to avoid further damage to the city’s image as a safe, world-class tourist destination.
The Pattaya tourism sector has been gradually recovering after the pandemic, and safety remains a top concern for visitors. Incidents like this serve as cautionary tales and highlight the importance of vigilance—particularly when meeting strangers in nightlife areas.
Police Urge Tourists to Stay Alert
In response to the incident, Pattaya police issued a reminder for tourists to remain cautious, especially when inviting unfamiliar individuals into private spaces.
Visitors are encouraged to keep valuables locked up, avoid leaving wallets or electronics unattended, and report suspicious behavior immediately. Tourists should also ensure that hotel rooms are secured and monitored by security or CCTV systems.
Mr. Zhang is now assisting authorities with additional details and descriptions of the suspect to help identify her. Police are urging anyone with information about the woman or the incident to come forward.
As the investigation continues, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that can come with letting one’s guard down—even in a place known for its vibrant nightlife and hospitality.
