PATTAYA: Two transvestites have been arrested and charged with stealing cash and a credit card from a British tourist, and using the card to buy gold jewellery worth about 120,000 baht, police said.
Tipakorn Surintham and Banchong Jantawong, both 33, were arrested early Monday morning. They were charged with colluding to steal and illegally using electronic cards of others and causing them damage.
The arrest follows a complaint lodged by 31-year-old James William Jack Mason on Aug 31 at Pattaya police station.
The tourist said he was approached by two transvestites who struck up a conversation while walking along Walking Street earlier that night.
Shortly afterwards he realised his wallet was missing. The wallet contained 8,000 baht cash and a credit card. He received a short phone message notification that his card had been used at a mall.
Police investigators learned the card was used to buy gold jewellery worth about 120,000 baht at a gold shop in Soi Noen Plub Wan. After further inquiries they obtained an arrest warrant from Pattaya Provincial Court for the two suspects.
The pair admitted the charges, according to police, saying they used the card to buy personal items and the gold. The pair worked as a team, preying on tourists, with Mr Tipakorn picking their victims' pockets while Mr Banchong distracted them by starting a conversation.
Police seized gold accessories worth 56,000 baht, cash totalling 4,000 baht and a motorcycle from the suspects.
Police said the pair had been arrested previously on similar charges.
