BANGKOK – A quiet afternoon of sightseeing in central Bangkok turned stressful for a 46-year-old Indian tourist when an Iranian couple allegedly posed as friendly tourists and stole US$1,600, about 58,000 baht, inside a major mall in Pathumwan.
Police from Pathumwan Station arrested the suspects, a 41-year-old Iranian man, Mostafa, and his 36-year-old partner, Marzieh, at 7.40 p.m.
Police said the couple, who entered Thailand on tourist visas, struck up a chat with the victim inside the mall. They asked to check his stack of U.S. dollars, saying they wanted to exchange money. After handing the notes back, they walked away.
The victim then counted his cash and found sixteen $100 bills missing. He followed them to the first floor near the H&M store, where security guards stopped the pair and held them until officers arrived.
CCTV footage, seized cash, and the mall’s quick response gave officers grounds to act. Interviewed with an interpreter, the couple denied the allegation. They were charged with theft by snatching under Thai law, an offence that carries up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 100,000 baht. For foreign offenders, deportation and a criminal record often follow.
A Worrying Pattern
This case adds to a series of reports of tourists being targeted by foreign suspects in Thailand. On 6 January 2025, two Iranian nationals were arrested in the Yaowarat area for robbing a Vietnamese visitor after pretending to help him with his cash. In September 2024, another Iranian pair was detained for stealing from a Chinese tourist in Sukhumvit, again by asking to see money and then taking it.
Officials have warned about transnational pickpocket groups and foreigners posing as police. These suspects often seek out crowded tourist zones and carry large sums in rented vehicles to move quickly. An advisory in October 2024 highlighted these methods and urged caution.
Tourism remains central to Thailand’s economy, accounting for about 12% of GDP and close to 20% of jobs, based on industry estimates. Arrivals from India have been strong in 2025, passing one million visitors by mid-June, yet safety concerns are starting to influence travel choices.
Market reports show that many would-be travellers now cite theft, scams, and personal safety as key worries when picking Thailand. Market Research Thailand Consulting Firm also reported a slowdown from China, once Thailand’s largest source market, with some travellers put off by reports of crime and organized fraud.
Police sources in Bangkok say these incidents harm more than the immediate victims; they also weaken trust among inbound visitors. A senior official quoted in one report said the offences damage Thailand’s image, and noted ongoing efforts to identify, arrest, and deport offenders working in tourist areas.
What the Bangkok Authorities are Doing
The Tourist Police Bureau said that from July 2024 to September 2025, AI camera systems were installed at key sites and over 500 suspects were arrested. A nationwide Safe Tourist Zone campaign is underway, along with a 24-hour hotline and a multilingual mobile app.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has also moved against illegal guides, unlicensed operators, and transport providers. The ministry says these activities often overlap with tourist scams and related crimes.
Travellers should stay alert in busy areas, malls, and transport hubs. Avoid carrying or displaying large sums of cash. Treat any request to inspect money as suspicious, even if the person seems helpful or claims to be conducting a check. Use hotel safes when possible, and keep the tourist police hotline, 1155, and the Tourist Police app handy.
The arrest of the Iranian couple in Bangkok is a clear reminder that even popular city centres can be targeted by organized thieves. Thailand’s tourism industry is rebuilding after the pandemic, and visitor confidence matters.
As enforcement and prevention step up, every traveller should hear the same message: stay vigilant. This is how Thailand’s warm hospitality can keep its shine, without the shadow of opportunistic crime.
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