Four Thai teenagers, including Arm, Crepe, and New, were arrested for the brutal assault and robbery of an 80-year-old Belgian man, Richard Ander M. Van Bogaert, in Pattaya on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024. The suspects stole 7,000 baht from the elderly man, leaving him injured.
Phonthip, a 38-year-old Thai woman, helped the victim after he sought assistance at her home in the Banglamung district. Police and emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, finding Bogaert with a deep cut on his head. The victim reported that he was attacked by six thieves carrying knives, forcing him to crawl to safety.
Upon reviewing security footage, officers identified the four suspects arriving on two motorcycles. The teens, aged 15 and 18, attacked Bogaert and fled with the stolen money. They were apprehended at a rented room in Banglamung, where police seized a 22-inch knife, clothing, and the motorcycles used in the crime.
The suspects admitted to the crime, claiming they had no personal dispute with the victim and only wanted money. They explained that the stolen cash was used to settle a debt caused by a motorcycle accident. They also stated the injury was accidental when a knife sheath slipped off during the attack.
The case has raised concerns about the treatment of young offenders in Thailand, especially considering the violent nature of their crime. Public outcry has called for harsher penalties for underage criminals.
As investigations continue, police are committed to ensuring justice for the victim.
