PATTAYA, Thailand — Police in Pattaya have arrested a 30-year-old Thai man, Ukrit Mangkang, after he impersonated a motorcycle taxi driver and targeted two women in separate robbery incidents last weekend.
The victims—Wichayada, a 21-year-old Thai woman, and Liliia, a Russian tourist—filed complaints at Mueang Pattaya Police Station on Sunday, April 20. Both described being confronted by a man dressed as a motorcycle taxi driver in Soi Phratamnak.
Wichayada reported that the suspect offered her a ride, which she declined. As she walked away, he followed and brandished a firearm, demanding her valuables. She escaped by running to a nearby hotel for help.
Liliia, who was with her friend and young daughter, was similarly approached and threatened with a gun. Out of fear, she handed over 3,100 baht in cash.
CCTV footage helped police identify and track down Ukrit. He was arrested on April 22 while dining with friends near Soi Pattaya Beach 13/4. Police seized the firearm and motorcycle used in the crimes.
Ukrit confessed, claiming personal hardships led him to commit the robberies. Authorities later revealed that he had a criminal history, previously imprisoned for drug and theft charges, and had only recently been released.
He now faces two charges:
Section 337 of the Criminal Code: Robbery using threats or violence, punishable by 6 months to 7 years in prison and a fine of 10,000–40,000 baht. The use of a firearm increases the penalty.
Section 8 of the Firearms Act: Illegal public possession of a firearm, carrying a penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment, a 10,000 baht fine, or both.
Pattaya police continue to investigate whether Ukrit may have been involved in other incidents involving tourists and locals in the area.
