French tourist injured in gold necklace snatching in Phuket

A French tourist was injured in a gold necklace snatching on Bangla Road, Phuket, early on April 9, according to local media reports. The incident occurred around 4am as the tourist, on his first visit to Phuket, walked with two friends after leaving an entertainment venue. He sustained a neck injury but managed to recover his necklace from the female foreign suspect, who fled the scene.

Video Evidence and Social Media Reaction

A Thai friend of the victim recorded footage showing visible scratches and swelling on the tourist’s neck, as well as the damaged gold necklace. The video was circulated to local media, drawing attention to the incident.

Some Thai social media users called for police action and questioned existing screening measures for foreign visitors on Bangla Road. Media reports have not confirmed whether the case was officially reported to police.

Similar Incidents and Recent Trends

On the same day, Pattaya police received reports of two foreign men stealing a gold ring and cash from a Chinese tourist by distracting her with a request to show her money. Last year, similar distraction thefts targeted Chinese and Russian tourists.

Last month, four Thai suspects attempted to steal a gold necklace worth nearly 100,000 baht from an Indian man, but the item was recovered with help from a hotel security guard and witnesses. In both Phuket and Pattaya, tourist-targeted jewellery thefts have prompted calls for increased vigilance.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/frenchman-injured-in-phuket-gold-necklace-snatching