Mongolian Tourist Arrested for Shoplifting with Modified Suitcase in Pattaya
PATTAYA: A Mongolian tourist has been arrested for allegedly stealing brand-name products from a shopping mall in Pattaya using a specially modified suitcase to conceal the stolen goods.
Security guards at the mall, located on Pattaya Beach in Bang Lamung district, apprehended 52-year-old Byamba-Ochir Erdenebat on Friday night and escorted him to the Pattaya City Police Station to file a theft complaint.
Authorities discovered a modified suitcase containing 12 stolen brand-name clothing items and two designer bags, valued at a total of 26,000 baht.
According to the complaint, the suspect had entered a shop inside the mall, browsing for an extended period without making a purchase. Suspiciously, store employees noticed that several products had gone missing from the shelves. Keeping a close watch, security personnel observed the man leaving with a wheeled suitcase.
Upon stopping him for inspection, they found nothing immediately suspicious inside the bag. However, their doubts persisted. Further scrutiny revealed that the suitcase had been modified with a concealed compartment at the top, covered with tape and hidden beneath another bag. Upon opening the hidden compartment, they discovered the stolen merchandise.
When confronted, the suspect attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. A shopping mall representative attempted to negotiate with him regarding the stolen goods, but discussions failed. As a result, he was handed over to police and now faces legal charges.
This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Pattaya’s bustling shopping centers, with authorities urging heightened vigilance against sophisticated shoplifting tactics.
