Thanawat Larpprasert, 27, was caught by the group after he was seen stealing a purse from a woman in her mid-twenties and was handed over to police who took him to Patong police for questioning.
“This is not the first time we have arrested him. He did it before and the locals can remember him. The locals were very angry because this person is destroying the tourism industry. Most of the thiefs are not local people, they do not care about the tourists.” said Lt Col Sutthichai Thianpho from Patong police.
“The investigation team from Patong police has recently been trying to bring more locals to join our beachwatch campaign, and are trying to be as friendly with the locals and beach vendors as possible. “We have told locals and beach vendors that without their help the police alone are not enough to take care of the entire beach. We need their help,” he added.