The incident occurred on Saturday night (Jan 17) at around 9pm near the main stage area of the event.
The victim, identified only as ‘Mr Golf’, told reporters that he and his girlfriend had attended EDC Phuket after seeing a designated “proposal zone” advertised at the venue. The couple had become engaged previously in October, and he hoped to take a commemorative photograph at the site. The couple had travelled from Chiang Rai to attend the event.
To keep the ring safe, Mr Golf said he placed it inside his wallet, which he then kept inside a shoulder bag. He arrived at the festival later than usual after spending time at the beach and having dinner beforehand.
Shortly after entering the crowded main stage area, Mr Golf said he felt a large man bump into both him and his girlfriend, causing them to stumble forward. At the time, he did not suspect anything was wrong.
About 10 minutes later, Mr Golf said his phone began alerting him to multiple credit card transactions.
“I received alerts for 15 to 20 transactions in foreign currency, all in UAE dirhams,” he said. “At first, I thought my cards had been hacked.”
Upon checking his bag, Mr Golf discovered that his wallet was missing. The thief had taken six to seven credit cards from four to five different banks, all of which were used in rapid succession for transactions ranging from B50,000 to B80,000 each.
The total attempted fraudulent spending was estimated at B300,000 to B400,000, though Mr Golf said he was able to contact the banks in time to freeze the accounts.
“All the banks were very cooperative,” he said. “We managed to stop the transactions before more damage was done.”
However, Mr Golf said the greatest loss was his girlfriend’s engagement ring, a three-carat diamond valued at about B700,000 to B800,000, engraved with both of their names.
“The ring’s monetary value is high, but its sentimental value is immeasurable,” he said.
Also stolen was a B500 banknote given to him by his grandmother more than 10 years ago, shortly before she passed away.
Mr Golf stressed that he had not consumed any alcohol and was fully aware of his surroundings at the time of the incident.
After the theft, he and his girlfriend moved to an open area, where he immediately contacted his banks before reporting the incident to police.
He later consulted officers and was advised to file an official complaint at Cherng Talay Police Station, where an investigative team has been assigned to follow up on the case.
Several hours later, at around 7am, Mr Golf said he received a call from a member of the public who had found his and his girlfriend’s ID cards and driving licences discarded at the venue. He believes the thief took the bag, removed the valuables, and discarded the remaining documents.
Mr Golf also raised concerns about security at the event, claiming there were no CCTV cameras in the area where the theft occurred.
“It’s unacceptable that something like this can happen at a major event,” he said. “I hope organisers increase security measures, including more CCTV coverage.”
He has appealed to jewellery shops and pawn shops to be alert for the distinctive ring, saying it should be easily identifiable due to the engraving.
“If anyone comes across it, please contact the authorities,” he said.
Meanwhile, police said investigations were ongoing.