Officers from Patong Police Station were called to investigate after receiving a report at 5:47am yesterday (June 5) that a man had been found unconscious and taken to Patong Hospital by members of the public.
Pol Lt Sakwanat Damchaom, Deputy Investigator at Patong Police Station, was assigned to the case and informed Patong Police Chief Pol Col Korakrit Khanthakrue before proceeding with the investigation.
The victim, identified as 53-year-old tuk-tuk driver Somnuk Chanagkul, told police that at about 9pm Thursday evening (June 4) he picked up a Thai woman whose identity remains unknown. He said the woman was wearing a hat that obscured her face and hired him to drive her to the Karon area to help film a video.
After completing the job, Mr Somnuk drove the woman back to the area in front of Kalim School.
According to Mr Somnuk, the woman then offered him a cup of coffee, saying she was planning to open a coffee business and wanted him to sample the taste.
After drinking the coffee, Mr Somnuk said he suddenly became drowsy and fell asleep.
When he regained consciousness, he discovered that a gold necklace that he said had five weightweight in gold, valued at more than B300,000, had been stolen. His mobile phone was also missing.
Police noted that when giving the report Mr Somnuk appeared “disoriented” and was unable to provide a fully coherent account of the incident.
Investigators recorded his statement and have launched an inquiry into the case. Officers are examining the area and reviewing CCTV footage in an effort to identify and locate the woman for questioning.
Patong Hospital was also asked to conduct blood tests to determine whether Mr Somnuk had been drugged or exposed to any other substance that may have caused him to lose consciousness.
Police said the investigation is continuing.