Police in Patong have arrested a 37-year-old Icelandic man accused of attempting to steal a handbag from a female taxi driver while she was taking him to his hotel, Khaosod reports.
The incident took place on the evening of June 22. According to police, the 39-year-old driver had picked up the tourist outside Patong Hospital and was driving him toward his accommodation.
While the vehicle was travelling near Wat Suwan Khiri Wong, the passenger allegedly reached for a handbag placed on the front passenger seat. The bag contained a mobile phone, cash and important documents.
The driver immediately stopped the vehicle and tried to recover her belongings. At the same time, she repeatedly sounded the horn to attract attention.
Her calls for help were heard by a passer-by, who intervened and assisted the driver. According to police, the foreign man eventually returned all of the items.
The driver reported the incident to Patong Police Station the following day.
Following an investigation, police tracked down and arrested the Icelandic suspect. He has been charged with robbery and was handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
The court has since ordered that he be held in custody while the case continues.
