Ex-Security Guard Arrested for Stealing Korean Tourist's Wallet
A former security guard with a drug conviction was arrested at Wat Pho temple in Bangkok after stealing a Korean tourist's wallet containing cash and cards, which police recovered following CCTV footage and a coordinated sting operation.
Police have arrested Kitti Phong, 30, for allegedly stealing a black Vivienne Westwood leather wallet from a South Korean tourist at Wat Pho temple. Officers from the Wang Phra Police Station, acting on a tip from CCTV footage and coordination with a construction contractor, apprehended the suspect on September 9, 2026, at approximately 6 p.m. near Chitraphonlikart Technology College in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district.
The theft occurred earlier that day when tourist Park Sumin left her wallet at a drop-off point inside the temple at around 2:41 p.m. Police reviewed security camera footage, identified a suspect removing the wallet, and coordinated with the construction contractor to arrange a meeting. When the suspect arrived, officers conducted a search and found the victim's black wallet, containing a South Korean ID card, two debit cards, and Thai currency totaling 3,360 baht, hidden inside his jacket.
During questioning, Kitti Phong confessed to taking the wallet. He has a prior criminal record as a security guard and was previously arrested on drug charges at Khlong Tan Police Station. He was released on August 30, 2026, after serving a fine in lieu of imprisonment and had been seeking construction work. He claimed that while stopping to eat at the temple on his way to a job site, he spotted the tourist's wallet, felt tempted by greed, and impulsively stole it. He had not yet decided what to do with the stolen property when arrested.
Police charged him with theft under Thai law and detained him for further investigation and legal proceedings. Eight items of evidence were seized in total.
