Fake Photographer Arrested for Theft at Graduation Ceremony
Police arrested a 47-year-old repeat offender who posed as a freelance photographer to steal a wallet from a graduate at Chulabhorn Royal Academy in Bangkok. The suspect, Ratthaphong Khokhat, has a history of theft convictions across multiple districts and had only been released from prison months before this latest offense. Authorities urge the public to safeguard valuables during crowded events and report suspicious activity immediately.
A notorious thief who carried a camera and posed as a photographer to steal at a graduation ceremony has been caught. He has a lengthy criminal record and had only recently been released from prison before striking again. The case gained attention on social media, which posted a warning along with a video clip showing a man in a black shirt carrying a camera, walking over to a bag left on a seat while the owner was happily taking photos. The man then took advantage of a moment of distraction, grabbed valuables from the bag, put them in his own prepared bag, and walked away. The incident occurred in the walkway connecting the Siriraj College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, and Chulabhorn Hospital. The victim filed a report at Tung Song Hong Police Station on November 5, 2026, at approximately 6:00 PM.
The latest update as of 6:00 PM on November 6, 2026: Pol. Lt. Gen. Thanongsit Manichot, Deputy Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2; Pol. Col. Yuttasilp Karinthorn, Superintendent of Tung Song Hong Police Station; Pol. Lt. Col. Pongpong Phonglao, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation; Pol. Lt. Col. Rachaphon Leoklam, Inspector of Investigation; and the investigation team of Tung Song Hong Police Station jointly arrested Mr. Ratthaphong Khokhat, 47 years old, along with the stolen property: one PEROTA POPPY CARD HOLDER wallet, cash, the victim's student ID card, and national ID card. The arrest took place at an apartment in the Ramkhamhaeng area, Bang Kapi District, Bangkok.
During initial questioning, the suspect confessed to committing the crime in the manner described, admitting he had done so many times in many areas. He worked as a freelance photographer hired for graduation ceremonies at various venues. On the day of the incident, he was hired to photograph the victim's graduation ceremony — a student at Chulabhorn Royal Academy — for 3,000 baht. After finishing the photography job, he looked for victims, targeting unattended bags, and when no one was watching, he took the valuables and quickly left. He also admitted to having been prosecuted for theft in multiple jurisdictions before.
A background check revealed prior offenses: In 2022, arrested by Sutthisan Police Station for theft; in 2023, two cases at Khlong Luang Police Station, Pathum Thani, for attempted theft and theft; in 2024, a theft case at Huai Khwang Police Station; most recently in 2026, a theft case at Phra Intharacha Police Station, Pathum Thani. He had only been released a few months ago before being arrested by Tung Song Hong Police Station in this case.
Tung Song Hong Police Station warns those attending graduation ceremonies or public events to keep close watch on personal belongings, not to leave bags or valuables unattended, and to report any suspicious behavior to police immediately.
