Pattaya police arrest two suspects in $600,000 watch theft

Police in Pattaya arrested two suspects following the theft of a diamond-set Patek Philippe watch and a passport from a Chinese tourist. The incident occurred on November 7 at the Z8 Hotel.

The victim reported that the suspects took the watch, valued at approximately $600,000, and demanded 20,000 baht (roughly $600) to return his belongings. After the tourist paid the demanded amount, the suspects returned his passport but fled with the timepiece.

During questioning, the suspects claimed they believed the watch was fake and stated they were attempting to collect a debt of 2,000 baht. Authorities recovered the watch and took the two individuals into custody on the morning of November 8.