Thai Police Seek Russian Suspect in Phuket Safe Heist Stolen 600,000 Baht

Thai authorities have issued a nationwide manhunt for 47‑year‑old Russian national Vitalii Kobin, accused of stealing roughly 600,000 baht worth of foreign currency from a safe at a currency‑exchange counter inside a department store in Phuket’s Wichit district on July 19. Surveillance video shows Kobin entering the exchange booth, proceeding directly to the safe, entering the correct access code and taking cash in several foreign currencies before fleeing.

Police describe the suspect’s attire as a dark‑blue cap, black jacket with white stripes, black shorts, black‑framed glasses and rubber gloves, with a moustache and beard. The Phuket Provincial Court approved an arrest warrant on July 27, charging him with night‑time theft involving a vehicle. Investigators also note that Kobin has been overstaying his Thai visa since 2025 and is believed to remain in the country. The search involves the Wichit Police Station, Tourist Police and Immigration Bureau, which are urging anyone with information to come forward.