We tell our clients DAILY not to do this in Thailand. We are pleased to say that this gentleman is NOT our client. Had he been, this would not have happened.
PATTAYA— An early morning theft attempt turned into a dramatic chase through Pattaya’s entertainment district when a 34-year-old Israeli man named Benallegedly attempted to steal temple donation envelopes from a massage parlor after being refused a refund.
The incident unfolded at 2:00 a.m. Friday when motorcycle taxi drivers near Soi 6 Pattaya Sai 2 responded to urgent calls for help, joining locals in pursuit of a suspect fleeing toward Soi 5 on Pattaya Beach Road. The chase ended with Ben being subdued and held until police arrived.
A search revealed temple donation envelopes from Wat Tham Pha Thong in Phetchabun Province concealed in the man’s trouser pocket, leaving both pursuers and authorities stunned that a foreigner was involved in stealing religious offerings.
Massage Refund Demand Turned Sour
The 49-year-old masseuse, identified only as “Noi,” told police the man had received a full one-hour traditional Thai massage before approaching the counter demanding his 300-baht ($9.2) fee back.
Motorcycle taxi drivers surround an Israeli tourist on Pattaya Beach Road after responding to a masseuse’s calls for help, alleging he had stolen temple donation envelopes,
“I asked him, ‘How can I refund it when the massage was completed for a full hour?'” she recounted. Despite her refusal, the customer grew increasingly insistent, focused solely on getting his money back.
When she stood firm, he grabbed a stack of temple donation envelopes sitting on the counter — funds the shop had been collecting to send to the temple on October 20 — and walked out. Noi immediately gave chase, calling for help from neighbors and passersby. A group of motorcycle taxi drivers quickly responded, tracking down and restraining the suspect before turning him over to Pattaya Police.
Suspect Claims Ignorance, Police Skeptical
The detained man was identified as 34-year-old Bar (surname withheld), an Israeli national. During initial questioning, he claimed he didn’t realize money was inside the envelopes, saying he acted impulsively out of frustration over the refused refund.
Investigators remain unconvinced by his explanation. The suspect is being held for additional questioning before being formally charged and sent to prosecutors for legal proceedings.