Two Kuwaiti nationals wanted for robberies in major tourist destinations have been arrested on the resort island of Koh Samui, police said Friday.
Mohammad Yahya Murad, 37 and Veezam Kamal Murad, 28, were taken to a police press conference at Bor Phud police station in Surat Thani, Daily News Online reported. Seized from them were two fake Turkish passports, a Rolex watch, 20,000 baht cash and other stolen valuables worth more than 1 million baht.
The arrests followed reports that the suspects preyed on tourists, particularly those from the Middle East, said deputy tourist police commander Rungroj Sayantprasert.
Before their arrest, they had checked into a luxury hotel in Phuket where they allegedly approached a wealthy Middle Eastern tourist. After gaining his trust, they reportedly stole his Rolex watch and other valuables before fleeing to Koh Samui, said Pol Col Rungroj during the press conference.
On Samui island, they had stolen a credit card of another tourist to withdraw 20,000 baht cash. The victim had filed a complaint with Bor Phud police station, said the officer.
Police had checked their records from the Kuwaiti embassy and were told that they were wanted on arrest warrants issued by Bangkok's Phaya Thai police station and Pattaya police station.
Authorities have initially pressed charges of illegal entry, using false travel documents and theft against them. Police will seek court approval to detain them and oppose their release on bail.