Thailand: a psychic predicts the loss of a precious object… and steals from his client

A fortune teller in Pattaya is accused of stealing a client's iPhone after predicting she would lose something valuable.

The prediction did come true — except the fortune teller hadn't predicted he would be arrested by the police shortly after.

The incident occurred around 6:06 on January 1, 2026, opposite the royal temple Wat Chai Mongkol, located in the south of Pattaya beach resort, in Chonburi province.

Location of Pattaya on a map of Thailand.

The Pattaya police station responded to a report of theft involving an iPhone 13 Pro worth approximately 20,000 baht ($540).

On the scene, passersby had already arrested the suspect, later identified as Udomsap Mueangkaew, 38, who works as a psychic.

The officers recovered the stolen phone belonging to the victim, identified only as Pim, 19, hidden in a brown shoulder bag used by the suspect.

The phone had been concealed in a box of face masks.

A psychic reading that turns into a trap

The royal temple Wat Chai Mongkol in Pattaya. Photo : nicMilano

According to Pim, the man was dressed and spoke like an elderly person and was sitting on a mat on the sidewalk opposite the temple, inviting passersby to use his fortune-telling services.

Feeling sorry for him and wanting to do a good deed on New Year's Day, she accepted.

While reading her fortune using cards, the man allegedly told her that she would soon experience a period of bad luck and lose a valuable item, and suggested that she pay extra to ward off the bad luck.

She refused, considering it unnecessary.

Pim didn't notice her iPhone was missing until after she left the premises, later remembering she had placed it next to her during the clairvoyance session.

She returned to confront Udomsap, who allegedly told her that this loss was proof of the accuracy of his gifts.

He even described the appearance of the alleged thief.

But Pim wasn't fooled and asked passersby to help check the man's belongings, which led to her phone being found in his bag.

The police were then called.

The clairvoyant thief confesses

A police officer with the psychic and the client who was a victim of theft.

Confronted with the evidence, Udomsap admitted to stealing the phone, telling the officers that it was his first offense and that he needed money for the end-of-year celebrations.

He apologized and asked the victim not to file a complaint, but Pim insisted on pursuing legal action to prevent him from targeting others.

The police placed Udomsap in custody and seized the phone and the psychic equipment.

Investigators are preparing the charges as the case proceeds according to Thai law.

Divination remains deeply rooted in Thai society, and people ranging from ordinary citizens to politicians and business tycoons often seek the advice of reputable practitioners.

See also:

Scams in Thailand: know and protect yourself

Thailand: a couple caught in the act on a raft in Pattaya

Thailand: an expat steals an ATM after a dispute

Source: Khaosod English