The lifeguard, Worayut Naowprai, intervened after the tourist raised the alarm. He was soon joined by other bystanders, including a council garbage collector.
The tourist suffered a minor abrasion to the inside of her left elbow in the theft, and a video of the incident showed her emotionally distraught by the incident.
The video, shared by the Newshawk Phuket Facebook page, showed the tourist very grateful for the capture of the thief, and the return of her bracelet. “Thank you. Thank you,” she kept repeating.
The 28-year-old thief, Naphasini Yarak from Nakhon Sri Thammarat, was handed over to Patong Police, whose patrol officers were soon at the scene.
Patong Police in their own post online, confirmed that the thief had been charged with theft.
A cash reward was also awarded to Patong lifeguard Mr Worayut for his good actions, and to encourage others to support the police in their continued efforts, Patong Police confirmed.