The incident occurred at approximately 3pm in the outpatient examination room on the hospital’s third floor. According to reports, the man grabbed the staff member’s bag and fled the scene on foot, prompting an immediate search for the man by Phuket City Police.
By 8:30pm, officers successfully arrested the man as he was walking along Wichit Songkhram Road. The suspect, later identified as Boonruen (surname withheld), 40, was reportedly incoherent and displaying signs of mental illness at the time of his arrest.
Officers transported Mr Boonruen and the recovered property to Phuket City Police Station for further investigation. A few hours later, the victim arrived at the station to retrieve her belongings.
After learning that the man was a psychiatric patient, the victim chose not to press charges. Authorities then coordinated with relevant mental health services to ensure the man would be taken into care and receive proper treatment.
Police have not disclosed the contents of the stolen bag, but confirmed that it was returned intact.
Officials from the hospital and the police have since reminded the public ‒ particularly staff and visitors at medical facilities ‒ to remain vigilant with their personal belongings, even in typically secure environments.
No further legal action will be taken in this matter, police confirmed.