An Israeli tourist has been arrested in Phuket after allegedly stealing a motorbike from a hospital parking lot and avoiding capture for more than a week. The suspect, 32-year-old Cohen Yoad, was caught on April 30 at a hotel in the Cherng Talay area of Thalang district. His arrest followed a fast-paced police investigation using CCTV footage, immigration data, and a theft report filed by the bike’s Thai owner.
The incident took place on April 21. A Thai man parked his white Honda Click outside Bangkok Hospital Siriroj in Wichit and left the key in the ignition—a common practice in Thailand, where people often feel secure in familiar places. When he returned, the bike had vanished. Unsure whether it had been towed or stolen, he searched the area before filing a report at Wichit Police Station on April 24.
Police quickly launched an investigation. CCTV footage showed a foreign man calmly riding away on the stolen motorbike. With support from immigration records and additional surveillance, investigators identified the suspect as Cohen Yoad, an Israeli national visiting Thailand on a tourist visa. An arrest warrant was issued on April 29.
The following day, officers tracked Yoad to a hotel in Cherng Talay. They found the stolen motorbike parked nearby and recovered clothing that matched what was seen in the CCTV footage. Yoad reportedly confessed during questioning. He now faces charges under Section 334 of Thailand’s Criminal Code. The law carries a penalty of up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 60,000 baht.
Police returned the bike to its owner, who expressed relief. “I was surprised the police found him so fast. I thought the bike was gone for good,” he said.
This case highlights the risks of leaving vehicles unattended—even in places considered safe. It also reflects growing concerns about petty crime involving international tourists in Thailand’s most visited areas.
While isolated, the incident adds to a number of recent cases where visitors have clashed with local law. Thai authorities continue to urge tourists to follow local laws and customs while traveling in the country.
So far, no further updates have been released about Yoad’s legal status. It remains unclear whether he will go to trial, face deportation, or stay in custody while proceedings continue.
The case is a reminder that even small lapses, like leaving keys in a motorbike, can lead to major consequences. For travelers, it’s a clear example of how minor offenses abroad can carry serious legal weight.
