Thread: Australian Man Arrested in Pattaya for Alleged 21 Million Baht Robberies in Phuket

Authorities have apprehended a male Australian national in connection with a brazen robbery allegedly targeting his fellow countryman, seizing the suspect at a lavish villa in Pattaya. During the arrest, officers found two large lions being kept inside the residence.


Police from Region 8 told the Phuket Express that they arrested a suspect identified only as Mr. Billy, an Australian citizen, whose age was not given, wanted on multiple charges. He was taken into custody under arrest warrants issued by the Phuket Provincial Court and Samui Provincial Court, accusing him of armed robbery and intimidation.

Billy was found at a luxurious villa in Pong, Banglamung, a sprawling estate valued at approximately 30 million baht. Upon entering the premises, police were shocked to discover two fully grown lions, which Billy claimed to have purchased—one at over 1 million baht and the other at 700,000 baht. According to Billy, ownership of the exotic animals was registered under his Thai girlfriend’s name.

Further searches revealed multiple BB guns scattered throughout the residence. Authorities are now investigating the source of funds used to purchase the property.


The arrest stemmed from reports filed by an Australian victim, who alleged that he had been robbed twice by fellow Australians, including Billy. The victim claimed to have been forced to transfer both cash and cryptocurrency, amounting to 21 million baht. He further stated that he had been continuously harassed and threatened by the perpetrators, one of whom was reportedly linked to organized crime in Australia.

The first robbery occurred in Phuket, where four suspects, led by Billy, allegedly broke into the victim’s villa, brandished firearms, and demanded bank transfers totaling 10.5 million baht.


The second incident took place in Koh Samui in January 2025, where Thai accomplices working for Billy allegedly forced the victim to transfer 2.8 Bitcoin—further raising concerns about the gang’s reach and influence.

Concerned about the escalating threats police acted swiftly to protect the victim and bring the perpetrators to justice. The victim was advised to file reports at Chalong Police Station in Phuket and Samui Police Station in Surat Thani, prompting an urgent investigation that led to rapid issuance of arrest warrants.


Billy was detained at his Pattaya home and transferred to Phuket for further legal proceedings. Police are continuing their manhunt for additional suspects believed to be connected to the crimes.

Authorities are also investigating the legality of Billy’s possession of exotic animals and reviewing his Thailand Privilege Card visa status, which allowed him to stay in Thailand.


With possible links to international criminal networks, Billy’s arrest has raised concerns about transnational crimes operating within Thailand’s borders. Law enforcement is now working to trace his financial transactions and criminal affiliations, while also reviewing his assets to uncover potential money laundering activities.

Australian Man Arrested in Pattaya for Alleged 21 Million Baht Robberies in Phuket and Samui Against Fellow Australian Nationals - The Phuket Express

No pictures of Mr Billy… how odd.

He has a Thailand Privilege Card. He won't be the only serious crim with one of those cards.

Geez these Aussie crims are everywhere.

If it's organized crime I wouldn't want to be in the victim's shoes.

Authorities are also investigating the legality of Billy’s possession of exotic animals and reviewing his Thailand Privilege Card visa status, which allowed him to stay in Thailand.

Currently, we all have to jump through a bunch of hoops to be here legally.

But pay enough money and one will never need to bother with it.

Yes, that could do with reviewing - criminals will have the money.

Like, durrr...

Ya reckon?how you come to that conclusion? Can't teflers afford lions?

Bloody Aussies!!!

Originally Posted by BLD

Ya reckon?how you come to that conclusion? Can't teflers afford lions?

How much would it cost to feed them a month? I think frigging heaps.

Originally Posted by BLD

Can't teflers afford lions?

Yeah, no problem.

Sometimes I even get Earl Grey.

Originally Posted by 39TG

How much would it cost to feed them a month? I think frigging heaps.

I've currently got 6 cats - 5 young uns and 1 mum.

3,500 a month.

So, entering that data into the feline calculator... it says 35,000 a month for 2.

Plus chairs, whip and tamer's outfit.

Originally Posted by cyrille

Yeah, no problem.

Sometimes I even get Earl Grey.

Only sometimes?

Originally Posted by 39TG

How much would it cost to feed them a month? I think frigging heaps.

Nah, teflers can survive on Bt30 noodles.

Originally Posted by cyrille

I've currently got 6 cats - 5 young uns and 1 mum.

3,500 a month.

So, that data into the feline calculator…

The feline calculator says cy is a cat lady.

Thai Influencer Surrenders in Pattaya, Says He is Innocent in Alleged Connection with 21 Million Baht in Robberies in Samui and Phuket

Mr. Mongkol Sorada, better known as Ajarn Yod, a well-known Thai social media influencer, has voluntarily surrendered to authorities in alleged connection with a major robbery case involving cash and cryptocurrency worth approximately 21 million baht. He has strongly stated he is innocent and not involved in any plans for robbery and was only legally hired as a bodyguard, saying he was unaware of any alleged criminal activity.

As the case unfolded, Ajarn Yod, a social media personality with a huge following, turned himself in on May 14th, 2025, at Chonburi’s investigative unit and Pattaya City Police Station after learning that he, too, was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by Samui Provincial Court for alleged involvement in the robbery. Accompanied by his younger brother and two British tourists who were present at the scene, he expressed his intention to cooperate fully with law enforcement.

Ajarn Yod maintained his innocence, stating that he was hired as a bodyguard to provide security for foreign clients but was unaware of any criminal activities. To support his claims, he presented video footage showing himself at the location, accompanied by the alleged victims and a guard dog. He insisted that no violence had occurred on the night in question and called for a fair investigation.

His legal representatives assured that the influencer had no direct involvement in the crime and had only provided security services. They urged authorities to carefully assess the evidence and testimonies of all individuals present during the alleged incidents.

UPDATE: Thai Influencer Surrenders in Pattaya, Says He is Innocent in Alleged Connection with 21 Million Baht in Robberies in Samui and Phuket - The Pattaya News

This thread might have some legs. We might spend another 6 to 12 months insulting each other in this thread while this police investigation carries on.