PHUKET — A popular restaurant in Patong is searching for a group of foreigners captured on CCTV allegedly stealing a distinctive Vivienne Westwood watch left behind by a customer or staff member last Friday. The incident, shared widely on social media, has heightened concerns about foreign-linked thefts in Phuket’s tourist areas.

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The restaurant owner posted security footage on the Phuket Times Facebook page on Monday, showing five foreigners—four men and one woman—playing pool in the outdoor section before one allegedly took a bag containing the cherry-red watch from the bar counter. The post urged the community to help identify the group and spread awareness.

The stolen Time Machine model, valued by online commentators at 8,000–11,000 baht, has not yet been formally reported to police, according to available information. Netizens have called for the release of additional footage showing the exact moment of the theft to strengthen the case.

This incident follows a recent arrest in Thalang district, where a foreign man was apprehended for attempting to steal a mobile phone, car, and motorcycle from locals. Concerns are growing over perceived impunity for foreign offenders, with victims fearing minimal consequences.

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Phuket’s community is advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior to authorities as police continue to investigate both cases. The restaurant has not yet commented on whether it will pursue formal charges.

-Thailand News (TN)