Police have arrested a 36-year-old man who snatched a woman's bag while she was riding a motorcycle at a red light in Phitsanulok. A rider who witnessed the event quickly intervened and later posted the video online as a warning.
At 16:00 on 20 July 2026, Pol. Col. Watcharapong Sitthirungroj, Chief of Phitsanulok City Police Station, Pol. Lt. Col. Apichart Wongsri, Chief Inspector of Highway Police Station 3, Highway Police Division 5, and Pol. Lt. Col. Nattawit Jaichomchoen, Deputy Superintendent of Phitsanulok City Police Station, along with highway police officers, motorcycle patrols, and Phitsanulok Municipality officials, jointly arrested Mr. Natthapong Chanthivakorn, 36, on charges of indecent assault posing a societal threat.
The case arose after a video circulated on social media showing Mr. Natthapong sexually harassing a woman at the Khok Matuam red light intersection by reaching into the pocket of the woman sitting behind a motorcycle and smelling his hand afterward. A rider recorded the incident and posted it online as a safety warning.
Subsequently, Pol. Lt. Col. Apichart Wongsri coordinated with local agencies to search for and apprehend the suspect to prevent further public harm. The arrest took place at the Khok Matuam Five-Way Intersection, the scene of the incident, in Mueang District, Phitsanulok. During initial questioning, Mr. Natthapong gave inconsistent statements. A search of his bag revealed several women's underwear of unknown origin.
Mr. Seksan Chanmanee, 36, the rider who witnessed and recorded the event, said he arrived at the Khok Matuam red light intersection and noticed a man dressed in black acting suspiciously, walking around without crossing the street. He stopped behind to observe and saw the man sexually harassing a woman waiting at the red light on a motorcycle. He immediately intervened and confronted the man, pointing out his wrongdoing while holding video evidence. Although he wanted to help the victim, the light turned green and the motorcycles left the intersection. He continued to question the man, who appeared afraid, apologized with a gesture, and left toward Sanam Bin Road. Mr. Seksan then decided to post the video online to warn the public about the potential for similar offenses.
Mr. Seksan added that in such situations, people should help each other even if they are strangers. Witnessing an incident should not be met with indifference, as minor events can escalate. If one can help, they should intervene to prevent further harm.
Victims who have previously been subjected to sexual harassment by Mr. Natthapong are encouraged to report their cases to Phitsanulok City Police Station for legal action.