Thai fortune-teller predicts client’s bad luck, then gets arrested over stealing her phone

A Thai fortune-teller was arrested in Pattaya on Thursday after being accused of telling a client she would soon face bad luck and lose a valuable possession on New Year’s Day, then allegedly making good on the prophecy by stealing her phone.\nThe suspect, identified by local media as Udomsap Mueangkaew, 38, allegedly denied the theft when confronted by the woman but told her the loss proved the accuracy of his fortune-telling.\nLocal news outlet Khaosod reported that Udomsap, shabbily dressed, had been soliciting customers outside a temple, leading the woman, identified only as Pim, 19, to take pity on him and seek his services on New Year’s Day.\nAfter using cards to read her fortune and predicting she would face bad luck and the loss of a valuable item, Udomsap asked her for money to prevent it, which she declined. It is unclear whether she had paid him for the basic reading.\nPim realised her iPhone was missing only after she left the scene, later recalling that she had placed it beside her during the fortune-telling session. She returned to confront Udomsap, who reportedly told her the loss was a sign his powers were accurate, even describing the appearance of the supposed thief.\n\n\nThe woman then sought help from bystanders, who intervened. Police were called after the phone was eventually found in the fortune-teller’s bag, concealed inside a box for face masks.\nUdomsap later admitted to the theft, police said, but pleaded with Pim not to press charges, claiming he was a first-time offender who needed money for the new year.\nPim reportedly insisted on legal action to prevent others from falling victim to the same ruse.\nThe incident occurred at dawn on Thursday opposite Wat Chaimongkol, a royal temple in South Pattaya, Chonburi province, according to Khaosod.\nFortune-telling remains deeply woven into Thai society, with people ranging from ordinary citizens to politicians and business tycoons often seeking guidance from well-known practitioners.\nThe Guardian reported in June last year that the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce had suggested the market for spiritual goods and services in Thailand could be worth between US$304 million and US$456 million.\nThe latest incident in Pattaya adds to a series of alleged fraud cases involving spiritual practitioners in Thailand.\nIn 2024, Thaiger reported a high-profile fraud case in which a well-known fortune-teller was accused of scamming at least 67 victims, with losses exceeding 100 million baht (US$3.2 million).\nThe suspect, Thanawan “Odd” Jiracharoenwet, 43, was arrested near Bangkok after victims claimed he persuaded them to buy sacred objects and decorations that were never delivered. In a subsequent media interview, Thanawan promised to return the money and insisted he was innocent.\nHe was later reported to be remanded in custody after investigators opposed bail, with prosecutors filing the case in early 2025.\n