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

Last Updated on January 1, 2026 9:29 pm

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.

The 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.

Local 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.

After 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.

Pim 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.

The 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.