Fortune-teller predicts bad luck, then steals client's iPhone to prove his prophecy

A fortune-teller was arrested for allegedly stealing a teenager's phone after predicting she would soon ace bad luck and loose a valuable possession.

Published on: Jan 4, 2026, 22:14:44 IST

By Bhavya Sukheja

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A Thai fortune-teller has been arrested for allegedly stealing a teenager’s mobile phone after predicting that she would face bad luck and lose a valuable possession on New Year’s Day. The bizarre incident took place on Thursday opposite Wat Chaimongkol, a royal temple in South Pattaya, according to local media reports.

The suspect was taken into custody at Pattaya City Police Station. (Unsplash/Representational image)

The 38-year-old suspect was offering fortune-telling services outside the temple when the 19-year-old woman, identified only as Pim, approached him on 1 January, The Independent reported, citing local media outlet Khaosod. During the reading, he warned her that she was on the brink of misfortune and would soon lose something precious. He allegedly urged her to hand over some money to avert bad luck.

However, Pim refused to give the man the money, and shortly after leaving, she realised that her iPhone 13 Pro had gone missing. She recalled that she placed the phone beside her during the session and rushed back to confront the fortune-teller. But when questioned, the man insisted the loss was proof that his prediction had come true and even described what the “thief” supposedly looked like.

(Also Read: On camera, Indian man thrashed by trans women in Thailand after refusing to pay for 'service')

Fortune-teller arrested

Growing suspicious, the teenager sought help from passersby, the outlet reported. Police were called when the missing phone was discovered inside the fortune-teller’s bag, hidden in a box meant for face masks.

The fortune-teller later confessed to the theft and pleaded with Pim not to press charges, claiming it was his first offence and that he needed money for the New Year.

The suspect was taken into custody at Pattaya City Police Station, where officers seized the stolen phone along with his fortune-telling equipment. The device was returned to Pim.

Notably, fortune-telling remains deeply woven into Thai society. From ordinary citizens to business leaders and politicians, fortune-tellers enjoy widespread popularity across the country. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the market for spiritual goods and services in Thailand could be worth between $304 million and $456 million.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bhavya Sukheja
Bhavya Sukheja is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 6 years of experience in digital journalism. She specialises in covering stories that reflect everyday human experiences, with a focus on viral videos, social media trends, and human-interest features that inform readers while sparking meaningful conversations. She loves chasing page views and finding stories that tug at readers’ heartstrings. Known for her strong news sense, Bhavya has a keen ability to spot emerging trends and craft angles that transform viral moments into impactful narratives. Her coverage spans pop culture, entertainment, global affairs, and the internet’s most talked-about topics, helping readers better understand the context behind what is trending online. Before joining Hindustan Times, Bhavya worked with Republic World and NDTV, where she developed her skills in real-time reporting and digital storytelling. Working in fast-paced newsrooms helped her build an editorial approach that prioritises accuracy, clarity, and audience engagement. Bhavya is driven by a curiosity about how people communicate and connect in the digital age. She is particularly interested in stories that highlight cultural shifts, shared emotions, and the evolving nature of online conversations. When she is not tracking trends or producing stories, Bhavya enjoys unplugging and spending time with her cat.Read More

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