Thailand –
Authorities have apprehended a male Australian national in connection with a brazen robbery allegedly targeting his fellow countryman, seizing the suspect at a lavish villa in Pattaya. During the arrest, officers found two large lions being kept inside the residence.
Police from Region 8 told the Phuket Express that they arrested a suspect identified only as Mr. Billy, an Australian citizen, whose age was not given, wanted on multiple charges. He was taken into custody under arrest warrants issued by the Phuket Provincial Court and Samui Provincial Court, accusing him of armed robbery and intimidation.
Billy was found at a luxurious villa in Pong, Banglamung, a sprawling estate valued at approximately 30 million baht. Upon entering the premises, police were shocked to discover two fully grown lions, which Billy claimed to have purchased—one at over 1 million baht and the other at 700,000 baht. According to Billy, ownership of the exotic animals was registered under his Thai girlfriend’s name.
Further searches revealed multiple BB guns scattered throughout the residence. Authorities are now investigating the source of funds used to purchase the property.
The arrest stemmed from reports filed by an Australian victim, who alleged that he had been robbed twice by fellow Australians, including Billy. The victim claimed to have been forced to transfer both cash and cryptocurrency, amounting to 21 million baht. He further stated that he had been continuously harassed and threatened by the perpetrators, one of whom was reportedly linked to organized crime in Australia.
The first robbery occurred in Phuket, where four suspects, led by Billy, allegedly broke into the victim’s villa, brandished firearms, and demanded bank transfers totaling 10.5 million baht.
The second incident took place in Koh Samui in January 2025, where Thai accomplices working for Billy allegedly forced the victim to transfer 2.8 Bitcoin—further raising concerns about the gang’s reach and influence.
Concerned about the escalating threats police acted swiftly to protect the victim and bring the perpetrators to justice. The victim was advised to file reports at Chalong Police Station in Phuket and Samui Police Station in Surat Thani, prompting an urgent investigation that led to rapid issuance of arrest warrants.
Billy was detained at his Pattaya home and transferred to Phuket for further legal proceedings. Police are continuing their manhunt for additional suspects believed to be connected to the crimes.
Authorities are also investigating the legality of Billy’s possession of exotic animals and reviewing his Thailand Privilege Card visa status, which allowed him to stay in Thailand.
With possible links to international criminal networks, Billy’s arrest has raised concerns about transnational crimes operating within Thailand’s borders. Law enforcement is now working to trace his financial transactions and criminal affiliations, while also reviewing his assets to uncover potential money laundering activities.
