An American tourist allegedly stole a Japanese passenger's iPhone at an airport in Thailand.

Sakkarin, 58, of dual American and Laotian descent, reportedly plucked the iPhone 16 Pro left charging at an outlet at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on February 13.

Police launched an investigation after the Japanese phone owner reported the theft. The holidaymaker said he had left the gadget plugged in near a toilet but returned to find it gone.

Tourist police reviewed CCTV footage and found Sakkarin allegedly stealing the phone. However, he denied the charge while being detained for questioning.

The officers then scanned his belongings left at Gate 1 of the airport and found the stolen phone in his luggage.

Police Major Colonel Seksan Thiraruangrat of the tourist police said: ‘We arrested the suspect and charged him with committing theft by night.

‘We informed him of the charges and brought him to the inquiry officer at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for further legal action.'

Under Section 335 of the Thai Criminal Code, theft by night is punishable with up to five years in prison, and a fine of up to 10,000 baht (240 GBP).

(1 GBP = 42.3 THB)