Two Thai transgender women were arrested for allegedly pickpocketing an Israeli tourist in Thailand.

The pair were said to have approached holidaymaker Chamam Saher, 52, to offer sex services before trying to steal his wallet on December 22.

But a row erupted when the tourist noticed the alleged attempted theft.

Police responded to the commotion along a nightlife strip in 'Sin City' Pattaya, where they found one of the suspects, Chanayut, 25, arguing with the Israeli man.

The second ladyboy, Kritsana, 27, was detained while collecting banknotes scattered at a nearby currency exchange during the scuffle.

Cash including 1,200 baht, 300 US dollars, and 160 Israeli shekels were seized from the pair, who were hauled to the local station to be charged with 'joint theft at night'.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Prabda Suksuntree of the Tourist Police said: 'Both suspects admitted that they committed theft against the tourist.

‘Officers informed them of the charges and their legal rights before handing them over to the inquiry officer at Pattaya City Police Station for further legal action.'

The incident is the latest involving violent transgender women in Pattaya.

In September, British tourist Duncan Hamish Kirkwood, 58, was allegedly attacked by transgender prostitutes over a payment dispute for an orgy.

Tourists are regularly attacked or caught up in crime, leading Pattaya to be dubbed 'Sin City'.

Embarrassed officials in the central government have launched tourism initiatives to attract families and rebrand Pattaya as a safe destination.

Authorities have also introduced safety measures, such as improved lighting and CCTV.

Despite some success in cleaning up the town's image, alcohol and sex remain its biggest draws, often leading to a high rate of crime and accidents.