PATTAYA, Thailand – On June 4th, 2025, at 2:00 PM, police apprehended two suspects linked to a burglary at the holiday home of a retired judge in Chonburi’s Nongprue subdistrict. The operation, led by Deputy Superintendent Lt. Col. Thana Wisetchai of Nongprue Police Station, resulted in the arrest of Phonlawat Sawatrat, 33, and Warayut Phrompinit, 32, both from Buriram province, at an apartment in Soi Mabtato.
The incident traces back to May 24th, 2025, when Mr. Sombat (last name withheld), an 83-year-old former deputy chief judge of Pattaya Provincial Court, visited his vacation home in Soi Phornpraphanimit, Village No. 6. As he opened the gate, two men on a motorcycle sped out from the property, fleeing the scene. CCTV footage captured the suspects exiting the premises. Upon inspection, Mr. Sombat discovered that electrical wiring had been stripped clean, household items were ransacked, and several belongings were missing. The ceiling and doors had also been pried open, causing damage. He promptly reported the crime to Nongprue Police Station.
Following an investigation, police reviewed CCTV footage and traced the suspects’ escape route. They identified Phonlawat, alias “Pong,” as one of the culprits, locating him at a nearby apartment. During questioning, Phonlawat confessed to the theft, admitting he and Warayut, alias “Eh,” stole wiring and other items from the house, unaware it belonged to a former judge or that it was occupied. The stolen goods were sold to fund daily expenses and drug use. Based on Phonlawat’s information, police tracked down Warayut at a rowhouse in Soi Mabtato, apprehending him without resistance. Both suspects confessed to the crime.
The pair have been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings. Authorities are continuing to pursue the case in accordance with the law.
