Thief Caught Visiting Wife in Pattaya Prison After Stealing Copper Wires from Chonburi Gas Stations

Chonburi, Thailand – On June 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM, police arrested 45-year-old Yongyut Sakulkitchamnchai, alias Yuth, from Samut Prakan, for stealing copper lightning protection wires from multiple gas stations across Chonburi province.

The arrest took place at Pattaya Special Prison in Nong Pla Lai, Bang Lamung district, where Yongyut was visiting his incarcerated wife. The operation was led by Pol. Lt. Col. Kornphong Sukwisis, Deputy Superintendent of Investigations, and Pol. Sub-Lt. Wutthipong Kasa, Investigation Chief, along with the Banglamung Police Station’s investigative team.

The arrest follows a string of thefts reported in late May and early June 2025 at gas stations in the jurisdictions of Banglamung, Laem Chabang, Si Racha, and, most recently, Semed police stations. The suspect, posing as an electrician, targeted copper lightning protection wires installed on gas station signs, causing damages estimated at over 100,000 baht. Yongyut allegedly operated in broad daylight, claiming to station staff that he was repairing electrical systems before cutting and stealing the valuable wires. CCTV footage from the gas stations clearly captured his actions.

Following a coordinated investigation, Banglamung police tracked Yongyut by analyzing evidence and collaborating with other affected precincts. They identified him as the culprit and learned he was visiting his wife, imprisoned for theft, at Pattaya Special Prison. Officers ambushed him at the facility, apprehending him on the spot. A search recovered the clothes worn during the crimes, a wire-cutting tool, and two motorcycles used in the thefts.

During interrogation at Banglamung Police Station, Yongyut confessed to committing four to five thefts of lightning protection wires. He admitted learning the trade from a former inmate friend convicted of theft. After stealing the wires, he stripped and sold the copper, earning 1,000–1,500 baht per theft. His latest crime occurred on June 23, 2025, at a Bangchak gas station in Semed, Chonburi. Yongyut cited financial struggles as his motive, stating that his primary income from collecting bamboo shoots was insufficient. He claimed the stolen money funded rent, support for his wife in prison, online gambling, and methamphetamine purchases. He expressed remorse and apologized to the victims.

Police are preparing to charge Yongyut with “theft using a vehicle” and “illegal consumption of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine).” He has been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.