Pattaya —
Two thieves were caught red-handed by locals in Huay Yai, Chonburi, while attempting to steal power cables. One of the suspects admitted to committing the act to get money for his birthday celebration and drug use.
The incident unfolded near Soi Khao Makok 10 in the vicinity of the Huai Chak Nok reservoir at 02:06 AM on April 23rd, 2024. The suspects were caught by a group of fed-up locals and construction workers, who decided to take matters into their own hands, after having suffered repeated power outages due to cable theft.
According to Mr. Rattanaphon Sathianuchikanon, one of the locals, he and others set up an ambush in the woods where the thefts usually took place. They patiently waited several days for the culprits to strike again until their efforts paid off when they spotted three individuals attempting to dig up and steal the newly installed underground cables early this morning.
The locals and workers quickly emerged from their hiding spots and encircled the thieves. Two of the suspects were successfully caught, while the third managed to escape under the cover of darkness. The arrested suspects were identified as 30-year-old Mr. Buntharik Sibot and 32-year-old Cambodian national Mr. Kia. They were handed over to Huay Yai police for further investigation.
Police believed there may be more individuals involved in the theft ring after checking the suspects’ phones. One of the suspects reportedly confessed that tomorrow is his birthday, and he intended to sell the stolen cables to celebrate it and buy illegal drugs.
