Phuket Driver Arrested Over 1.3 Million Baht Fuel Theft During Songkran

A company driver in Phuket has been arrested during the Songkran holiday over the alleged theft of fuel worth more than 1.3 million baht, according to local police.

The investigation began on March 24, when officers at Chalong Police Station received a complaint from a local business. The company reported that one of its truck drivers had been siphoning fuel and illegally selling it in Surat Thani, resulting in substantial financial losses.

Following an evidence review, police obtained an arrest warrant from the Phuket Provincial Court for 39-year-old Phakinai. He was charged with theft from an employer at night, with the use of a vehicle to commit the crime and transport stolen goods.

After the case was filed, the suspect fled to another province, complicating efforts to locate him. However, investigators continued to monitor his movements and eventually discovered that he had returned to Chalong, his hometown, during the Songkran celebrations.

On April 14, officers carried out the arrest. During interrogation, the suspect admitted to stealing and reselling the fuel. He has since been transferred to investigators for further legal proceedings in accordance with Thai law.