Phuket Rider Held Over 3.69m Baht Theft From Foreign Residents’ Homes

A 23-year-old delivery rider and amateur footballer has been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of more than 3.69 million baht in cash and valuables from the homes of two foreign residents in Phuket.

The suspect, identified by police only as “A”, was detained at a checkpoint in Mai Khao, Thalang district, on October 2 as he was returning to Phuket.

Police said the two theft cases were reported in Chalong on September 30.

In the first case, 12 items, including a camera and related equipment, were reported stolen. Their total value was estimated at 387,788 baht.

The second case involved the reported theft of around US$100,000 in cash. Police estimated the combined losses from the two properties at more than 3.69 million baht.

Investigators said the suspect worked as a food delivery rider and had previously delivered orders to both properties. Police allege that he used those visits to observe the homes, including their entrances and access points.

According to investigators, he later returned when the residents were away or when the properties had not been properly secured.

Police allege that after the thefts, the suspect exchanged some of the US dollars for Thai baht in Patong. Some of the money was also allegedly used to purchase gold and cover personal expenses.

On October 1, investigators searched the suspect’s accommodation and recovered several items, including a motorcycle believed to have been used in the alleged offences.

Police subsequently gathered further evidence and obtained an arrest warrant from the Phuket Provincial Court.

The following day, investigators learned that the suspect had travelled to his home province of Trang and was returning towards Phuket. Officers coordinated a checkpoint operation on the route onto the island and stopped his vehicle.

A search allegedly found US$30,700 in cash, 75,150 baht, three baht-weight of gold, another one salung of gold, a camera, a drone and other property.

Police later recovered additional items valued at around 250,000 baht.

All 12 items reported stolen in the first case have been recovered. In the second case, police said they have so far recovered property and money worth more than 1.32 million baht.

During initial questioning, the suspect reportedly told investigators that the remaining money had been spent on football gambling and personal expenses.

Police said legal proceedings are continuing, while investigators are also examining additional property believed to be connected to the case.