Thief in Songkhla returns stolen manhole cover within 48 hours

A mysterious incident in Songkhla saw a stolen manhole cover returned just a day later, sparking widespread speculation online. Yesterday, August 27, CCTV footage captured a thief stealing the metal cover, only to bring it back within 48 hours.

The CCTV footage showed a middle-aged man, wearing a cap and dark glasses, driving a pickup truck to a house in Moo 7, Ban Dannok, Samnak Kham subdistrict, Sadao district, Songkhla province. After parking, he pretended to be recording electricity meter readings, walking around with a notebook and pen. He then sat in front of the house, seemingly jotting down notes, before lifting the manhole cover and placing it in his truck.

The theft occurred at 9.45am on August 24. However, by 1.34pm on August 26, the same individual returned on a motorcycle, bringing the manhole cover back and placing it in its original position. Before leaving, he took a photo, presumably to prove to someone that the item had been returned.

“It’s the first time in the world that a thief has returned a stolen manhole cover,” the homeowner remarked. Typically, once such items are stolen, they are gone for good. The homeowner discovered the theft on August 25, 2024, upon returning from Phang Nga.

Reviewing the CCTV footage, they saw the man posing as an electricity meter reader and subsequently reported the incident to the Sadao police. A warning post was also shared on social media.

Officials from the Samnak Kham Municipality revealed that after learning about the theft, they investigated local scrap shops. They discovered the cover had been sold to one such shop.

Upon questioning the shop owner, they identified the thief as someone from Satun, not a local. The man had come to Dannok to sell items but, lacking money for fuel to return home, resorted to stealing the cover, which he sold for 250 baht (US$7).

Police instructed him to retrieve and return the cover, even providing financial assistance as he appeared to be in dire straits. The man complied, as captured by the CCTV footage, reported KhaoSod.

The incident has led to widespread online discussions, with some netizens speculating about a possible curse or supernatural element associated with the manhole cover. Many shared the post within the Dannok community, prompting various reactions and theories.