2 teenagers from Klong Toey slum praised for capturing a thief

Two teenagers from the Klong Toey slum in Bangkok were praised by Thai netizens after they rode for 37 kilometres to help capture a thief who stole a motorbike from a resident in the community.

The story of the teens’ heroic ride was highlighted on a Facebook page named Klong Toey Land (คลองเตยแลนด์) yesterday.

The two teenagers, identified as Rin and Phon, rode a motorcycle 37 kilometres from the Klong Toey district of Bangkok to Pathum Thani province in pursuit of a female thief so police could charge her.

The story emerged when the owner of the motorcycle, Jaroenphol Kaewjaiem, appealed to netizens for help after his bike was stolen.

He posted pictures of his bike on the Facebook group Klong Toey Society by Klong Toey Land.

Jaroenphol said he parked his motorbike near the Customs Department Pier in the Klong Toey district of Bangkok at about 4.45am. He added he parked the motorbike to pick up a phone call but forgot to remove the key from the bike’s ignition.

A day later, Rin and Phon spotted Jaroenphol’s motorbike being ridden by a woman that appeared to be high on drugs between 4am to 5am. The teens revealed they were about to report it to the police, but the woman set off and they decided to follow her.

Rin and Phon asked the woman to stop, but she continued riding along Rama 3 Road until she got to Nakhon Pathom province. Rin and Phon saw a rescue team that was standing by and alerted them to what had happened and the thief was finally captured and arrested by officers from Pho Kaew Police Station in Nakhon Pathom.

The Facebook page announced that Jaroenphol rewarded Rin and Phon with 5,000 baht for their help.

The post got over 2,200 reactions, 136 shares, and 167 comments, hailing the bravery of the two teenagers.

One netizen said Thai people should change their attitudes toward the Klong Toey community and residents. The netizen praised the Facebook page for highlighting the positive side of people in the area.

Klong Toey is a well-known slum area of Bangkok occupied by families on low incomes. The area is also notorious for its high crime and drug rate although the situation is getting better now the government is investing in the area.

SOURCE: Khaosod | คลองเตยแลนด์