Shocking arrest: Bangkok electrical wire thief nabbed

Police apprehended a suspect involved in cutting electrical wires, while another managed to escape. The incident occurred early today, October 14, resulting in one arrest and a positive test for illegal substances.

Around 4.30am, police officers from Thonglor Police Station, led by Police Colonel Pansa Amornapitak, Deputy Superintendent Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthakit Jokkhoksung, and their team, were patrolling the area near the bus stop between Soi Sukhumvit 30 and Soi Sukhumvit 30/1 in Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei district, Bangkok.

During their patrol, they observed two individuals, Ekachai and an accomplice, acting suspiciously near an electrical control cabinet. The suspects appeared to be in the process of stealing electrical wires.

Upon noticing the police, the suspects abandoned the wires and a bicycle, fleeing across the street towards Soi Sukhumvit 47. The officers pursued them and managed to apprehend Ekachai, who had hidden in roadside bushes. He confessed to the attempted theft, stating that he and his friend, named Mid, intended to sell the stolen wires.

The police recovered a 16-centimetre folding knife, a 23-centimetre fruit knife, and a bicycle from the scene. A subsequent urine test revealed that Ekachai had used illegal substances, as indicated by the purple colour in the test results. The suspect was then taken to Thonglor Police Station for further legal proceedings.

The officers issued a warning to the public that stealing electrical wires is a criminal offence, those caught can face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 6,000 baht.

Police are now on the lookout for the second suspect, Mid, and have urged the public to provide any information that could lead to his arrest. Police have also reminded residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help prevent such crimes.

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of theft in the area, particularly the stealing of electrical wires, which has been a recurring problem, reported KhaoSod.