Man detained for stealing century-old royal photos during house fire

Police detained the driver of an advertising tycoon yesterday, July 9, on accusations of stealing four century-old royal photos from his employer’s mansion during a fire in May.

The investigative Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Major General Theeradet Thumsuthee revealed that detectives apprehended 36 year old Nava Hongsakul, while he was driving a luxury van in front of the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Pathumwan district, Bangkok at 2pm yesterday.

Nava applied to be a driver for the Chief Executive Officer of Belink Media, Krisana Thanomsab in 2022. Within a year, the Samut Prakan native gained access to all areas of his boss’s mansion on Udomsuk Road.

On May 4, a fire erupted in the house, originating from the electrical power control room, which subsequently disabled the CCTV. Nava managed to evacuate his boss safely from the residence.

Detectives later discovered that during the commotion, Nava returned to the evacuated mansion and stole four royal photos of King Rama V, which date back approximately 120 years. He then resumed his duties as if nothing had happened.

After the fire was extinguished, Krisana noticed the loss of the photographs, which bore royal autographs and were considered a family inheritance. He promptly filed a complaint with the police.

Subsequent investigations revealed that collectors in Chon Buri, Nakhon Pathom, and Nonthaburi provinces had acquired the photographs for a combined total of 100,000 baht. Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeradet revealed that Nava had sold the photographs online.

“The suspect admitted to selling the photographs, which are considered priceless, online.”

Police also noted that Nava had a prior criminal record related to hosting gambling activities, reported Bangkok Post.

In similar news, a repeat offender found himself back behind bars just five minutes after he had been released from prison for theft in Chon Buri. The suspect stole money from numerous donation boxes.