Caught in a pickle: Pattaya thief bites off more than he can chew

A man in Pattaya found himself in deep trouble after breaking into a restaurant and stealing cash, only to discover it was owned by a narcotics officer. Bang Lamung police arrested 23 year old Kittichai Sukthanom at a residence in Soi Nong Hin, Nongprue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province.

Police seized a stolen Bluetooth speaker and a blue Honda Wave motorcycle believed to have been used in the escape following the crime. Police suspected Kittichai of breaking into the restaurant in the early hours of yesterday, September 22, stealing 3,000 baht in cash from a donation tree within the establishment, and taking a Bluetooth speaker.

After the news of the burglary spread, Kittichai realised the restaurant owner was an officer he had previously encountered, which intensified his fears of being captured. His arrest followed soon afterwards as officers raided his property.

Kittichai admitted that he was unaware the restaurant in Pattaya belonged to a narcotics officer. This revelation ultimately led to his arrest.

Reviewing his criminal history, police discovered Kittichai had prior arrests for drug-related offences and theft. Two years ago, he was caught stealing from a coffee shop owned by the provincial governor in Pattaya.

Having been out of prison for just a year, he quickly returned to his old ways and now finds himself in police custody again, reported Pattaya News.

In other news, Phuket police are intensifying their investigation into an MG car linked to a robbery-murder in Nakhon Chai Si after GPS data revealed its presence in Phuket.

On September 19, Police Captain Ratchanat Ratsadaproni from Nakhon Chai Si Police Station was alerted to the discovery of 47 year old Thitirat Chatput’s body. Thitirat, who lived in the Lat Phrao district of Bangkok, was found dead in a water channel along the Nakhon Chai Si-Huai Phlu road in Nakhon Pathom province.