Pattaya thief begs for mercy after stealing to aid sick grandmother

A shop owner in Pattaya set a trap to catch a persistent thief who had been stealing from his stall, only to face a tearful plea for forgiveness as the suspect claimed he was stealing to feed his sick grandmother.

Officers from Nong Prue Police Station responded to a call about a detained thief at the Khao Talo Market in Pattaya. Upon arrival, officers found the owner of a fresh produce stall, 35 year old Veerasak guarding the suspect, 25 year old Chanathip Sukpheng.

Chanathip, visibly distressed and kneeling before Veerasak, begged for mercy and asked not to face legal charges. Veerasak explained to the police that Chanathip had been stealing various items, including eggs, vegetables, canned fish, and even small change from his stall. This prompted Veerasak to hide and wait for the thief to catch him in the act.

The shop’s surveillance camera alerted Veerasak that the thief was inside stealing again on Wednesday, October 2. He, along with others, quickly apprehended the suspect. Chanathip tried to escape but Veerasak, being faster, chased him down and detained him until police arrived.

Chanathip tearfully confessed that he had been stealing food and money because he had no money and needed to provide for his seriously ill grandmother. He claimed that the stolen money was used to pay for her medical treatments and medicine. He admitted to having stolen from the market three times before.

Despite Chanathip’s emotional plea, Veerasak refused to forgive him and insisted on pressing charges. Nong Prue police detained the suspect and are proceeding with legal action against him, reported Pattaya News.

In related news, a spate of thefts at a fresh vegetable stall in Soi Khao Talo Market, Nong Prue, near Pattaya, left its owner desperate for help. On September 14 at 4pm, the owner Wirasak, went public with CCTV footage in a bid to catch the thief who’s been targeting his stall.