Wired up: Jobless man arrested for stealing 208 metres of copper in Bangkok

Police arrested a man suspected of stealing copper wire totalling over 208 metres from the Ong Ang canal in Bangkok, valued at more than 180,000 baht. The suspect claimed he resorted to theft after losing his job.

Police Major General Samart Promchat, Deputy Police Major General Narit Pratthanaporn, and Police Colonel Pawat Watsupattra from the Phra Ratchawang Police Station yesterday, September 16, received a report from Deputy Police Chief Paisan Detkanya and Police Captain Phlawat Khonkla.

The officials worked together to apprehend Kai Anudam, a 27 year old Laotian, on charges of nighttime theft and possession of public property. He was arrested on Ratchawong Road in the Samphanthawong district of Bangkok, following an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on September 13.

The investigation began on September 4, when a municipal officer received a report from the Phra Nakhon District Office. Residents had complained about the theft of copper wire, totalling 208 metres and valued at 180,000 baht, from the Ong Ang canal area.

The officer reported the theft to the Phra Ratchawang Police Station, prompting a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the suspect.

The police found that an unidentified man had used a blue Honda Wave 125i motorcycle with the registration plate 6KSH7994 Bangkok to commit the theft. After gathering evidence, the police obtained a court-issued arrest warrant.

Yesterday afternoon, the arresting officers received a tip-off from an informant about a man matching the suspect’s description near Ratchawong Road in Samphanthawong district. They also located the motorcycle used in the crime.

Upon locating the suspect, the officers identified themselves and requested to search him. The man was identified as Kai Anudam, a Laotian national, who admitted to being the person named in the arrest warrant. He was taken into custody for further questioning.

In the investigation, Kai admitted to the theft, citing his unemployment as the reason for his actions. He revealed that he had been out of work for a year after previously working as a mask seller in Sampeng and Saphan Han areas. He claimed he needed money for daily expenses after losing his job.

“I did it because I’ve been jobless for a year. I used to sell masks in Sampeng and Saphan Han, but I lost my job and needed money to get by.”

Following his confession, Kai was handed over to the Phra Ratchawang Police Station for further legal proceedings.