Thai soldier arrested for vending machine thefts in Lopburi

A soldier from a military unit in Lopburi has been apprehended for breaking into vending machines at laundrettes to steal money, claiming he needed funds to buy milk for his pregnant wife and to purchase methamphetamine (meth).

Police Colonel Anusorn Wannapin, Superintendent of Sai Mun Police Station in Yasothon, along with Police Captain Suphee Siladha, and a team of investigators, arrested 25 year old Kiatthisak Pansuk, a soldier from a military unit in Lopburi. Kiatthisak is accused of committing multiple thefts by using bolt cutters to break the locks on vending machines at six different laundrettes in Sai Mun district and one in Mueang Yasothon district over the past three weeks.

The investigative team traced the suspect through CCTV footage, which led them to Kiatthisak’s residence. Upon arrest, officers seized the motorcycle used in the crimes and all stolen items. Kiatthisak confessed to the burglaries, explaining that he was on leave from his military duties and waiting for his discharge at the end of the month. Without a stable job, he resorted to breaking into vending machines at night, typically making off with 400 to 500 baht each time.

The Thai soldier further admitted to using the stolen money to buy milk for his pregnant wife, with the remaining funds spent on meth and online gambling. Kiatthisak’s actions ultimately led to his capture by the police.

“It is true that I committed the crimes. I was on leave and had no steady income. I used the money to support my wife and our unborn child but also to feed my addiction to meth and gambling.”

The police investigation revealed that Kiatthisak targeted coin-operated washing machines, using bolt cutters to break into the locked money compartments. He successfully broke into six machines in Sai Mun district and one in the Mueang Yasothon district over three weeks.

CCTV evidence

Officers began their investigation after the series of thefts were reported and eventually identified Kiatthisak through surveillance footage. The footage showed a man repeatedly breaking into the machines. This evidence led them to his home, where they found the motorcycle used in the thefts and other incriminating evidence.

Police charged Kiatthisak with multiple counts of theft and are continuing their investigation to determine if there are any additional accomplices or victims, reported KhaoSod.

The police have urged businesses to strengthen their security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. They also reminded the public that financial hardships should be addressed through legal means and community support systems, rather than resorting to crime.