Thief steals motorcycle from hotel in Chachoengsao, still at large

A brazen theft occurred at the Rajapruek 24 Hotel in Chachoengsao province when a thief stole a motorcycle and evaded capture by misleading the hotel caretaker. The incident, caught on CCTV, highlights a well-coordinated plan executed in the early hours of yesterday, October 7.

CCTV footage from the Rajapruek 24 Hotel on Suwinthawong Road in Chachoengsao captured the event around 4am. A man wearing a full-face helmet and carrying a side bag entered the hotel and inspected room number four, occupied by 60 year old Laotian national Boonmee Saithong, the hotel caretaker.

The thief then moved towards room number six, where a grey Honda Wave motorcycle with the registration number 1 กภ 5836 Chachoengsao, belonging to 45 year old Wasan Pandachot, the hotel manager, was parked. This motorcycle was regularly used by Boonmee and often left with the key in it.

The CCTV footage shows the thief slowly pushing the motorcycle, trying not to wake Boonmee. However, as the thief passed Boonmee’s room, Boonmee woke up and saw the rear end of the motorcycle being pushed away. He grabbed a flashlight and ran after the thief. Realising Boonmee had noticed him, the thief quickly started the motorcycle and rode against traffic towards Suwinthawong Road, heading into the city.

During the commotion, another man crossed the street and entered the hotel. Dressed in long sleeves and carrying a bag, this man approached Boonmee and his wife, claiming that the thief had hired him for a ride and had borrowed his mobile phone.

The man asserted his innocence, stating he was also a victim as he hadn’t been paid for the ride. He then left the scene, and it wasn’t until later that Boonmee suspected this man might have been part of the same gang, aiming to distract him from pursuing the thief.

Wasan, the hotel manager, revealed after speaking with Boonmee that they suspected the thieves had previously stayed at the hotel. This familiarity allowed them to know exactly where Boonmee parked the motorcycle and that the key was often left in it. The CCTV footage clearly shows the thief’s awareness of Boonmee’s habits, as he went straight for the motorcycle.

Boonmee’s immediate concern is the lack of transportation to take his daughter to school during her final exams. He now has to hire a motorcycle taxi service for this purpose. Wasan plans to buy a new motorcycle for Boonmee but shared the CCTV footage to alert others about the gang’s tactics and to request police assistance in apprehending the culprits, reported KhaoSod.

“The behaviour of this gang is alarming. We urge the police to help catch these thieves and bring them to justice.”