Rent, steal, sell: Couple busted in Pattaya car theft scam
A couple accused of running an elaborate car theft scam were arrested in Pattaya after allegedly renting vehicles, disabling GPS trackers, and selling them on the black market. The operation spanned multiple provinces, with victims reporting losses in Chon Buri, Pattaya, Nonthaburi, and Kanchanaburi.
On March 9, Chon Buri Highway Police arrested 48 year old Thanakrit and 29 year old Kanyakhorn at the Pattaya Highway Police Station in Nongprue, East Pattaya.
The couple were wanted on an embezzlement warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court. Officers also seized a grey Toyota Yaris and two license plates believed to be linked to the operation.
The investigation began when police stopped a black Toyota on Highway No. 3 in Sattahip district, Chon Buri province, after it made a sudden and suspicious lane change.
Officers found Thanakrit behind the wheel with Kanyakhorn in the passenger seat. A routine check revealed that the license plate was registered to a completely different make and model, immediately raising red flags.
Further checks uncovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen by its rightful owner, Athit, to Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi. Police later discovered the couple’s wider scheme: renting cars, removing GPS tracking devices, and selling the stolen vehicles either on the black market or smuggling them into neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Cambodia.
Police believe the couple has defrauded multiple victims, with investigations now extending across at least four provinces. More victims are expected to come forward as police unravel the full extent of the operation, reported Pattaya Mail.
Upon confirming that Athit’s car was part of the scam, police coordinated its return, much to his relief.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the police’s efforts in recovering my vehicle.”
The couple now faces serious legal charges, as police continue their crackdown on vehicle theft rings exploiting Thailand’s rental car industry.
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