Phuket Police hunt suspected bike thief, arson

PHUKET: Police are investigating the possible theft and arson of a motorbike that was found engulfed in flames in the middle of a street in Bang Tao early this morning.

Local villager Sompong Samerpop, 35, notified Cherng Talay Police of the blazing motorbike on Soi Bang Tao 4 at about 1:30am.

Police officers promptly called the Cherng Talay Fire Department, but Mr Sompong had already subdued the flames by the time firefighters arrived, said Lt Sakkarit Parnkao of the Cherng Talay Police.

“When we arrived at the scene, we saw that Mr Sompong was already throwing a bucket of water onto the black Suzuki motorbike to put out the flames,” he told the Phuket Gazette.

Mr Sompong told police that he snapped into action after hearing a loud explosion while at his home, about 100 meters away.

“I was watching the World Cup and heard what sounded like a bomb outside,” said Mr Sompong.

“I went outside to see what was going on and saw the motorbike on fire, but nobody was around. I immediately called the police.”

Police believe the motorbike was stolen and set on fire, as the owner was nowhere to be found, said Lt Sakkarit.

“We are searching for the owner of the motorbike and possible suspects to find out what happened,” said Lt Sakkarit.

The burnt motorbike was taken to the Cherng Talay Police Station.

— Thawit Bilabdullar