Thieves Caught Stealing Electric Wires in Bangkok, estimated damage of 1.5 million baht

Strategic Insights -

Residents of the Bang Bon area in Bangkok were left without electricity for several days due to the actions of a gang of thieves who targeted electric wires. The Metropolitan Police Division 9 revealed that the gang, led by Mr. Chaichana, 38, had been stealing electric wires in the area, causing significant damage to the infrastructure. The thieves used the stolen wires to fund their crystal methamphetamine habit, which they confessed to after being caught.

Key Takeaways:

  • The gang, consisting of Mr. Chaichana, Mr. Kittisak, and Mr. Jakkrit, targeted electric wires in the Bang Bon area, causing significant damage to the infrastructure.
  • The stolen property included 35 cut electrical wires, a red motorcycle, one wire cutter, and 1.1 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
  • The estimated cost of the damage is 1.5 million baht.
  • The thieves confessed to using crystal methamphetamine and admitted to stealing wires on multiple occasions, including on May 3 and May 10-11, at midnight.
  • Two of the suspects, Mr. Kritsada and Mr. Aphisit, escaped, but the remaining three were arrested and charged with jointly stealing property for public use at nighttime.
  • Mr. Chaichana was charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics, and Mr. Kittisak and Mr. Jakkrit were charged with use of Category 1 narcotics.

Statistics:

  • 1.5 million baht: estimated cost of the damage caused by the thieves.
  • 35: number of cut electrical wires stolen by the gang.
  • 1.1 grams: weight of crystal methamphetamine seized from Mr. Chaichana.
  • 60 meters: length of the electrical wire stolen on May 5th.
  • 500,000 baht: value of the stolen electrical wire on May 5th.

Sources:

  • Thai News Agency, 15 May 2025