Phuket Town police duty officer Pol Capt Somchai Nhuboon was notified of the burglary at 4:30 am. The caller said the suspect was already secured.
When police arrived with Kusolatham Rescue Foundation personnel at the scene on Soi Surin, off Montri Rd, not far from the popular T2 dance pub, they had to break into the place themselves using bolt cutters to get through the door.
Inside, they found stock scattered about the shop and, in the middle of the floor, “a healthy young man in a blood-soaked white T-shirt and black denim trousers, his hands bound with strips of cloth.”
Rescue Foundation personnel applied first aid to his various wounds while police questioned him.
He identified himself as Somchai Jiemsantiya (23). Police said a check of Somchai’s record showed he was only recently released from prison. A search turned up B800 in cash and coins which they believed he had stolen from the shop.
Also present, and in a wounded state, was shop owner Sornchai Srilaks, 47. Sornchai said he was wounded in the struggle with Somchai.
Both were taken to Vachira Phuket hospital for treatment.
Sornchai told police how Somchai, had entered. “He came from the back of the building, climbing up to the third floor, and got in through the bathroom.” He then went down to the building’s ground floor clothing shop and rifled through the valuables.
“My wife and I were asleep at the time on the third floor,” said Sornchai, “But I heard a dog barking and went down to investigate.”
“He was busy searching through the goods when I spotted him. We instantly began fighting. He broke a glass, using the jagged edge as a weapon to slash and stab at me.” Police said Sornchai had wounds all over his body.
Despite his wounds Sornchai fought back, finally prevailing and subduing the burglar, whom he tied up.
– Source: Manager Online