Investigators from Phuket City Police Station arrested Mong Yi, 45, on Mae Luan Rd in Phuket Town at about 6:30pm yesterday (June 15).
The arrest followed a complaint filed on June 8 by a motorcycle owner who reported that their motorbike had been stolen from a Bangchak petrol station opposite Wat Khosit Wihan in Phuket Town. According to police, the owner had left the key in the ignition before the theft.
Investigators led by Lt Col Kant Aksornthong gathered evidence and tracked the suspect’s movements following the report.
While conducting inquiries in the area, Lt Col Kant reportedly spotted a man matching the suspect’s description riding the stolen motorcycle along Mae Luan Rd. Officers stopped and questioned the rider, who was unable to produce documents proving ownership of the vehicle.
The man was taken to Phuket City Police Station for further questioning.
Police said the suspect confessed to stealing the motorbike and admitted involvement in four other thefts across the island.
According to investigators, Mong Yi told police he had stolen two motorbikes in the Karon area and another two in Patong.
Police did not disclose details of the other stolen motorcycles or whether they have been recovered.
Investigators said the suspect refused to reveal whether the stolen vehicles had been sold or passed on to other people.
Mong Yi has been charged with theft using a vehicle and entering the Kingdom illegally.
He was handed over to investigators at Phuket City Police Station for further legal action.