The suspect, identified as Pradit Phomduang from Trang province, was apprehended by police in Ratsada, after police tracked the stolen vehicle using its GPS system.
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 1am when the car’s owner, Chanyanuch Boon-anan, 27, parked her white-black Suzuki Swift sedan in front of a 7-Eleven store on Phra Mettha Rd in Patong.
She left the engine running while she stepped inside.
When she returned, the car was gone.
Ms Chanyanuch promptly reported the theft to Patong Police, leading officers to initiate a search.
Using the car’s GPS tracking system, officers located the vehicle in Ratsada and coordinated with Phuket City Police to intercept it.
On stopping the vehicle, officers identified the driver as Pradit. He admitted to stealing the car from outside the 7-Eleven. A search of the vehicle found no illegal items, and he was taken into custody.
Police have charged Pradit with “theft or receiving stolen goods at night”. He has confessed to the crime and has been handed over to Patong Police for further legal proceedings.
Police reminded the public to remain vigilant and avoid leaving their vehicles unattended with the engine running to prevent similar incidents.