Chalong Police, working with the Phuket Provincial Police Investigation Division, announced the arrests at a press conference held at Chalong Police Station yesterday (Dec 15). The briefing was presided over by Pol Col Akanit Danpitaksart, Deputy Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, alongside Pol Col Surasak Jaidee, Superintendent of Chalong Police Station.
Police said the arrests followed three separate theft cases reported between Dec 2 and Dec 12, involving four motorcycles stolen in Chalong and nearby areas, causing concern among residents.
The first incident occurred at about 3:27am on Dec 2, when two electric motorcycles belonging to a French national were stolen. The second case involved the theft of an electric motocross motorcycle at about 6am on Nov 30, with the victim filing a police report on Dec 5. The third theft was reported after a black Honda Wave 125 was stolen at about 8pm on Dec 11, with the complaint lodged the following day.
Investigators determined that all three cases were carried out by the same group. Police later located the stolen motorcycles hidden in Soi Vanich That and Soi Keha 5 in Ratsada
Arrest warrants were issued by the Phuket Provincial Court, and at about 9pm on Friday (Dec 12) officers arrested a 20-year-old suspect, identified by police only as ‘Dale’, on three counts of jointly committing theft in a dwelling at night, using a vehicle to facilitate escape and transport stolen property.
A second suspect, a 15-year-old minor identified only as ‘Dong’ (a pseudonym), was handed over to investigators at Chalong Police Station for legal proceedings in accordance with juvenile justice procedures.
Police recovered all four motorcycles reported stolen during the investigation, along with a motorcycle used in the crimes and several items believed to have been used to carry out the thefts. All four motorcycles have since been returned to their owners.
In addition, after news of the arrests was shared on social media on Saturday night (Dec 13), another victim came forward after recognising his red-and-white Honda Sonic motorcycle in images released by police.
The motorcycle had been missing since 2024. After presenting ownership documents, the man was able to reclaim his vehicle and pursue related legal action.
Chalong Police said they have shared information from the case with other police stations under Phuket Provincial Police, as investigators believe the suspects may be linked to similar thefts in other areas of the province.