The arrest was made by Phuket City Police investigators on Monday (Aug 4), following a string of wire thefts that had caused public disruption along local roadsides.
The suspect, identified only as ‘Mr Somchai’, was apprehended while removing copper wire from insulation at a house in Moo 3, Ratsada.
According to police, the arrest was made under a warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court. Officers seized 3kg of copper wire, 15.4kg of stripped wire sheathing and 4kg of cable found at the property.
The operation was led by officers under the direction of Phuket City Police Chief Pol Col Chatree Chukaew and included senior investigators from the station.
The arrest follows several reports of electrical wire thefts in the Phuket City Police jurisdiction, with some incidents captured on CCTV.
Police say they had been monitoring surveillance footage and following up leads, which led to the arrest of two suspects late last month, and then to Somchai’s arrest on Sunday.
At the time of his arrest, Somchai was actively stripping the wire, police said.
During questioning, Somchai admitted to repeatedly stealing electrical wires from roadside installations with the help of two accomplices, both of whom had already been arrested. He told police he sold the stripped copper to a local junk shop and used the proceeds to buy drugs.
A urine test conducted after the arrest returned a positive result for illegal drugs. Somchai was consequently also charged with illegal use of a Category 1 narcotic.
Phuket City Police said they are continuing their investigation and expanding inquiries to identify further individuals involved in the wire theft operation. Mr Somchai and the seized evidence have been handed over to investigators for further legal action.
He faces multiple charges, including joint theft at night using a vehicle, and drug-related offences.
Last month, a 25-year-old man was arrested in connection with the same series of copper wire thefts that caused widespread disruption across Phuket Town over a two-month period.
Pipatson ‘Nok’ Thongwicha, originally from Nakhon Sri Thammarat, was taken into custody at a daily rental room on Surin Rd on July 23, following an extensive investigation by Phuket City Police. He was arrested under a court warrant for “joint theft at night using a vehicle to aid the crime or escape”.
During questioning, Pipatson confessed to committing at least 12 wire thefts in the Phuket Town area, and another two in Wichit. He admitted stripping the wires to sell the copper and using the proceeds to buy methamphetamine, pay for accommodation, and cover daily expenses.
He also claimed to have committed the thefts with two accomplices. Police have confirmed that Mr Somchai, arrested on Sunday, is one of those individuals.
Phuket City Police Chief Pol Col Chatree has ordered officers to pursue all suspects involved and take legal action against secondhand dealers suspected of knowingly purchasing stolen wire.
Police are also urging any affected residents or businesses to come forward with information.