Police arrested Nyi Nyi Htwe near Kata Hill about 8pm last night (Feb 4). He was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by Phuket Provincial Court on Aug 8 last year, Karon Police reported.
Nyi Nyi Htwe told police he arrived in Phuket on a bus and walked around looking for motorbikes with the key still in them.
He came across one and sat on the motorbike as if it were his. He pretended to put the key in the ignition, then drove off.
One of the thefts was recorded on CCTV, leaving police with a description of their wanted thief.
An investigation led to police learning that Nyi Nyi Htwe had returned to the area, prompting police to track him down and arrest him.
Nyi Nyi Htwe has been charged with committing theft at night, police said.
Police suspect Nyi Nyi Htwe of the theft of other motorbikes in the area that were reportedly stolen in the same manner.