The more than five-minute video began circulating on social media and in various LINE groups yesterday afternoon (Feb 20), showing the suspect targeting three coin-operated washing machines in front of an apartment building behind Surakul Stadium in Wichit.
The footage shows the man, wearing a full-face helmet, calmly approaching the machines before plugging in a handheld rotary saw and cutting open the metal coin boxes containing B1 and B10 coins.
Despite the loud noise from the saw, the suspect appeared unconcerned as he worked. He made off with more than B2,000 in coins before briefly bowing toward the building’s security camera and fleeing the scene.
The owner of the washing machines filed a complaint with Wichit Police Station after discovering the damage the following morning.
Speaking to reporters, the victim said the incident occurred at about 1am on Thursday (Feb 19) but was only discovered later that day. The same location had previously been targeted several years ago, when about B1,000 was stolen. This time, the losses amounted to around B2,000, the victim said
Pol Col Somsak Thongkliang, Superintendent of Wichit Police Station, said investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the apartment building and along surrounding roads to track down the suspect.
Officers identified a man matching the description seen in the video and conducted a stakeout at his residence before apprehending him. He was taken to Wichit Police Station for questioning.
Police named the suspect as Apisit Wongcharoen, 32, from Kathu. According to police, he has a prior record for assault and drug use. Further investigation has indicated that he may have committed similar offences in the Kathu area.
Pol Col Somsak said the investigation is ongoing to determine whether the suspect is linked to other cases.