Chalong Police reported that the case began on Mar 24, when Kolovsky Enterprise Co Ltd filed a complaint alleging that one of its employees had driven a company fuel truck to Surat Thani and sold its contents, causing losses exceeding B1.3 million.
Following the complaint, investigators gathered evidence and sought an arrest warrant from the Phuket Provincial Court for the suspect, identified only as ‘Pakinai’ (surname withheld), 39.
Police said the suspect fled Phuket after the alleged theft, attempting to evade arrest by concealing his whereabouts and moving between provinces, making it difficult for officers to track him.
Despite this, Chalong Police investigators continued their efforts and eventually determined that the suspect had returned to his home in Chalong during the Songkran festival.
At about the peak of Songkran celebrations on Tuesday (Apr 14), officers moved in and arrested Mr Pakinai under a warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court on charges of “theft of an employer’s property at night, using a vehicle to facilitate the offence or transport stolen goods”.
During questioning, the suspect confessed to the crime and admitted selling the stolen fuel, police said.
He was formally charged and handed over to investigators at Chalong Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Chalong Police reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and order, urging members of the public to report incidents via the 191 emergency hotline or by contacting the station directly.