The arrest, led by Patong Police chief Pol Col Chalermchai Hirasawat and the station’s investigation team, took place at about 4pm on Wednesday (Oct 29) at a hotel on Phra Metta Rd in Patong.
Officers seized a red-black Honda PCX160 motorbike, registered in Phuket, identified as the vehicle used in the crime, along with clothing, accessories and cash believed to be connected to the case.
The suspect, named by police as Vietnamese national Huynh Van Chay, 40 was found inside a room at the hotel. He reportedly admitted to police that he was the man captured on CCTV footage committing the theft.
Among the items seized were several shirts, jackets, jeans, a Gucci hooded jacket and cap, a black CT-800 helmet, a black leather shoulder bag, green sandals, a brown belt and B5,000 in cash. The Honda PCX motorbike was parked in front of the hotel, while the other items were found inside the suspect’s room and nearby areas.
Police said the arrest followed an investigation into a theft reported at a pool villa residence on Prem Sap Village Rd, Patong, early Sunday morning (Oct 26).
According to the complaint filed by a national from Hong staying at the pool villa and Pilawan Tathep, 34, caretaker of the villa, about HK$5,000 and B25,000 in cash had been stolen from a bag left in the living room while the family was asleep.
CCTV footage later showed a man entering the property at about 2am and leaving with the money.
Following the report, investigators traced the suspect’s movements and identified the motorcycle used in the crime. Patong Police reported.
The vehicle was later found parked at the hotel on Phra Metta Rd, leading officers to the suspect’s room.
According to police, Huynh admitted to the theft and cooperated with police in recovering the stolen items. All seized evidence has been handed over to Patong Police investigators for further legal proceedings.
Police confirmed that the suspect will be charged under Section 334 of the Thai Criminal Code for theft and will remain in custody pending prosecution.