The three suspects ‒ named only as ‘Nitima’, 54, ‘Maliwan’, 37, and ‘Mathri’, 57 ‒ were apprehended at a residence in the Suan Luang Community in Moo 2, Wichit, on Sunday (June 7).
Police said the three women had been travelling on a ‘saleng’ (motorbike with sidecart), targeting homes and stealing valuable items.
Investigators linked the group to the theft of steel pipes from Chao Fah Village in Wichit and air conditioning units from properties in Chalong.
According to police, the stolen items were sold and the proceeds used to purchase methamphetamine.
During the operation, officers seized a white-and-black Honda Dream motorcycle with sidecar, Phuket licence plate J 7587, along with clothing believed to have been worn during the thefts.
Urine tests conducted on all three suspects returned positive results for methamphetamine, police said.
The women were initially taken to Wichit Police Station before being handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.
They face charges of jointly committing theft and consuming a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine).
Police noted that investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward, as the trio are suspected of carrying out multiple thefts across the island while using their motorised tricycle to transport stolen goods.
Wichit Police are continuing their investigation and have urged anyone who may have been affected by similar thefts in the Wichit or Chalong areas to contact police.