BANGKOK, Thailand — A 51-year-old man with a history of fraud and theft was arrested in Bangkok after impersonating a police officer to steal a mobile phone from a taxi driver.
On July 17, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, alongside Police Major General Noppasilp Phunsawat and investigators, arrested Wilai “Pang” at a hotel on Lat Ya Road in Khlong San. Officers seized a mobile phone, 0.4 grams of crystal methamphetamine, and a motorcycle reportedly used in the crime.
The arrest followed a theft report filed on July 15, when a taxi driver told Samran Rat Police that a man, claiming to be a police captain, asked for a ride near the Tiger God Shrine in Phra Nakhon. The impersonator borrowed the victim’s phone and 1,000 baht under the pretense of calling relatives—then fled while pretending to be on a call.
CCTV footage and the escape route helped investigators identify Wilai, who matched the description of suspects in similar past incidents. The victim later confirmed Wilai as the thief.
Under questioning, Wilai confessed to committing theft on both July 15 and 16, using the same tactic of impersonating an officer to gain victims’ trust before disappearing with their belongings.
Police records show Wilai has a criminal history dating back to 2022, including impersonating police and nighttime theft. The motorcycle used in the latest crime was reported stolen from Samsen Police Station on July 8.
Wilai has now been transferred to Samran Rat Police Station for further legal proceedings.
