BANGKOK — A notorious thief who allegedly stole more than 50 pairs of sneakers and a pair of Versace slippers from merit-makers at temples across Bangkok has been arrested. Authorities tracked the suspect, Surasak Imsakwassana, 56, thanks to the city’s extensive network of closed-circuit surveillance cameras (CCTV).
Surasak was arrested early Sunday morning at his rented house in Saphan Sung district, just 30 minutes after midnight. Upon his arrest, police discovered a pile of stolen items, including over 50 pairs of canvas shoes and sneakers, as well as the Versace slippers.
The arrest came after a January 1 complaint from one of his alleged victims. The victim reported that after leaving his shoes on a staircase at Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan in Phra Nakhon district, he returned to find them missing. Police examined security camera footage and identified Surasak, who was seen walking to the staircase, trying on the shoes, and leaving with them.
Further investigation via CCTV showed Surasak taking a bus to a stop near his rented room in Nak Kira housing estate. Police then tracked him to his residence, where they found the stolen goods. Surasak reportedly admitted to the thefts and claimed that he had stolen all the shoes from various temples in the city, including the Versace slippers from Wat Bowonniwetwiharn in Phra Nakhon.
Police say Surasak has an extensive criminal history, with prior theft convictions linked to various Bangkok police stations, including Phayathai, Samrarn Rat, Pathumwan, Lumpini, and Thong Lor.
This arrest highlights the effectiveness of Bangkok’s surveillance network in solving crimes and bringing suspects to justice.