Two Women Arrested for Stealing Phone from 80-Year-Old Monk in Bangkok
BANGKOK — Two women were arrested for allegedly stealing a mobile phone from an elderly monk at his residence inside Bang Mod Sothonaram Temple. The suspects, identified as Somjit (56) and Pensri (52), confessed to the crime and are now in police custody.
The incident occurred while Thong Suk, an 80-year-old monk suffering from a chronic illness, was resting in his quarters. The two suspects approached him on a motorcycle and struck up a conversation. During the distraction, one of the women took a black Samsung phone worth about 4,000 baht (US$123) and hid it in her apron pocket while the other acted as a lookout.
The theft came to light when Manun, the monk’s 29-year-old nephew and caregiver, sought public help on July 11. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and traced the suspects to a rented room on Wat Yai Si Suphan 2 Alley in Thon Buri District, Bangkok.
Police set up surveillance and arrested the women when they returned on the same motorcycle used during the crime. The suspects confessed, returned the stolen phone, and guided police to their room where the clothes worn during the theft were found.
Police seized the motorcycle and other evidence. Both women have been charged with joint theft using a vehicle and are awaiting further legal proceedings.
