PATTAYA, Thailand — A 45-year-old man named Yongyut, also known as “Yut”, was arrested on June 24 while visiting his wife at Pattaya Special Prison. He is accused of stealing copper lightning rods from petrol stations across Chon Buri province, causing damages exceeding 100,000 baht.
The arrest was executed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Kornpong Sukwisit, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Bang Lamung Police Station, along with his team. Yongyut was apprehended at the prison entrance during a routine visit to his wife, who is currently incarcerated for a similar offense.
Authorities had been investigating a string of thefts occurring between late May and June, targeting areas under Bang Lamung, Laem Chabang, Si Racha, and Saen Suk police jurisdictions. The suspect reportedly disguised himself as an electrician to access petrol stations during the day, returning later to remove the copper lightning rods.
CCTV footage from several petrol stations led police to identify Yongyut, who used a motorcycle in multiple thefts. He later confessed to the crimes, admitting he sold the stripped copper for 1,000 to 1,500 baht each time. Yongyut claimed financial hardship from collecting bamboo shoots drove him to commit the thefts to cover living expenses, support his wife, fund online gambling, and buy methamphetamine.
He now faces charges for theft using a vehicle and illegal possession of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine). Legal proceedings are underway.
In a related case, another gang involved in stealing electrical wires was recently arrested following a complaint by the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, as the thefts caused widespread infrastructure damage.
