Burglar arrested with B1.5m in stolen goods

CHALONG: A cat burglar released from prison last year is now back in custody, arrested on Sunday with over 1.5 million baht in stolen goods – mostly Buddhist amulets. Also arrested were his two alleged accomplices, one a 16-year-old boy. 

The arrests were announced a press conference later the same day led by Police Region 8 Commander Santarn Chayanon.

The suspect, 20-year-old Wanchai “Ton” Bunchu from Thalang, has been charged with theft by breaking and entering. Facing the same charges in Juvenile Court is a 16-year-old identified only as “Pop”. A third man, Sitthichok “Pong” Kaewkhao, 25, is accused of receiving stolen goods.

Mr Wanchai and “Pop” were arrested at a boarding house in Chalong after police received a report from Ariyah Puengkin that her home on Soi Bangku had been burgled, with numerous items stolen.

Upon their arrest, the pair were found in possession of a total of 37 items, including Buddhist amulets, jewelry and a coin dating back to the Rama V era.

Under interrogation the pair confessed to the burglary of Mrs Ariyah, along with several others. On each occasion they sold the stolen items to Sitthichok “Pong” Kaewkhao from Thalang, subsequently arrested in possession of a large number of amulets.

Mr Wanchai told police he committed four other burglaries before his latest arrest. On each occasion, he cased out upscale residences and waited for the occupants to leave before breaking in.

All of the stolen goods were sold to Mr Sitthichoke except for items made of gold, which were sold to a gold shop in Thalang.

Both Mr Wanchai and “Pop” confessed to the charges, but Mr Sitthichoke has denied charges of receiving stolen goods.

Source: Siangtai Daily