Employee Arrested During Songkran for Fuel Theft in Phuket Worth Over 1.3 Million Baht
Phuket – While most residents were celebrating Songkran with water splashing festivities, police in Chalong were busy splashing arrest warrants. Officers apprehended a company driver accused of stealing fuel worth more…
A company truck driver was arrested in Phuket on April 14 during the Songkran festival, accused of stealing fuel worth over 1.3 million baht, police said. Chalong Police apprehended the 39-year-old employee, identified as Mr. Phakinai, after tracking him to his hometown during the holiday period.
Alleged Fuel Theft and Investigation
The case began when a local company filed a complaint with Chalong Police Station on March 24, alleging that one of its drivers had siphoned off company fuel and sold it in Surat Thani. Investigators collected evidence linking Mr. Phakinai to the theft, which reportedly caused significant financial losses for the business.
Police said the suspect used a vehicle to facilitate the crime and transported the stolen fuel for resale. The Phuket Provincial Court issued an arrest warrant charging him with “theft from an employer at night, using a vehicle to facilitate the crime or transport stolen property.”
Arrest During Songkran and Confession
After the warrant was issued, Mr. Phakinai fled Phuket and traveled to another province, complicating efforts to locate him. Officers continued tracking his movements and discovered he had returned to Chalong during Songkran.
Police executed the arrest warrant on April 14 and took him into custody. During questioning, the suspect confessed to stealing and reselling the fuel, according to investigators. He was transferred to police custody for prosecution under Thai law.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/04/16/employee-arrested-during-songkran-for-fuel-theft-in-phuket-worth-over-1-3-million-baht/
