Food delivery rider arrested over alleged Phuket burglaries

A 23-year-old food delivery rider has been arrested over alleged burglaries at two foreign-owned homes in Chalong, where property worth more than B3.69 million was reported stolen, police said.

The suspect, identified as Thanawut Chairit from Trang, was arrested at the Phuket Check Point in Tha Chatchai at about 5.15pm on October 2, 2026, as he returned to Phuket. Chalong Police said he had previously delivered food to both homes and used his knowledge of their layouts and security weaknesses.

The burglaries were reported on September 30. In one case, 12 cameras and related items worth B387,788 were stolen. In the other, about US$100,000 in cash was reported missing.

Police said their investigation focused on the rider after officers established that he had visited both properties. Investigators alleged that he entered when the homes were unoccupied or insufficiently secured. Police also traced part of the money after it was exchanged for Thai baht in Patong and said proceeds were used to buy gold and cover personal expenses, including football betting.

On October 1, Chalong and Phuket City police searched the suspect’s residence and seized items believed to be linked to the burglaries, including the motorcycle allegedly used in the offences. Police then obtained two arrest warrants from Phuket Provincial Court for theft from a dwelling using a vehicle to facilitate the offence, and for transporting stolen property or evading arrest.

A search of the suspect’s black MG sedan after his arrest found 307 US$100 banknotes worth US$30,700, B75,150 in cash, jewellery, two mobile phones, a smartwatch, a shoulder bag and a wallet. Police also seized the vehicle.

Police said all 12 items stolen in the first burglary had been recovered and returned to the victim. Property worth more than B1.32 million was recovered in the second case, along with additional assets valued at about B250,000. The investigation into the remaining property is continuing.