Phuket delivery rider arrested over alleged B3.69m thefts from foreigners’ homes

Police have arrested a 23-year-old delivery rider accused of stealing more than B3.69 million in cash and property from two foreign residents’ homes in Phuket.

The suspect, identified only as A, was arrested at a checkpoint in Mai Khao, Thalang district, on 2 October 2026 while returning to Phuket, police said. The two thefts were reported in Chalong on 30 September.

In one case, 12 items, including a camera and accessories, were reported stolen. Police valued them at B387,788. In the second case, about US$100,000 in cash was reported missing. Police put the combined losses at more than B3.69 million.

Investigators said the suspect worked as a delivery rider and had previously delivered food to both properties. Police allege that he used those visits to observe the homes and their access points before returning when nobody was present or when the properties were not securely locked.

After the alleged thefts, police said, he exchanged some of the US dollars for baht in Patong, bought gold and used part of the money for personal expenses.

Investigators searched his accommodation on 1 October and recovered several items, including a motorcycle allegedly used in the offences. Police then obtained an arrest warrant from Phuket Provincial Court.

A search at the checkpoint on 2 October recovered US$30,700, B75,150, three baht-weight of gold, one salung of gold, a camera, a drone and other items. Police later recovered additional property worth about B250,000.

All 12 items reported stolen in the first case were recovered. Police said they had so far recovered property worth more than B1.32 million from the second case.

During initial questioning, the suspect reportedly said the remaining money had been spent on football gambling and personal expenses. Police said legal proceedings were continuing and that they were examining additional property linked to the case.