Police arrest two men at Koh Kaew construction site over alleged electrical wiring theft

Police in Koh Kaew arrested two men after they were found at a construction site in Laem Hin where electrical wiring was allegedly being stolen.

Phuket City Police said patrol officers were dispatched at about 10:25am after the police radio centre received a call from a security guard reporting suspicious activity inside the unfinished building. Officers from the Koh Kaew patrol unit, accompanied by security guards, searched the building and found Mr. Narit, 36, on the third floor dismantling electrical wiring.

Police said he was carrying a black leather shoulder bag containing orange cables and cutting tools, and he was detained at the scene.

Security guards then alerted officers to another suspect fleeing from the rear of the building. Police pursued and arrested Mr. Somsak, 56, as he allegedly tried to run from the site. He was found carrying a flashlight, a voltage tester screwdriver and a bidet spray head in his trouser pocket, according to police.

Both men were taken into custody along with seized evidence, including seven cutting tools such as pliers, screwdrivers and wrenches. Police said the suspects and seized items were taken to Phuket City Police Station before being handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.

Police charged both suspects with joint theft of property belonging to others. Mr. Narit also faces a charge of illegal use of methamphetamine, or yaba, while Mr. Somsak faces a charge of illegal use of methamphetamine, or ice. Police also said each man was additionally charged with unauthorised consumption of a Category 1 narcotic.

Authorities said both men are considered accused persons and remain under investigation. Any determination of guilt or innocence will be made through the judicial process.