A well-known disabled bakery vendor in Bangkok was arrested for stealing coins from washing machines on April 21. This revelation comes as the vendor faces accusations of faking his disability to boost sales.
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The incident began when the machines' owner, 23-year-old Thanatchai, reported the theft to Phetkasem Police Station after CCTV footage showed two individuals taking money from his machines around 3 a.m. in Soi Phetkasem 20. One suspect, identified on TikTok as a disabled bakery vendor, had previously garnered online support for his efforts to earn a living despite his disability.
Thanatchai estimated several thousand baht was stolen, citing the machines' busy location near residential condominiums. The footage depicted one suspect using a screwdriver to remove coins as the other monitored the area, leaving the scene in under five minutes.
Police arrested the 19-year-old vendor, Tum, at his residence on April 28. Tum admitted to the crime, stating he took approximately 2,600 baht to fix his motorcycle, claiming it was his first offense. He also denied accusations of faking his disability to enhance bakery sales.
Thanatchai expressed disappointment, as he had purchased products from Tum in the past. Tum is charged with nighttime theft under Section 335 of the Criminal Law, facing one to five years in prison and a fine between 20,000 and 100,000 baht. Police continue to search for the second suspect involved.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 29 Apr 2026
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