Mongolian Man Held Over IPhone 17 Theft in Thonglor

Thai Immigration Bureau officers have arrested a 38-year-old Mongolian man accused of stealing an iPhone 17 from a female barista in Bangkok’s Thonglor district. Authorities said the suspect, identified as Mr. Tumendelger was also found to have overstayed his visa by 452 days and was already wanted under a fraud warrant issued by the Phra Nakhon South District Court in 2025.

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The arrest was announced on 11 May 2026 by senior immigration officials including Pol Lt Gen Phanumart Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, along with other senior officers overseeing the investigation. Police said the theft case had attracted public attention and damaged confidence in Thailand’s tourism image.

Investigators from Division 2 of the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division tracked the suspect after the reported theft in the Thonglor area. Officers conducted surveillance from 3 May, monitoring the suspect during both day and night operations before arresting him outside a housing estate in the Watcharaphon area of Bangkok’s Bang Khen district.

Police said checks of immigration records showed the suspect had remained in Thailand long after his permission to stay had expired. During the arrest, officers also seized three mobile phones found in his possession.

According to investigators, the suspect admitted stealing the iPhone 17 featured in local media reports. He allegedly sold the phone online for 10,000 baht on 23 April and arranged the handover at a department store in the Phra Khanong area. Officers said efforts are continuing to recover the stolen device and return it to the victim.

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

The victim, identified as Ms Parichart, later travelled to Thonglor Police Station to formally identify the suspect. She said she had almost given up hope of recovering the phone and thanked immigration officers as well as the Sai Mai Tong Rod social media page for helping pressure authorities to act.

Police transferred the suspect to investigators at Thonglor Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities said he also faces prosecution for overstaying his visa before eventual deportation from Thailand.

Naewna reported that officials stated that investigations into the sale and movement of the stolen phone are ongoing. Police are continuing efforts to locate the device and determine whether any additional offences or accomplices were involved.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 12 May 2026