Brazen Thief Cutting Railway Cables, Causing Millions in Damage

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Authorities in Chachoengsao are hunting a notorious thief who has been repeatedly cutting railway signal cables, causing millions of baht in damages and disrupting train operations. The suspect, who has evaded capture multiple times, has been living in makeshift shelters under railway structures, bridges and along secluded areas of the tracks.

On 26 February, Boonyong Tanplong, an inspector for the Chachoengsao railway line, led a team of railway officials to investigate recurring signal failures along the route between Chachoengsao Station and Ban Pho Station. Recent disruptions had raised concerns after level crossing barriers failed to operate correctly, putting road users at risk.

Upon reaching the Bang Pakong River bridge near Ban Mai 100-Year Market, officials discovered numerous severed cable sections, each approximately five metres long. Some of the cables had already been stripped of their copper wiring, while others were awaiting processing.

As the team continued their inspection, they spotted a suspicious man who fled upon seeing them. A chase ensued, leading officials to a makeshift shelter atop a bridge support column. Inside, they found clothing, personal belongings, and evidence linking the suspect to the cable thefts. A further search uncovered over 30 methamphetamine pills hidden inside a green plastic container, as well as more than 30 kilograms of stripped copper wiring.

Police from Mueang Chachoengsao Station have been pursuing the suspect for some time but have so far failed to apprehend him. Investigations suggest that the thief operates with the help of lookouts stationed along the railway tracks. These accomplices reportedly alert him whenever authorities approach, allowing him to escape undetected.

Local officials, including village leaders and administrative officers, have been conducting regular patrols to curb the thefts. However, the suspect has managed to evade capture by relocating frequently, often setting up shelters in remote areas under railway bridges.

Boonyong Tanplong stated that each incident results in hundreds of thousands of baht in damages, with the cumulative losses in Chachoengsao alone reaching several million baht. Authorities are now intensifying their efforts to capture the thief and put an end to the costly vandalism.

-- 2025-02-27