Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์
 

In the bustling neighbourhood of Kathu, Phuket, a laundrette became the unlikely locus of a crime that’s captured local attention this week. A man, suspected to be a foreign national, was caught on CCTV pilfering clothes from a 24-hour laundry facility Monday night.

 

The incident came to light when a concerned customer, who discovered his garments missing, posted the surveillance video on social media. Hoping to alert fellow patrons, he described how he’d returned to the laundrette at about 11pm to find his clothes vanished. Viewing the CCTV footage revealed a man arriving on a motorcycle, helping himself to various clothing items left by customers before casually departing.

 

This incident, shared widely online, sparked heated debates concerning the suspect's nationality. Many viewers speculated he was foreign, given his appearance and mannerisms. However, some netizens maintained that the man is, in fact, Thai—allegedly notorious in the area for similar misdemeanours at other laundrettes and convenience stores. Such discussions illustrate the challenges in pinpointing responsibility without confirmed identities.

According to reports in the Phuket Times, the thief targeted specific high-end brands such as Adidas and Nike, adding another layer to the ongoing conversation about such thefts. This choice of items suggests a potential motive beyond need, possibly indicating resale intentions or personal desires for brand-name apparel.

 

This isn't an isolated case in Phuket. Recent instances highlight a pattern of laundrette thefts, reflecting a peculiar trend in this tourist-heavy locale. February last year, a Thai woman was apprehended for similar thefts from local laundromats, although her motives remained unclear, leaving room for speculation whether these crimes are driven by necessity or opportunity.

 

Moreover, another notable incident in Pattaya last November involved a man stealing women's underwear from a laundrette—an act rooted in personal fetishes rather than financial gain. His actions weren’t unnoticed, as social media helped spotlight his crime, prompting him to return the undergarments with an apology note and a 1,000 Baht gesture to mitigate potential legal repercussions.

 

As the laundrette remains a practical facility for residents and visitors alike, these thefts pose a small yet bothersome problem. Local authorities and businesses may now consider enhancing security measures, such as improved surveillance or perhaps even monitored entry systems, to safeguard against future clothing pilferage.

 

In a location known for its hospitality and holidaymaker allure, these incidents underscore the small yet impactful facets of everyday life, reminding both locals and visitors to exercise caution—a sentiment that resonates across Phuket's vibrant community, reported The Thaiger.

 

 

-- 2025-03-07

 

 

Armed laundrette guards ?

19 hours ago, webfact said:

a man stealing women's underwear from a laundrette—an act rooted in personal fetishes rather than financial gain.

LOL, you can't make this crap up ....

11 minutes ago, flyingtlger said:

LOL, you can't make this crap up ....

They do though 

This is nothing new, it happened a couple of years ago in one of them places in Rawai, only they stole the whole lot, 

34 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

They do though 

 

Quality tourists, please let more of them in to the country.

1 hour ago, flyingtlger said:

LOL, you can't make this crap up ....

No need to make it up.. it's real

some strange folk out there.

Why buy clothes when you can just nick them 🤣 

Wonder if he also goes to the temples,  to get new Flip Flops. 

Stop these pathetic scum from getting easy visas and free to commit crimes with no punishment 

'Such discussions illustrate the challenges in pinpointing responsibility without confirmed identities.'

 

🥱🥱🥱

Is this a new low.  Worse than the previous nicker nickers 

I'm thinking foreigner.

 

He took the keys out of his motorcycle.

I love a good sniff of used Thai panties.

 

Can't put a price on it.

13 minutes ago, freedomnow said:

I love a good sniff of used Thai panties.

 

Can't put a price on it.

 

What about ladies, bicycle saddles.

Just asking for a friend.

 

I first wondered if he is another pervert  stealing female underwear.

 

But he turned out to be the "Straight Ordinary" thief after famous brand clothing...

10 hours ago, Jim Blue said:

Armed laundrette guards ?

 

Only if It Pays LOL.

Unmanned laundry for cost cutting.

Looks Chinese to me, I chink I know him, 

8 hours ago, ronster said:

Why buy clothes when you can just nick them 🤣 

 

Your joke reminded me someone else's quote(another bit more serious and emotional though).

 

Why buy or breed while stray dogs die.

4 hours ago, quake said:

 

What about ladies, bicycle saddles.

Just asking for a friend.

 

Also another avenue for sniffing.

Thais do steal branded shoes from temples when the owners enter the prayer hall. That is why I always wear sandals ( copies) worth tb200-300 when visiting prayer halls and thieves are welcome to them . I also always keep an extra pair of sandals in the car for backup. 

"OMG"-What is next in the news from Phuket?? Seems to get much worse every day. 

6 hours ago, Ctkong said:

Thais do steal branded shoes from temples when the owners enter the prayer hall. That is why I always wear sandals ( copies) worth tb200-300 when visiting prayer halls and thieves are welcome to them . I also always keep an extra pair of sandals in the car for backup. 

I forgot one morning when we went to the temple, I had a 5000 baht pair of shoes on, not a good idea I went back to the car for a plastic bag and carried them around with me,