Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Bangkok Metropolitan Police Division 8 has arrested a notorious motorbike theft suspect, known as “Ek Junior”, believed to be a key figure in a gang that stole motorcycles and trafficked them across the border for illegal sale in neighbouring countries.

 

The suspect, identified as Mr Natthaphon, 42, was apprehended on 30 April at approximately 10:50, beneath the BTS Wutthakat station in the Chom Thong district of Bangkok. Officers from the Division 8 Investigation Unit had been monitoring the area following a spate of motorbike thefts reported both in Bangkok and nearby provinces.

 

Police noticed a suspicious grey Honda motorcycle parked without a licence plate. On inspection, it was found to have a damaged ignition and steering lock. The vehicle was later confirmed to have been stolen in the Prawet district, with a report previously filed at Prawet Police Station.

 

While officers were staking out the location, Mr Natthaphon arrived as a passenger on a motorbike taxi and attempted to ride off on the stolen vehicle. Undercover officers swiftly intervened, arresting him on the spot.

 

Following the arrest, police discovered that Mr Natthaphon, nicknamed “Ek Junior”, was part of a well-organised theft ring. His role involved collecting stolen motorbikes, repairing or replacing damaged ignition systems, and relocating the vehicles to Samut Sakhon province. From there, they were smuggled into neighbouring countries.

 

A background check revealed that Mr Natthaphon had two prior drug convictions: one in 2010 (Phasi Charoen Police Station) for dealing methamphetamine and crystal meth, resulting in a two-year prison sentence; and another in 2021 (Bang Khun Thian Police Station), for which he served one year and seven months.

 

Investigators believe the gang is responsible for over 1,000 motorbike thefts in the Bangkok metropolitan area. A forensic analysis of Mr Natthaphon’s bank account showed suspicious transactions amounting to over 3 million baht within a six-month period.

 

He has been formally charged with theft and receiving stolen property and is now in the custody of Prawet Police Station as authorities continue to expand the investigation and track down other members of the criminal network.

 

The police have pledged to coordinate with multiple jurisdictions to identify further victims and recover stolen property, as the scale of the operation suggests a widespread and systematic criminal enterprise.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-02.

 

 

 

Hells bells, a 1,000 bikes !

& they get them back from the country they sold them to 

hope they had insurance because Bob hope & no hope getting them back