Police Arrest Trio for Theft of True Corp Equipment, Causing Major Disruptions

Photo: Bangkok Post

In a significant crackdown, police in Thailand have arrested three men linked to the theft of signal transmission equipment from True Corporation, which resulted in signal disruptions and estimated losses of 20 million baht. The equipment was intended to be disassembled and sold, compounding the damage caused.

The arrests occurred in Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani province, after police tracked a pickup truck captured on surveillance footage in Phitsanulok. According to Pol Lt Col Kittisak Durongwibun, commander of Provincial Police Region 6, the suspects include Lao nationals Voun Baythavong, 26, and Sonchay Sengmala, 25, along with Thai national Thanapong Pimthuad, 32. All were identified as sub-contract employees of True Corp.

During the operation, police seized 36 base band transmission boxes and 100 kilogrammes of copper cable at the site. Investigators report that the Lao suspects confessed to stealing the telecommunication equipment from Phrom Phiram district in Phitsanulok and the neighboring Sukhothai province.

The stolen goods were sold to Thanapong, who dismantled them to extract valuable materials like gold for resale, melting down and selling components internationally. The thefts caused widespread signal disruptions across the affected provinces and nearby areas.

Pol Lt Col Kittisak confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts to track down additional individuals linked to this operation continuing. The case highlights the extensive impact of telecommunications theft on regional infrastructure and connectivity.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-15