Brazen Car Thief Nabbed After Stealing Taxi While Driver Used Toilet

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

Police in Bangkok’s Bang Sue district have arrested a 31-year-old man who made off with a taxi while the unsuspecting driver had momentarily stepped away to use a public toilet.

The suspect, identified as Mr. Thawatchai, also known as “Bom”, was apprehended at around 20:30 on 30 May at a Shell petrol station on Ratchaprarop Road in Makkasan, Phaya Thai district. He was found in possession of a green-and-yellow Toyota taxi and a car key.

The arrest followed swift action by Bang Sue police investigators after receiving a report from the vehicle’s 69-year-old driver. According to the complaint, the driver had parked the taxi with the engine running outside Gate 3 of the Chatuchak Market, located in Chatuchak district and briefly left the vehicle to use the restroom. Upon returning, he discovered that his car had vanished.

Investigators tracked the vehicle’s movements and eventually located it parked at the Shell station. Officers maintained surveillance at the scene until Mr. Thawatchai returned to the vehicle and attempted to enter. At that point, police approached and placed him under arrest.

Under questioning, Mr. Thawatchai admitted to the theft, stating that he noticed the taxi was left running and decided to drive it away. His confession was consistent with the timeline and circumstances reported by the victim.

Police have charged Mr. Thawatchai with “theft during the hours of darkness” and have formally informed him of his legal rights. The suspect acknowledged and understood the charges. He and the stolen vehicle have since been handed over to the investigating officers to proceed with legal action.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-01.