Thai Police Bust Cross-Border Motorbike Theft Gang

Pictures courtesy of Siam Rath

BANGKOK - Police in Samut Prakan crack down on an international motorbike theft ring, arresting three suspects and recovering over ten stolen bikes.

On 4th July 2025, under the direction of Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Preumbutr and Pol. Maj. Gen. Wichit Boonchinwutthikul, a major operation dismantled a cross-border motorbike theft network. The operation led to the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of more than ten stolen motorbikes, with seven already returned to their owners. The gang allegedly intended to sell them abroad.

The crackdown began on 2nd July when investigators from Samut Prakan City Police Station arrested two men, Sitthithep (surname withheld), 32, and Kamolchai (surname withheld), 29, for nighttime theft. They were apprehended at a condo in Ladprao, Bangkok, along with ten stolen bikes.

These included five from Samut Prakan, one from Phetchakasem, and one from Bang Na. Many had altered engine and chassis numbers to disguise their origin.

Investigations revealed that on 1st July, the two suspects stole five bikes in Samut Prakan. Sitthithep would hot-wire and stash the stolen bikes, while Kamolchai hid them at the condo.

They then removed ignition barrels to make new keys before relocating the bikes to a spot near a coach terminal bound for Ubon Ratchathani.

Further investigations uncovered that the duo stole more Honda Wave 110i models, five from Samut Prakan and one from Samrong Nuea, selling them to Sarawut (surname withheld), referred to as "Jo", and a Lao national named Fon, for 10,000-20,000 baht each.

On 3rd July, the police arrested Sarawut for handling stolen goods near his residence in Ubon Ratchathani. Sarawut, identified as a bus terminal supervisor, concealed the bikes under buses heading to Na Tan, close to the Laos border, to be smuggled and sold internationally by Fon for 60,000-70,000 baht each.

Samut Prakan police urge anyone suspecting their motorbike was stolen by this gang to contact them and inspect recovered vehicles at the Samut Prakan City Police Station.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily News 2025-07-05