Man Arrested for Robbing Cambodian Worker in Buriram – Police Reaffirm Protection for All

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

Police in Pakham district, Buriram province, have arrested a 59-year-old Thai man following a robbery and assault on a Cambodian migrant worker. The suspect reportedly stole 4,000 baht in cash, claiming financial hardship as his motive.

At approximately 09:30 on the 11 July, Police Lieutenant Krisada Katiyachan of Pakham Police Station received a report from Ms. Sareab Chuan, a 47-year-old Cambodian national, stating she had been assaulted and robbed by a man who had offered her a ride to the Thai-Cambodian border. Instead of delivering her to the border as promised, the man stopped the vehicle, attacked her, and stole her bag containing cash.

Following the report, Police Colonel Anan Thongbanthoeng, Superintendent of Pakham Police Station, ordered an immediate investigation. Police used CCTV footage to identify the suspect as Mr. Daeng, a 59-year-old resident of Village 3, Sompoi Subdistrict, Non Din Daeng District, Buriram.

A search team swiftly located and apprehended Mr. Daeng at his residence. Officers recovered Cambodian riel banknotes and other belongings worth over 20,000 riel, though the 4,000 baht in Thai currency had already been spent. The suspect admitted to using the stolen money to pay off two months of motorcycle instalments, get a haircut and go out drinking.

According to Mr. Daeng’s confession, he met the victim at the Nang Rong bus terminal, where she was seeking transportation to the Rong Kluea border market in Sa Kaeo province. He volunteered to drive her, asking only for petrol money. After she gave him 80 baht for fuel, he drove towards a remote area, physically assaulted her twice and snatched her bag before fleeing.

Ms. Sareab explained that she works in Ratchaburi province and was travelling back to Cambodia to visit her ill child. After the assault, she managed to seek help from nearby residents and report the incident to police. She expressed gratitude for the swift response and professionalism of the police, stating her intention to return to work in Thailand, where she has many friends and feels welcome.

Police Colonel Anan reiterated the policy of Provincial Police Commander Major General Narongsak Prommata, stressing that law enforcement officers are committed to protecting everyone within the Kingdom, regardless of nationality. “Whether Thai or foreign, anyone suffering harm on Thai soil will receive equal protection and justice,” he said.

Mr. Daeng now faces charges of robbery and assault.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-07-12