Report Chon Buri Coconut Heist: Villagers Catch Thief Red-Handed

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Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

 

In a surprising turn of events from Chon Buri, a local man was apprehended yesterday for stealing coconuts from a plantation, ending a string of thefts that had puzzled residents for days.

 

The incident unfolded on the afternoon of July 22nd in Moo 5, Khao Mai Kaew. The 39-year-old suspect, Thanakorn Noondee, was caught red-handed by vigilant village headman, Phattharaphon Phiwanoi, and his sharp-eyed assistant, Phaisan Srimanee. The duo had been on the lookout since locals began noticing the mysterious disappearance of coconuts from the area.

 

Thanakorn was found with over 20 coconuts stashed in fertiliser sacks, cunningly hidden among cassava plants near the coconut trees. When confronted, he quickly admitted to the crime, explaining that desperation drove him to it. "I needed money to buy food for my wife, she’s suffering from HIV. I was going to husk them and sell them later," he confessed.

 

The coconuts belonged to Jiraphorn Onkham, a 59-year-old plantation owner. She expressed relief at the resolution, noting the significant impact the thefts had had on her business. "They’ve been vanishing almost every day," she remarked, estimating a loss of at least 200 coconuts. "I’m so relieved they finally caught the culprit."

 

Following the arrest, officers from Huay Yai Police Station swiftly arrived to take Thanakorn in for questioning. Legal proceedings are now under way as authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the thefts.

 

This case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by local farmers in securing their livelihoods against theft. With the price of coconuts often fetching around 30 Thai Baht each, losses can quickly add up, threatening the financial stability of small-scale growers like Jiraphorn.

 

As the investigation continues, community members hope this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in protecting their shared resources.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-23