Crime Four Myanmar Nationals Arrested for Tourist Thefts on Koh Phangan Using Drone Surveillance

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

A gang of four Myanmar nationals has been arrested on Koh Phangan for allegedly stealing from tourists during the night, with police revealing that the suspects used drones to scout properties before carrying out their crimes.

 

Officers from Koh Phangan Tourist Police launched a surveillance operation following reports from several tourists who claimed their valuables had gone missing during the night. Acting on intelligence, investigators raided a rental home in Moo 3, Koh Phangan subdistrict, Surat Thani province.

 

During the raid, officers discovered quantities of methamphetamine along with drug paraphernalia. The four foreign suspects were detained and taken in for questioning. They initially confessed that the drugs had been purchased from a fellow Myanmar national based in Surat Thani town.

 

Further checks revealed that two of the individuals had overstayed their visas by 158 days, adding immigration offences to their charges.

 

According to police, the group employed a drone to fly over residential areas, identifying houses where doors or windows had been left open. Once a target was confirmed, they would break in and steal valuables while residents slept.

 

The investigation began after multiple theft complaints from tourists staying on the island. Two suspects were first apprehended while attempting a robbery. Under interrogation, they disclosed information that led to the arrest of the remaining gang members.

 

Authorities are now coordinating with immigration officials and considering further legal action.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-07-24