Crime ‘Fake Technician’ Duo Caught Stealing Internet Cabinets in Bangkok

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Bangkok Metropolitan Police have arrested two men accused of posing as technicians to steal internet signal cabinets across the capital, causing over 10 million baht in damage and disrupting services to hospitals and government agencies.

 

At a press conference held on 24 July, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol. Lt. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat, along with key senior officers, announced the arrest of Mr. Wirat, 43, and Mr. Jongrak, 29. The suspects were apprehended at a residence in Bang Khun Thian district, which was operating as a front for a scrap resale business.

 

Seized at the scene were a black Mitsubishi pickup truck registered in Songkhla, fibre optic and copper cables, steel signal cabinets, electrical tools and various electronic components believed to be linked to their crimes.

 

The arrests followed an investigation into a series of thefts that began in May 2025, involving the cutting and removal of NTPLC signal cabinets located along public roads. A total of 29 cases were reported across 21 police precincts under the Metropolitan Police’s jurisdiction. Each cabinet served an area with a radius of 2 kilometres and played a vital role in providing internet to hospitals and public institutions.

 

A spokesperson from NTPLC (National Telecommunications Public Company Limited) stated the thefts severely impacted patient data retrieval systems at several medical facilities. The company subsequently coordinated with the police to identify and apprehend the culprits.

 

According to police, the suspects carried out their crimes under the cover of night. Mr. Wirat confessed to disguising himself as a technician, using cones, flashing batons and emergency lights to appear as if he was performing legitimate maintenance work. Once set up, they used an angle grinder to sever the cables and lift the cabinets into their vehicle. The stolen equipment was dismantled and sold for around 2,000 baht per unit.

 

Background checks revealed that both suspects had prior convictions relating to drug offences and theft. Initial charges include night-time theft of public utility property using a vehicle, causing damage to barriers and possession of stolen goods. They are currently in the custody of Phasi Charoen Police Station as authorities work to track down additional accomplices.

 

The investigation is ongoing.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-25