Crime Former Businessman Caught Robbing Coin-Operated Washing Machines in Buriram

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A once-successful entrepreneur who formerly ran a coin-operated laundry and water vending machine business across northeastern Thailand has been arrested for breaking into similar machines in student dormitories and apartment buildings across Buriram town.

 

Pol. Col. Jamrat Siriliang, superintendent of Mueang Buriram Police Station, along with officers from the investigative unit, apprehended 34-year-old Phromlikit and his accomplice, 43-year-old Chanchai. The suspects were found in possession of a motorbike and burglary tools used to force open coin-operated washing and water vending machines at seven locations throughout the town.

 

Phromlikit confessed that he once ran a successful business installing water filtration systems, water vending machines and coin-operated washers throughout the Isaan region. However, the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused his business to collapse due to severe financial losses.

 

After the business failed, he worked as a freelance technician repairing vending machines, but struggled to make ends meet due to a lack of steady work. Desperate for income, he decided to break into machines he once installed or repaired, using his technical know-how to complete each theft in just two to three minutes, stealing around 3,000 baht per machine.

 

The stolen money was used to fund his daily expenses, with some of it spent on online gambling and methamphetamine.

 

“I want to apologise to the apartment and dormitory owners,” Phromlikit said, expressing remorse. “Some of the places I broke into were owned by former clients I had once served.”

 

Police have charged both men with multiple counts of theft and damage to property. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects are linked to similar crimes in neighbouring provinces.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-08-01