Crime Malaysian Woman Arrested for Stealing from Shop in Betong

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of NBT

 

A Malaysian tourist has been arrested just two hours after allegedly stealing over 30,000 baht in cash from a bag shop near a popular tourist attraction in Betong district, Yala province.

 

On 4 August, Pol. Lt. Col. Pornchai Choonuan, an investigator from Betong Police Station, received a report of a theft at a bag shop located near the Piyamit Tunnel in Moo 2, Tano Maero Subdistrict. The tunnel is a well-known historical site frequented by both Thai and international tourists.

 

According to the shop owner, 74-year-old Yuk-Jen Sae-Jen, the theft occurred around noon. She explained that while she was attending to customers outside her shop who were interested in buying durian, she left her handbag containing more than 30,000 baht inside the shop. Upon returning, she discovered the bag missing. CCTV footage revealed a foreign woman, dressed in black with long trousers and trainers, entering the shop from the side and taking the bag. She later discarded it under a durian tree about 50 metres from the shop. Ms Yuk-Jen’s daughter reported the theft to local police.

 

Pol. Col. Jirawat Duding, Superintendent of Betong Police Station, immediately ordered a response. Investigators led by Pol. Lt. Col. Rusman Deenamor and Pol. Lt. Col. Phongsak Khunbanteng reviewed surveillance footage and coordinated with immigration officers to prevent the suspect from fleeing the country.

 

Within two hours, officers located and arrested the suspect, 55-year-old Yeo Kim Lian, at a traditional Thai massage parlour in central Betong. She was found in possession of cash totalling around 38,000 baht, in both Thai and Malaysian currency.

 

During interrogation, Yeo admitted to the crime. She had arrived in Betong the day before with a group of friends and hired a tuk-tuk for sightseeing. Upon arriving at the Piyamit Tunnel, she separated from her group and noticed the elderly shopkeeper was alone, prompting her to seize the opportunity to steal the bag.

 

She has been charged and will face legal proceedings in accordance with the law.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from NBT 2025-08-06