Shop Owner ‘Disappointed’ After Japanese Tourists Steal Shirt

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A second-hand clothing shop owner in Nonthaburi, has spoken of his “deep disappointment” after foreign tourists allegedly stole a rare Harley Davidson t-shirt valued at 15,000 baht.

Kampol and Piyanuch Sueangpong, aged 42 and 43, run a vintage t-shirt shop in Bang Yai district. They reported to police that on 18 August three Japanese tourists, believed to be between 20 and 25 years old, visited their store to browse through bulk second-hand clothing.

Piyanuch, who was alone in the shop at the time, said the visitors paid 3,000 baht to pick 30 items from sacks containing hundreds of t-shirts, but only chose 26. After showing interest in 1990s vintage items, she brought out a rare 3D Harley Davidson t-shirt priced at 15,000 baht.

While two of the group distracted her in conversation, a third, wearing a black t-shirt and cap, allegedly concealed the valuable shirt in his bag. The theft went unnoticed until a regular customer later enquired about the item, prompting Piyanuch to check security footage.

“I never thought this group of Japanese customers would turn into thieves bold enough to commit such an act in our store,” she told reporters. “Japanese people are known worldwide for being honest and highly responsible.”

Her husband added: “At first, I thought the thief was more likely to be Thai, but the evidence forced me to change my perspective. Nowadays it seems, you cannot trust anyone of any nationality.”

The couple, who said they even served the tourists coffee during their visit, have warned other vintage shop owners to be vigilant.

A police report was filed on 21 August at Bang Yai Police Station. Officers confirmed they are reviewing CCTV evidence and working to trace the suspects.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-08-23