Photo courtesy of Dreamstime

 

In a peculiar start to the New Year celebrations, police in Udon Thani have apprehended a 30-year-old man who attempted to kick off the festivities a bit too early. The suspect, identified as Phisit, was caught stealing beer and snacks from a Lotus convenience store in a bid to celebrate the New Year, despite having no money.

 

The unusual incident unfolded when the 191 radio centre received a distress call from the store staff situated near Fort Prachaksinlapakom Hospital in the Nong Khon Kwang subdistrict. According to the employees, a man had walked out with an assortment of goods without settling the bill.

 

CCTV footage captured the entire escapade. The footage showed Phisit clad in a black shirt, casually selecting two cans of beer from the freezer, which he discreetly slipped into his shoulder bag. His haul also included shoes, coffee, sugar, seasoning powder, and even a flashlight. He then nonchalantly exited the store.

 

The staff acted swiftly, informing the local authorities of the theft. Police were able to trace Phisit as he attempted to make his escape towards the Ban Chan intersection. Their pursuit led them along Mittraphap Road No. 2, which heads out of the city towards Khon Kaen.

 

The chase took a dramatic turn when Phisit spotted the patrol car. In a panicked attempt to evade capture, he dashed off and hid beneath a large drainage pipe. However, his attempted cover was short-lived as police officers quickly located him and brought him out from his hiding place.

 

Upon searching his bag, officers discovered all the purloined items. Phisit, a homeless man from the area, confessed to the theft, explaining his dire economic situation. "I didn’t have money, but I wanted to drink beer to celebrate the New Year in advance," he admitted to the responding officers.

 

Despite his genuine-sounding apology, Phisit’s request for leniency was met with a firm response. "Can I not have charges pressed against me? I want to work to pay him back," he pleaded. Unfortunately for Phisit, the authorities stated that the law is clear-cut— the act of theft remains a criminal offence, irrespective of the item’s value.

 

The police reiterated the importance of seeking help through proper channels instead of resorting to crime. They hope this incident serves as a reminder to the public about the consequences of illegal actions.

 

The peculiar tale has sparked widespread conversations across social media platforms. While some netizens have expressed sympathy, highlighting the man’s desperate circumstances, others have underscored the detrimental impact petty theft can have on businesses, especially during these challenging economic times.

 

The police have confirmed that Phisit remains in custody and all stolen items have been returned to the store. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the struggles many face and the tough choices some feel forced to make.

 

As the New Year approaches, this incident highlights not just the necessity for enforcement of the law but also the need for compassion and effective support systems, ensuring that those in need have access to the help they require, steering clear from a path of crime.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-05

 

 

NEW YEAR? What the heck???