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Couple Arrested For Stealing Rubber in Evacuated Border Area

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Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

Police in Buriram province have arrested a husband and wife accused of stealing rubber from an evacuated plantation near the Thai-Cambodian border, an incident that highlights security and crime risks in conflict-affected areas. The suspects allegedly crossed a high-risk zone described as contaminated by unexploded ordnance to steal rubber that had been left behind by fleeing residents. Officers said the stolen goods were intended to fund drug use, prompting additional narcotics-related charges.

 

The arrests took place shortly after midnight on 15 December 2025, when officers from Nong Mai Ngam Police Station, working with village security volunteers and local officials, detained Mr Wichian, aged 35, and Ms Prateep, aged 38, in Ban Kruat district, Buriram. Police seized five methamphetamine tablets and three sacks of rubber coagulum as evidence. Investigators said the rubber had been taken from plantations where farmers had already tapped the trees but were unable to collect the yield after evacuating the area.


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According to police questioning, the couple admitted entering the abandoned plantations on multiple occasions to steal rubber coagulum. They told officers they used the proceeds to purchase methamphetamine, claiming they consumed between 10 and 15 tablets per day. Mr Wichian also admitted knowing the area was dangerous, saying it was at risk from Cambodian rockets, but insisted financial pressure drove them to take the risk.

 

Police said the plantations belonged to villagers who had left the area earlier due to security concerns along the border. A senior officer at Nong Mai Ngam Police Station explained that the rubber had been tapped and left uncollected because residents were forced to evacuate quickly. Authorities believe the suspects exploited the absence of landowners to commit thefts, with investigators stating this was not the first time such crimes had occurred in the area.

 

Mr Wichian further told police he had previously been convicted of theft and served a prison sentence before receiving a royal pardon. He reportedly said that if released again in the future, he would not reoffend. Police noted that his criminal history would be taken into account during legal proceedings.

 

The suspects now face multiple charges, including possession of illegal drugs, joint theft at night using a vehicle and drug consumption. Police said both individuals remain in custody for further legal action, while authorities continue patrols to prevent further crimes targeting evacuated properties.

 

Amarin reported that investigators said they will also coordinate with local officials to strengthen security in vulnerable border areas. Police added that further measures may be considered to protect abandoned properties in a high-risk border area.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A husband and wife were arrested on 15 December 2025 for stealing rubber from evacuated plantations in Buriram.

• Police seized five methamphetamine tablets and three sacks of rubber coagulum as evidence.

• Authorities say the suspects exploited abandoned properties in a high-risk border area.

 

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image.png Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-12-16


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