Two individuals were apprehended at their accommodation in Don Mueang after stealing animals from two zoos in Bangkok. The theft occurred on May 1, involving a squirrel monkey, a Chinese crocodile lizard, and a tiger salamander. The suspects, identified as Raiwin Sikaewkun and Warisara Waiprasert, were caught after CCTV footage helped police trace them.

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The theft took place at Pata Zoo during a busy public holiday. The man and woman entered the zoo after leaving a squirrel monkey at the ticket counter, which later was suspected to have been stolen from another zoo. Disguised in black jackets with McDonald's logos, they successfully captured reptiles before escaping.

Both zoos—Pata and Peuan Deratchan Mini Zoo, which reported a missing squirrel monkey named March—suspected links between the incidents. Police confirmed the connection and recovered all stolen animals safely. The suspects have been charged under Section 335(3) of the Criminal Code, facing potential imprisonment and fines.

Experts emphasize the emotional care vested in the animals, notwithstanding their financial value. As investigations proceed, the zoos are improving security measures to prevent future incidents.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 07 Mar 2026

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Is there a lot of money in stolen animals- if not why did they do it and leave an animal st reception? A strange tale and leaves a few unanswered question that perhaps represent an elephant in the room?

They shouldn’t be facing possible imprisonment and fines. They should be receiving both. You wonder why this stuff still goes on and then you see they don’t do anything, or very little to make people think twice about doing it. Straight to jail and fine them. No money, no problem. Just add more time on the sentence.

So they stole a monkey from one zoo, then left it at the reception counter of another zoo, while they entered and stole more animals, then collected the stolen monkey from the reception and went home?

It all sounds like a lot of fun

If something is of value and it is not secured properly it will be stolen. Can't wait till they steal a crocodile and hear it's in a motel bath tub.