Phuket police grab privates in theft case
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Three privates in the Army were arrested yesterday on charges stemming from the theft of a handgun and other property from the home of a policeman.

The theft that tipped police off to the military men’s activities occurred early on the morning of October 12 at the home of Patong police officer Sgt Rongrot Pecharat.

“Sgt Rongrot reported that a .38mm handgun was stolen from his house, along with an official black police belt, a flashlight, handcuffs and a radio transceiver,” Thung Thong Police Superintendent Thitirat Asakit said.

About two weeks later, on October 27, police learned from an informant that the thief would return to Sgt Rongrot’s house, located in a police housing estate.

“At about 3am on Sunday, we staked out the house,” said Pol Maj Chawapol Sabtisassanakul.

The officers saw a man park his motorbike near the house. When they presented themselves as police, he fled.

“He ran, but we were able to catch him,” said Maj Chawapol.

The officers took the man, Private Narubet Bunyayurn, 22, to his house in Patong. In his bedroom they found a wealth of stolen goods; they also found .48 grams of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine).

In addition to four items stolen from Sgt Rongrot’s house, police discovered four police uniforms and parts of government officers’ uniforms – nine shirts and three pairs of pants – as well as two hats, one for a security guard and one for a municipality officer. They also seized 13,000 baht in cash and a motorbike.

Mr Narubet confessed that he had stolen the items, and said he planned to use them as disguises in future robberies.

“He said that he sold the gun for 13,000 baht to friends who are also in the military,” said Maj Chawapol.

“He identified the friends as Krittayot Wichaidith, 23, and Jeeradet Sornrin, also 23,” he said.

Shortly after the pair were identified, undercover officers spotted them in the parking lot of the Tesco Lotus on the bypass road. Police rushed to apprehend them.

Mr Krittayot and Mr Jeeradet were charged with receiving stolen property, possession of a gun without a permit, and carrying a gun in a public area without permission.

Mr Narubet was also charged with possession of a gun without a permit and carrying a gun in a public area without permission, in addition to theft and possession of a Category 1 Drug.

They were all taken to Thung Thong Police Station to be questioned further, Maj Chawapol said.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Phuket-police-grab-privates-in-theft-case-22649.html


-- Phuket Gazette 2013-10-29

No firearm safe or security for off duty officers firearms ?

In a secured gun safe would of been ideal.

But then again this is Thailand, firearm security will be 20 years or more away.

The Headline 'Police grab privates in theft case' conjured up an image completely different from the actual story.

That's the most appropriate headline I've ever seen.

Police grab privates in theft case ... and put on a grinding, Michael Jackson kind of move.

Sounds like they blew that case.

What was this guy doing with all these uniforms ? Start a shop for army and police clothing ?

What was this guy doing with all these uniforms ? Start a shop for army and police clothing ?

My guess would be that "...he planned to use them as disguises in future robberies".

Two Phuket army privates arrested over stolen police property
Eakkapop Thongtub

The three men, front, who were arrested.

PHUKET: Two privates in the Royal Thai Army were arrested on Sunday (October 27) on charges relating to a handgun, handcuffs, a police uniform, a motorbike and other items which were stolen from the police housing unit in Kathu.

The investigation began when earlier this month on October 12, Kathu Police Sergeant and Director of the Suppression Unit, RoongRoj Petcharak, reported items that had gone missing from his accommodation at the police lodge.

Items included one police uniform, a .38mm handgun, a set of handcuffs, a walkie talkie, a flashlight and a motorbike.

On Sunday (October 27) around 3am, Private Narubete “Keng” Boonyayuen, 22, visited the police accommodation and was behaving suspiciously. Police asked to do a body search, but he ran away. Officers gave chase and Private Narubete was caught.

After questioning, Private Narubete admitted he stole the six items from the police lodge. Police searched his house and found the items reported missing by Sg RoongRoj, plus other uniforms, a hat belonging to a security officer, B13,000 in cash, and .48gm of ya ice.

Private Narubete admitted he sold the gun to fellow Private Krit “Coke” Vichaidit 23, for B13,000 in cash. Another man, Jiradech “Bank” Sornarint, 23, also admitted being involved – he paid the money to Private Narubete and kept the gun himself.

Police arrested both Private Krit and Mr Jiradech on Sunday in Phuket Town.

Private Narubete was charged with stealing property from a residential unit and using a vehicle to escape; carrying a gun in a public area without a permit; and being in possession of ya ice.

Private Krit and Mr Jiradech were charged with possession of stolen items and carrying a gun in a public area without a permit.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/two-phuket-army-privates-arrested-over-stolen-police-property-42603.php

-- Phuket News 2013-10-29

How many people do they need to get into the photo - becoming stupid.

How many people do they need to get into the photo - becoming stupid.

Well you've got to show off your latest 'wide angle lense' sometime!

Sorry, forgot to add : Just loved the headline, it's a cracker! Obviously got a Thai degree in journalism, or maybe it's an Indian one - B.A. Oxford - failed!

Phuket police grab privates in theft case

Hope it wasn't just the usual shakedown.

The Headline 'Police grab privates in theft case' conjured up an image completely different from the actual story.

You can get your privates grabbed any day of the week in Pattaya; and not just by girls!

Disguises, guns, ya baah, money,

Since they were only privates, they might have needed something to make their privates more attractive to the other gender...

What a load of balls.

".38mm handgun"................must be the worlds smallest calibre.................but somehow fitting in the Land of Small Shooters..............

Misunderstood main title !!!

" charged with stealing property from a residential unit and using a vehicle to escape"

much more serious offence than running away on foot........

or do they mean stealing a vehicle to escape? Actually the biggest mistake they made was stealing from a Royal Thai policeman.. he would be sure to investigate it..

Somebody in the photo should be pointing... I am confused

How many people do they need to get into the photo - becoming stupid.

I assume that their uniforms were also stolen.

They really can't keep their mouths shut!! Make note to yourself...no crimes wt thai!!!

This title brings tears to my eyes

The headline certainly grabbed my attention! Thought it was a new police tactic - more efficient perhaps than using handcuffs.