Teen Crime Boss ‘Little Tycoon’ Caught in Pattaya Bike Theft Sting
Pattaya, Thailand – A 17-year-old crime boss who dubbed himself the “Little Tycoon” saw his stolen motorcycle empire collapse this week after Thai police raided a remote cassava plantation in Bang Lamung district.
Acting on intelligence, police from Bang Lamung and Nong Kham stations launched a coordinated sting operation.The raid took place in a secluded area off Soi Takhian Tia, where officers had learned a notorious gang was preparing to move stolen motorcycles across the border to Laos.
Two suspects were arrested at the scene, including the teenage ringleader known by the nickname “Little Tycoon.” Police also recovered six motorcycles, all confirmed to have been reported stolen in recent weeks.
According to police sources, the gang had been operating a sophisticated theft ring, targeting high-value motorcycles from across Pattaya and surrounding areas. The stolen bikes were hidden in remote locations like plantations or abandoned buildings before being transported eastward for smuggling out of the country.
The teenage leader reportedly built a reputation in the local underworld for his ambition, confidence, and flashy spending habits. He was said to flaunt wealth on social media and within his circle, earning the nickname “Little Tycoon” due to his extravagant lifestyle despite his young age.
The bust followed weeks of surveillance and cooperation with community informants. Authorities received a tip-off that the gang was gathering stolen vehicles in preparation for a shipment. Officers moved swiftly to surround the plantation and apprehend the suspects without incident.
The motorcycles found on-site were later traced through registration numbers and matched to theft reports filed in various police precincts. Police believe the six bikes were just a fraction of what the gang had stolen and that further recoveries are likely.
During questioning, the 17-year-old suspect initially denied leading the operation but eventually admitted to orchestrating the thefts and arranging the logistics of the smuggling route. He claimed he had several contacts helping him move the bikes across provincial borders and into neighboring countries.
Police are now widening their investigation to identify other members of the gang and to determine whether this network has ties to larger regional smuggling operations. Authorities also suspect the group may have had buyers already lined up in Laos, where stolen Thai motorcycles are frequently resold.
This high-profile arrest has drawn attention due to the age of the ringleader and the level of organization involved in the crimes. Thai officials have emphasized the growing problem of youth involvement in organized theft and have pledged to crack down harder on similar operations.
Police Colonel Chalermkiat of Bang Lamung Police Station praised the success of the sting operation, saying, “This is a clear message to criminal gangs that law enforcement will pursue them relentlessly, regardless of their age or how remote they try to hide.”
The suspects are currently being held in police custody. The teenage ringleader faces multiple charges, including theft, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to smuggle stolen goods across international borders. Due to his age, he will be processed through the juvenile justice system, though the severity of the charges may result in more serious legal outcomes.
As investigations continue, police are urging anyone with information about the gang or additional stolen vehicles to come forward. The case is expected to lead to further arrests in the coming days.
