Police in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, have arrested three men accused of stealing a speedboat worth 2.2 million baht. The dramatic recovery of the vessel, along with the pickup truck used in the crime, has drawn public attention due to the suspects’ links to the local speedboat tourism industry.
The arrests were carried out on the evening of September 16 at 5 p.m. by officers from Bang Lamung Police Station. The operation was led by Superintendent Police Colonel Sarawut Nuchanart, Deputy Superintendent of Investigations Police Major Kornphong Sukvisith, and Investigation Inspector Police Captain Wutthipong Kasa.
The suspects were identified as 45-year-old Songyot, 45-year-old Natthawut, and 43-year-old Jakraphong. All three men are said to have connections to the speedboat business, raising suspicions that the crime was motivated by disputes within the industry.
Authorities seized a 37-foot speedboat powered by twin engines, along with a bronze Toyota pickup truck allegedly used to haul the vessel away. The boat, valued at over two million baht, was originally reported stolen on August 25. The complaint was filed by the owner of a recycling factory in Nong Pla Lai, who explained that the theft occurred around 5:35 a.m. Surveillance footage later confirmed that three men had used the pickup truck to tow the boat from the factory grounds.
The factory owner told police he suspected individuals from the speedboat industry, as they had previously expressed interest in purchasing the vessel. Negotiations, however, fell through, and instead of finalizing any agreement, the boat was taken without permission.
After nearly three weeks of investigation, officers traced the stolen boat to a repair shop in Soi Khao Noi. The vessel was being repainted, possibly in an attempt to disguise its appearance. The shop owner cooperated with police, stating that the men who brought the boat claimed it had been repossessed to settle a debt. The shop owner insisted he was unaware the vessel was stolen.
Armed with this information, investigators tracked down and apprehended the suspects. Natthawut, considered a key figure in the case, denied any wrongdoing. He argued that the group had reached an agreement with the factory owner regarding the sale of the boat and requested the chance to present his version of events in court.
Police remain skeptical of his claims. CCTV evidence reportedly shows the suspects towing the speedboat away from the factory, forming a crucial part of the case against them. The trio have been formally charged with theft and transferred to investigators for further proceedings.
Authorities continue to gather evidence to strengthen the prosecution. The high-profile arrest has stirred interest in Bang Lamung, particularly given the speedboat’s significant value and the suspects’ connections to the local tourism trade.
