Trio Nabbed for Stealing Luxury Bags in Bangkok Heist
Bangkok police have arrested three suspects accused of stealing luxury handbags worth over 1 million baht from a residence in the Bang Kae district and attempting to sell the stolen goods.
The investigation began after the victim filed a complaint at Phetchakasem Police Station. The theft reportedly took place at a house in Soi Phetchakasem 67 between 4.30am and 5am on July 4. In total, eleven designer handbags were stolen from the property.
CCTV footage from inside the home captured the three culprits — two women and one man — rifling through cabinets and removing the bags. The footage further showed them fleeing the scene on two motorcycles. Based on the evidence and subsequent inquiries, officers identified the suspects as 27-year-old Kittisak, 32-year-old Orrawan, and 30-year-old Apinya.
Investigators received a tip-off that the two women planned to meet a prospective buyer interested in purchasing the stolen handbags. Acting swiftly, police set up surveillance at a shopping mall in Bangkok’s Rama I area, where the meeting was scheduled to occur.
At approximately 1.30pm, Apinya arrived at the mall carrying several luxury handbags. Officers approached her and requested to examine the items. Apinya confessed to having stolen the handbags and revealed that her accomplice, Orrawan, was also present in the shopping mall. Police soon arrested Orrawan as well.
Following the interrogation, the two women admitted that additional stolen bags were stored in a rented room in the Hua Lamphong area of Bangkok, where the third suspect, Kittisak, was staying. Police conducted a raid on the premises, arrested Kittisak, and successfully recovered the remaining handbags.
Further checks on the suspects revealed significant criminal histories. Kittisak was wanted in connection with seven previous cases involving drugs and theft. Orrawan faced four outstanding cases related to drugs and illegal firearms, while Apinya was sought in five separate drug-related offenses.
All three individuals are facing charges under Section 335 of Thailand’s Criminal Code, which covers theft committed at night, involving unlawful entry into a dwelling and using vehicles to facilitate the crime and escape. The offense carries a penalty of one to five years in prison and a fine ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 baht.
Police are continuing their investigation to determine whether any further accomplices were involved and to trace potential buyers who may have purchased stolen items. Authorities have urged people to exercise caution when buying luxury goods second-hand, as such items might be linked to criminal activities.
The case highlights the effectiveness of swift police work and the importance of public cooperation in solving crimes in Thailand’s bustling capital.
