BANGKOK, Thailand – A 40-year-old man from Phetchabun who became distressed after failing to find his wife and drinking beer to cope, stole a delivery pickup truck in Nonthaburi and attempted to drive it back to his hometown. Police launched a province-wide chase and managed to arrest him just three hours later.
Security footage captured the suspect, identified as Mr. Pratchaya, walking past the parked delivery truck belonging to Ms. Yaowares, a parcel delivery worker who had left her engine running while dropping off a package in Pak Kret District. Within minutes, he jumped into the vehicle and sped away before the stunned owner’s eyes. She immediately called police for help.
Officers from Chaiyaphruek Police Station tracked the suspect’s route toward Highway 32 (Asia Road) and coordinated with Ayutthaya police to set up roadblocks. Upon spotting the checkpoint, the suspect abandoned the truck and tried to flee on foot but was caught in Maha Rat District, Ayutthaya, about three hours after the theft.
During questioning, Mr. Pratchaya admitted he was drunk and emotionally distraught after searching unsuccessfully for his wife. He said he impulsively stole the truck to drive back home to Phetchabun and even took 200 baht from the victim’s wallet to buy more beer “to calm his nerves.”
Police charged him with theft and reminded the public to always lock their vehicles and avoid leaving engines running, even briefly, to prevent similar incidents. (TNA)
