PATTAYA, Thailand – Investigators from Banglamung Police Station have arrested a suspected serial water meter thief believed to be responsible for a string of thefts across Banglamung district, using CCTV footage and detailed investigative work to track him down. The arrest followed a series of complaints about stolen water meters in Takhian Tia subdistrict, East Pattaya, where residents had reported repeated incidents causing property damage and water supply disruptions. On August 2, Police reviewed surveillance camera footage, reconstructed the suspect’s escape route, and analyzed evidence until they were able to identify the vehicle involved and confirm the suspect’s identity.
Officers subsequently arrested 35-year-old Decha Siphanomwan, a native of Ratchaburi province, at a residence in the area. During the arrest, police conducted a drug test that returned positive for methamphetamine. Hospital tests later confirmed drug use, and Decha was additionally charged with consuming a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) without authorization. During questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed to multiple water meter thefts in Takhian Tia, including incidents on July 27 at a residence on Moo 2 and on August 1 at two homes on Moo 1.
Investigators believe the suspect may also be connected to at least three cases within Banglamung district and approximately 10 similar thefts in neighboring areas. Police are continuing to expand the investigation to determine his involvement in those cases. All evidence, seized items, and investigation records have been forwarded to Banglamung investigators for legal proceedings.
Police said the arrest highlights the effectiveness of proactive investigative work combining CCTV analysis, route reconstruction, and forensic identification to solve property crimes and restore public confidence.
