Pattaya police detain a 15-year-old suspect at Rattanakorn Market following multiple theft reports in the city.
PATTAYA, Thailand – Police in Pattaya have arrested a 15-year-old boy accused of committing multiple thefts across the area, following complaints from several victims who reported missing valuables. At around 10.30 p.m. on June 20, police from Pattaya City Police Station, led by Deputy Superintendent Pol. Lt. Col. Arut Saphanon, arrested the suspect at Rattanakorn Market on Thepprasit Road in South Pattaya. He was later taken into custody for further questioning.
The arrest followed multiple reports from local residents who filed complaints after discovering stolen property. Police reviewed CCTV footage and identified the same individual as the suspect in several incidents, prompting an investigation and search operation by the Pattaya investigative unit.
At the same time, a group of victims at Rattanakorn Market reportedly coordinated to monitor the suspect after earlier incidents, eventually spotting him returning to the area. He was then detained and handed over to police.
According to investigators, the suspect is believed to have committed similar thefts in the past, but had previously been given warnings and opportunities by members of the public who hoped he would stop his behavior. During questioning, the teenager admitted to the thefts, saying he needed money for drug use, internet access, and online gambling activities. He also apologized to victims, acknowledging that he had reoffended despite being previously given chances. Police said the case will proceed under juvenile justice procedures, and further investigation is ongoing.
