PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 48-year-old woman from Nong Prue publicly criticized the police after her motorbike was stolen and the investigation, in her view, made little progress for days.
Theft in a residential complex near Khao Talo
The theft occurred on 23 February 2026 at around 2 p.m. in front of the woman’s room in Soi Boon Samphan 15, near Khao Talo in eastern Pattaya. The victim, Kulthida Kunpradit, had used her blue Honda Wave 125 for a brief shopping trip earlier that day and then parked it in front of her accommodation.
According to the report, the motorcycle was taken from the residential compound where she lives. The area lies in the Nong Prue jurisdiction, which is overseen by the local police station.
Forgotten ignition key proved costly
After returning from a shop around midday, Kulthida said she was in a hurry and left the key in the ignition without adding any extra security. About two hours later, when she wanted to set off again, the motorbike was gone.
She immediately asked to review the surveillance cameras installed in the residential complex. The footage became the central piece of evidence she later handed over to the Nong Prue Police.
Footage shows masked suspect
According to Kulthida, the CCTV images showed an unidentified man wearing a long-sleeved yellow top and a face mask entering through the compound gate and walking straight toward the motorbike. The man pushed the Honda Wave 125 bearing license plate 1 กญ 5286 from Uttaradit a short distance.
He then appeared to notice the key left in the ignition and quickly rode away with the vehicle. The sequence, as described, indicated that the theft was carried out within a short time frame.
Report filed, then days of waiting
Shortly after the theft, Kulthida filed a complaint at the Nong Prue police station and handed officers the video recordings as evidence. Officers registered the case and said an investigative team would inspect the scene.
By 28 February 2026, however, no investigator had appeared at the location, which the woman said increasingly worried her. She felt the delay could undermine efforts to secure traces and track the perpetrator.
Public appeal to police and residents
In comments to reporters, Kulthida Kunpradit expressed concern that the passage of time could significantly weaken the case.
“Delays in securing evidence could greatly reduce the chances of identifying the perpetrator and getting the motorcycle back.”
said Kulthida Kunpradit, victim.
She urged the police to speed up the analysis of the video footage.
“I ask the police to evaluate the CCTV images more quickly, and I call on the public to immediately report any sighting of a blue Honda Wave 125 with the license plate 1 กญ 5286 to the local police.”
said Kulthida Kunpradit, victim.
Debate over police speed and vehicle security
The case raised questions locally about how quickly officers should act when clear video evidence is available. The incident also highlighted how a brief moment of inattention, such as leaving a key in the ignition, can be enough for thieves to strike.
The situation sparked discussion about whether this was an isolated case or a typical problem in handling everyday property crimes. Observers were invited to reflect on expectations of police response times and on how secure vehicles really are when offenders can apparently gain access so easily.