BANGKOK, THAILAND – Police in Bangkok arrested a 35-year-old French man accused of stealing multiple pieces of luggage at Don Mueang Airport, after evidence from CCTV footage linked him to a series of reported thefts.
Arrest in Phra Khanong after surveillance
On Saturday evening, officers from the Don Mueang Police Station detained the suspect outside a hotel on Sukhumvit 97 Road in the Phra Khanong district. Police Colonel Puwadol Unpho, head of the Don Mueang station, directed the operation himself.
“We had him exactly under observation,”
said a police investigator.
According to Colonel Puwadol, the 35-year-old suspect did not resist arrest during the procedure, which ended without incident.
Method traced through train route and CCTV
Investigators determined that the suspect repeatedly boarded the Red Line rail service to Don Mueang Airport, where he targeted unattended bags. Officers said the man placed his own backpack beside another traveler’s luggage before taking all items and departing on the next train.
“Then he simply took all the bags and disappeared,”
said a police spokesman.
Repeated thefts over two months
Between September and October, airport police received several theft complaints. Surveillance teams reviewed footage and consistently spotted the same individual. The images provided clear identification, according to police.
“He was clearly caught in our network,”
said Police Colonel Puwadol Unpho, Chief of Don Mueang Police Station.
Officers later confirmed that the suspect sold stolen goods to second-hand shops around Bangkok and later exchanged the proceeds into euros to disguise their origin.
Denial of charges
During interrogation, the French national denied all accusations, insisting on his innocence despite what police described as overwhelming visual evidence.
“The videos show him clearly,”
said a police investigator.
Airport tightening security
Following the incidents, Don Mueang Airport management announced an assessment of new security measures. Officials pledged to increase surveillance of baggage claim areas and improve monitoring through more cameras and personnel.
“We must protect our passengers better,”
said an airport spokesman.
Authorities confirmed that if convicted, the 35-year-old faces a significant prison term under Thai criminal law, which enforces strict penalties for foreign offenders involved in property crimes.
Key facts:
– Arrest date: Saturday evening
– Location: Sukhumvit 97 Road, Phra Khanong
– Suspect: 35-year-old French man
– Airport: Don Mueang, Bangkok
– Evidence: September–October CCTV recordings
– Lead investigator: Police Colonel Puwadol Unpho
– Stolen goods resold and exchanged to euros
– Planned response: More cameras and additional security patrols