CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – An Italian AI engineer apologised to a restaurant owner after stealing and later returning a golden lion statue, leading her to drop a complaint despite his arrest for night-time theft.
Restaurant theft caught on CCTV
Surveillance cameras at a restaurant on Phra Pok Klao Road in central Chiang Mai showed the man standing by a table where the golden lion figure made of synthetic resin was displayed. The footage recorded how he covered the statue with a scarf, put it into his backpack and left the premises within a short time.
Discovery days later and police evidence
The theft was only noticed days later, when the owner realised the figure was missing and reviewed the CCTV recordings. She then submitted the video files to the police as evidence.
Tracked to Pai and arrested
After the incident, the suspect travelled to Pai district in Mae Hong Son province, a popular destination for backpackers. Tourist police used the video images to trace him, arrested him and brought him back to Chiang Mai city police, where he faced a charge of night-time theft and the Italian consulate became involved.
Owner forgives after statue is returned
At the police station, restaurant owner Kansiri met the suspect and said she bore no ill will, expressing relief that the statue, valued at around 2,000 baht, had been returned undamaged.
“I hold no grudge and am simply pleased that the statue has come back intact.”
said Kansiri, the restaurant owner.
She thanked officers for their swift response and stressed that the relatively low material value of the figure had not stopped authorities from pursuing the case.
Apology, remorse and alcohol admitted
The suspect, identified in media reports as Daniel, offered a traditional wai to the owner as a public gesture of remorse.
“I committed the act on impulse while heavily intoxicated.”
said Daniel, the Italian suspect, according to the Thai News Agency.
Pattern in cases involving foreign visitors
Similar cases involving drunk foreign visitors had already been reported from Pattaya, where restaurant operators, shopkeepers and bar staff often sought amicable solutions once stolen items were returned and apologies made. Local authorities nevertheless underlined that, even in minor non-violent cases, offenders were strongly warned not to mistake such leniency for impunity, as major tourist hubs increasingly tried to balance hospitality with public order.