PATTAYA, THAILAND – A man allegedly stole about two kilograms of pork from a fresh market stall in northern Pattaya and briefly returned to challenge staff before fleeing on a motorcycle.
Market theft captured on CCTV
The alleged theft occurred on 10 December at around 9:06 p.m. at the Thai Foods Fresh Market in Naklua. According to the operators, surveillance footage clearly showed the entire sequence of events. Vendor Siriporn Wiengchan, 30, said the man posed as a normal customer, appeared neatly dressed and carried a large backpack.
Alleged tactic during busy period
Siriporn stated that the man first selected about two kilograms of fresh pork, had it packed into a plastic bag and then waited until the stall was crowded. In the bustle, he allegedly concealed the bag behind his large backpack and then walked away calmly from the counter. A customer soon alerted staff that he had not paid, prompting Siriporn to pursue him.
“I ran after him immediately, but he escaped on foot.”
said Siriporn Wiengchan, vendor.
Confrontation and motorcycle escape
Nearby, the suspected thief’s girlfriend was waiting, according to Siriporn, and claimed she knew nothing about the incident. Moments later, the man reportedly returned unexpectedly to the scene. He loudly demanded that staff prove the allegations and told them to show the CCTV footage, also threatening to sue the stall for defamation if the suspicion of theft turned out to be unfounded.
“I invited him to come back to the stall with me and look at the footage.”
said Siriporn Wiengchan, vendor.
Instead of accepting, the man got on a motorcycle and left without another word, Siriporn reported.
Police investigation launched
Staff immediately checked the video surveillance system and said the images clearly showed the theft. The stolen meat was valued at several hundred baht. Later that night, Siriporn filed a complaint at Banglamung Police Station and handed over the video as evidence.
Police confirmed that a theft investigation had been opened. Officers said they were using the CCTV images to identify the suspect and determine his whereabouts.
Vendors under pressure amid rising thefts
Siriporn said she hoped the case would alert other sellers to the risks.
“I want this case to warn other vendors.”
said Siriporn Wiengchan, vendor.
“With the current poor economic situation, we have to keep an even closer eye on our goods. Thieves are becoming more and more brazen.”
said Siriporn Wiengchan, vendor.
The incident was part of a series of minor thefts reported in recent months at fresh markets in Pattaya and Chonburi province. Local traders linked the trend to rising living costs and weak tourist demand during the low season, and said they felt compelled to rely more heavily on video surveillance and greater vigilance to prevent further incidents.