PATTAYA, THAILAND – Police in Chonburi province arrested a 49-year-old woman accused of stealing jewelry, electronics, and other valuables worth 150,000 baht from a restaurant in Pattaya while under the influence of drugs.
Thief Posed as Restaurant Customer Before Robbery on November 12
Restaurant owner Anchana Rattanapisankun (40) reported to Pattaya police that valuables vanished from her upstairs bedroom on 12 November. The property above her noodle shop on Soi Buakhao held luxury items, including a diamond ring and an iPad.
“She came in, asked about opening hours, and bought a bottle of water,”
said Anchana Rattanapisankun, Restaurant Owner.
The owner explained that the visitor pretended she would return later with her partner for a meal, but instead slipped upstairs. CCTV footage later showed the woman entering the private quarters while Anchana worked downstairs.
Police Identify Suspect and Recover Most Stolen Items
Investigators of the Pattaya Police Station identified the suspect as Suthasinee Chalintu (49) and located her the same day in Sriracha, a nearby city roughly 30 kilometers north of Pattaya.
“She still had the diamond ring, the Cartier ring, and the iPad with her,”
said Pattaya Police Officer.
At the time of her arrest, police also seized clothing believed to have been worn during the theft. Only one piece—a gold amulet valued at 65,000 baht—remained missing.
Drug Test Confirms Methamphetamine Use
A mandatory test following the arrest showed the suspect tested positive for Yaba (methamphetamine). Suthasinee admitted taking the drug prior to committing the theft.
“I have taken two Yaba tablets,”
said Suthasinee Chalintu, Suspect.
Investigators stated the drug use appeared to have fueled the suspect’s reckless actions. The combination of theft and narcotics charges doubled her potential penalties.
Legal Proceedings and Possible Penalties
Local prosecutors confirmed that Suthasinee faces two separate charges under Thai criminal law:
– Theft: up to three years in prison and a 60,000 baht fine
– Drug consumption: up to one year in prison or a 20,000 baht fine
A legal advisor assisting police noted that both charges could be pursued concurrently.
CCTV Evidence Forms Key Part of Case
Anchana described discovering the theft later that same evening after noticing items out of place in her upstairs bedroom. Investigators reviewed several minutes of video footage showing the woman moving through restricted areas of the property.
“Only in the evening did I notice the mess,”
said Anchana Rattanapisankun, Restaurant Owner.
Officers have submitted the CCTV recordings as primary evidence in the court filing. The missing 65,000-baht gold amulet remained under active search at press time.
Law enforcement officials in Chonburi province stated that the case highlights the risks linked to drug-related thefts in commercial districts and confirmed further arrests could follow if the stolen amulet surfaces in illicit trade markets.