In what sounds like a plot straight out of a heist movie, police apprehended a Thai transwoman and her boyfriend for spiriting away a hefty safe containing a cool 3 million baht in cash and gold from a house in the tranquil Isaan province of Loei. The daring daylight theft unfolded on Sunday, January 19, when a homeowner, stunned and bewildered, hurriedly lodged a complaint at the bustling Phu Ruea Police Station. Somewhere at the stroke of 11:23 a.m., the 50-kilogramme safe, lavishly stocked with nearly 400,000 baht worth of gold, a cushiony 200,000 baht in cash, and a firearm, vanished right under the unsuspecting nose of its owner.
In a twist fit for the silver screen, the alleged culprits were none other than a transwoman named Saruta and her partner-in-crime, Wissanu. The duo, apparently oblivious to the prying eyes of the keen security cameras, was captured making an adrenaline-fueled getaway in a pickup truck. Their trail led the police on a chase moving northwards across Thailand, with their aim set on evasive retreat. Tension mounted as checkpoints dotted the highways, and finally, in the northern province of Phrae, near the looming gates of Rong Kwang Hospital, the police finally drew the curtains on their escapade.
As the police zeroed in on their suspects, a quick rummage through Saruta’s belongings revealed a substantial surprise awaiting them. Her bag betrayed her, yielding 75,940 baht in crisp notes alongside various glittering gold trinkets. As the narrative wove intricately, Saruta confessed under the weight of her financial burdens. Debts had entangled her life, casting a shadow that coerced her into embracing this criminal endeavor. Her confession unveiled a close bond with the homeowner, someone whose domicile she visited frequently, acquainted thoroughly with the knowledge of lucrative loans and opulent possessions within those walls.
The story spun on as Saruta seized her moment of larceny while the homeowner busied themselves in the garden. Taking matters into her own hands, she boldly plundered the safe and orchestrated a swift escape, enlisting Wissanu for the getaway gig. The safe itself didn’t have a happy ending either—its metallic shell unraveled by a humble wooden stick, its contents liberated before it was hurled into the graceful waters of a nearby river, in a ballet of bruit and subterfuge by Phu Ruea Airport in Loei.
With their thieving jaunt barely behind them, the couple made plans to seek sanctuary in the northern province of Chiang Rai, scheming to hide out under the watchful eyes of a relative. Alas, fate had other ideas and their journey to solace was clipped short by the vigilant eyes of justice. As of now, the specters of legal retribution loom large, with potential charges under Section 334 of the Criminal Law clanging ominously in the background. The statute flouts theft with a punitive promise of up to three years’ imprisonment and fines that could climb to a pretty 60,000 baht.
Meanwhile, an ensemble of crime stories from around Thailand paints an equally vivid tapestry of trickery and turmoil. Even as Saruta’s theft reverberates across the nation, whispers from the coastal city of Pattaya tell of a theft that pilfered away watches worth over a spine-chilling hundred million baht from a Chinese businessman’s vault. Ironically, suspicion hones in on none other than the devoted Chinese housekeeper, while the businessman and his family fervently claim they were absent during the audacious act.
As the tales of crime and cunning unfold, the narrative of Saruta and Wissanu’s escapade serves as a poignant reminder of the entwining threads of desperation and opportunity, intertwined dramatically against the backdrop of serene rural Thailand. What sets this particular tale apart is its odd blend of intimacy, betrayal, and the startling courage—or sheer folly—of those who dabble boldly in the realms of crime, their aspirations etched indelibly against the ever-watchful eye of the law.
Wow, this sounds like a movie! But why risk so much for a heist like that?
It’s crazy, right? But desperation can make people do wild things.
I suppose, but there are better ways to deal with debt than theft.
Saruta should’ve known better, especially with security cameras everywhere. Crime doesn’t pay!
Exactly! Not to mention the trust she betrayed with someone she knew.
Even if she was desperate, she was in over her head with this plan.
I feel like the homeowner should have been more careful with their valuables.
True, but who expects a friend to rob them? It’s a breach of trust.
Especially in a more rural area like Loei, people might feel safer keeping valuables at home.
Am I the only one who thinks the police should focus more on bigger crimes? It’s just a drop in the ocean.
Every crime counts, and a 3 million baht theft isn’t exactly minor.
Also, catching thieves like Saruta sets a precedent; it’s about maintaining order.
What a waste of a perfectly good safe! Seriously though, throwing it in a river? You couldn’t make this story up.
Probably thought they could destroy evidence that way cheaply.
Ironically, it was all captured on camera anyway. So much for an inconspicuous escape.
I can’t help but feel a bit of sympathy for Saruta. The financial pressure must have been immense.
Sure, but taking advantage of someone’s trust can’t be justified.
Yeah, but desperation can cloud anyone’s judgment. Still, she should face the consequences.
These stories keep coming from Thailand, it’s like the new hotspot for high-profile thefts.
It’s not just Thailand, but with globalization, we’re hearing about them more often everywhere.
Throwing the safe in a river sounds almost poetic! Not that I condone crime, but it makes for an interesting plot twist.
Yeah, too bad ‘real life’ doesn’t have the same glamour as movies though.
I wonder what the homeowner was growing in their garden. Must be some distracting stuff.
Maybe they were focused on their prize-winning orchids or something. It’s easy to get lost in tasks.
I think this shows us that financial education is crucial. People shouldn’t reach such desperate levels.
You’re right, but education isn’t always the solution. Situations vary greatly by person.
Some of these comments act like they wouldn’t feel the same desperation. Just remember you’re not above it.
Acknowledging the possibility is key, but so is taking preventive steps to avoid it.
It’s easy to judge but harder to understand the real story. Saruta’s struggle is eye-opening.
At least she didn’t harm anyone physically, but financially, it’s still a crime.
With rising crime rates, it’s clear society needs to address underlying issues like poverty and mental health.