In a thrilling twist of events, authorities apprehended a suspect and confiscated a multitude of intriguing items, including a water rocket, along the picturesque Moei River in the Mae Sot district of Tak, right across from Myanmar, on Sunday evening. (Photos: Assawin Pinitwong)
TAK – Picture this: A serene evening beside the Moei River, turned on its head as authorities nabbed a man allegedly engaging in some rather audacious activities. Jongrak Leela, a 30-year-old from Roi Et province in northeastern Thailand, found himself in hot water while purportedly attempting to string power and communications cables illicitly across the river into Myanmar.
The scene was a high-octane mix of chaos and curiosity as soldiers and police swooped down on Ban Mae Kid Mai village in tambon Mae Kasa. It was no small operation; the trove of confiscated equipment tells a tale of its own. Among the items seized were 16 iron pipes, substantial rolls of wire and optical fiber cables, a water rocket, an air pump, pulleys, ropes, and wrenches—a veritable treasure chest for a modern-day tech pirate!
This wasn’t just a random assortment of tools, mind you. Officials are convinced Jongrak had an ingenious, albeit illegal, plan. It’s believed he intended to use the water rocket—yes, a water rocket—to ferry the wiring and optical fiber cables across the Moei River. The objective? To provide power and internet services to users on the opposite bank, in Myanmar. Imagine the ambition and the sheer audacity!
The authorities, fully aware of the implications, swiftly transported the suspect to Mae Sot police station. There, he will face a battery of questions and, undoubtedly, a litany of charges. As the investigation continues, many are left wondering: How long has this quiet riverside village been a hotspot for such clandestine cable-crossing capers? And what other unassuming individuals might be engaged in similarly ambitious schemes?
For now, the mystery deepens as Jongrak prepares to face the music, and the tranquil Moei River once again flows undisturbed—carrying with it tales of high-wire adventure and daring feats on its gentle current.
Wow, it’s crazy to think someone would go to such lengths to provide power and internet across a river like that!
I know, right? But imagine the ingenuity behind using a water rocket for that purpose. It’s kind of impressive, even if it’s illegal.
The real question is, why did it come to this? Is it a failure of infrastructure on both sides of the river?
True, but think about the risks he took. What if it had gone wrong? People could have been hurt.
Absolutely, Harry. It’s a dangerous game to play, no matter how creative the methods are.
You’d think the authorities would be focusing on bigger criminals instead of someone just trying to get by. This seems like overkill.
But Liam, he was breaking the law. Just because he’s trying to provide a service doesn’t make it okay.
Plus, who knows what kind of black-market activities this could have supported? It’s not always that black and white.
I wonder what motivated Jongrak to take such a risky job. Was it purely financial?
Could be. It sounds like a desperate move for someone in a tight spot financially.
This story just highlights how critical internet access has become. People will do anything to get connected.
Totally agree, Zara. In today’s world, internet access is almost like a basic human right.
It’s also a reminder of the digital divide that still affects so many people, even in the 21st century.
I’m curious what charges he’ll face. Is there any way he could justify his actions?
Highly doubtful. The law is the law, and he broke it. Simple as that.
Unless he does some amazing plea deal, I can’t see him getting off lightly.
This sounds like something out of a movie! I can’t believe someone actually tried this in real life.
Right? The creativity is off the charts. Too bad it’s illegal.
Yeah, it’s one of those ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ moments.
When will people learn that crime doesn’t pay? This guy is just another cautionary tale.
I feel like the authorities might be exaggerating the danger to justify their heavy-handed response.
Ava, even if they’re exaggerating, the fact remains that he was breaking multiple laws.
Agreed. When you involve national borders and infrastructure, the stakes are high.
I get that, but still, I can’t help feeling sympathetic towards him.
Imagine if he had succeeded. It could have opened up new business opportunities across the border.
Honestly, this story reveals the lengths people will go to when starved of resources. Can you really blame him?
It’s a mix of desperation and creativity, but the law’s the law. He should have found a legal way to achieve his goals.
True, but I think this will push for some much-needed reforms.
I wonder how many other ‘Jongraks’ are out there, using even more sophisticated methods. This might just be the tip of the iceberg.
This story has a ‘Robin Hood’ feel to it—one man against the system.
I see what you mean, Lucas. His motive seems noble, even if his methods were illegal.
This could have turned into an international incident. Thank goodness it didn’t escalate.
International relations are always delicate. One wrong move could’ve spelled disaster.
What a wild story! Mae Sot will be buzzing with gossip for weeks!