In what could be drawn straight from the pages of a slapstick crime caper, two unwitting burglars found themselves nabbed after unintentionally targeting a retired judge’s holiday retreat in Pattaya. The hapless duo, oblivious to the identity of their illustrious victim, were apprehended on June 4 following a meticulous police operation in Chon Buri’s Nongprue subdistrict. Their ill-fated crime spree occurred at the home of an 83-year-old former deputy chief judge of the Pattaya Provincial Court, a detail they remained blissfully unaware of.
Leading the charge in capturing these inept criminals was Lieutenant Colonel Thana Wisetchai of Nongprue Police Station. The law enforcers successfully apprehended 33-year-old Phonlawat “Pong” Sawatrat and 32-year-old Warayut “Eh” Phrompinit, both natives of Buriram province, in a modest flat on Soi Mabtato. The daring heist unfolded on May 24, when the unsuspecting ex-judge, Sombat (his surname confidentially omitted), dropped by his vacation abode on Soi Phornpraphanimit. Instead of the tranquil getaway he anticipated, he encountered a dramatic scene that could rival any thriller. “As I opened the gate, two men on a motorcycle came speeding out,” he recalled.
Displaying admirable composure and sharp observation skills, the judge registered the bolting burglars and swiftly alerted the police. A thorough inspection of the premises revealed an alarming scene—electrical wiring torn out, rooms comprehensively ransacked, ceilings and doors severely damaged, and various personal items gone astray. Thanks to the vigilance provided by CCTV footage, the police were able to reconstruct the escape route of the perpetrators, paving the way for a decisive apprehension of Phonlawat. During the intense interrogation that followed, he confessed to the crime, feebly defending his actions by claiming ignorance of the residence’s esteemed proprietor. They had purportedly resorted to selling the pilfered assets to finance their daily living expenses and their illicit drug habit, the Pattaya News disclosed.
Riding on the back of Phonlawat’s confession, the police successfully traced Warayut to a nearby rowhouse, where his arrest proceeded without resistance. Both suspects later admitted their guilt and were subsequently transferred to the custody of investigators. A photograph depicting a bag brimming with the ill-gotten gains serves as a stark reminder of their misdeeds, courtesy of Pattaya News.
In a separate, yet equally audacious incident in Pattaya, a woman’s serene poolside relaxation turned into a nightmare as a thief brazenly infiltrated her private villa, absconding with gold and cash—all under the watchful gaze of CCTV cameras. Thanyarat, hailing from Prachinburi, had unwound into the Yoo Dee Pool Villa in Huai Yai for a one-night retreat on June 2. But by the light of day, tranquility gave way to turmoil. Her 1-baht-weight gold necklace, valued at approximately 50,000 baht, alongside a luxurious handbag holding 1,000 baht in cash, had disappeared with the culprit.
Quick to act, Thanyarat promptly notified Huai Yai police, providing them with CCTV footage obtained from the villa staff, which captured the miscreant mid-act. Officers are now diligently on the trail of the suspect amidst an ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, across Thailand, an eclectic array of news stories continues to unfold. From an elderly woman’s snake-dodging escapade in Roi Et to clandestine avian thievery causing a ruffle in Pattaya, and even to legal acknowledgments like the Carnival Magic clinching the illustrious “The Showstopper” Brass Ring Award, the tapestry of news remains as diverse as ever. So, whether it’s rainstorms enveloping Thai provinces or sunlit horizons heralded by solar initiatives, life here never dials down the excitement.
These burglars must be dumber than a box of rocks to not realize they were robbing a judge’s house!
It’s not about intelligence; desperation can make anyone overlook obvious dangers.
Fair point, but wouldn’t their desperation be better served by getting a job instead of risking prison?
Only in Pattaya! 😂 The comedic timing of a retired judge catching those crooks must have been epic!
It’s definitely a story for the ages! They should make a movie about this.
For sure! Though the thief duo would definitely need better planning in a sequel!
Two guys driven by addiction, not greed. It’s a bigger societal issue that needs addressing.
Yes, addiction is a terrible beast. Rehabilitation should be more accessible.
You’d think a retired judge would have better security! Were they depending solely on luck and old CCTV?
Sometimes it’s hard to break from the routine of assuming ‘it won’t be me.’
I think they’ve watched too many movies where the criminal always gets away.
Haha, too true! If only they’d learned to leave fiction to Hollywood.
I wonder if Phonlawat and Warayut ever watched Ocean’s Eleven and fancied themselves the same.
More like Keystone Cops than Danny Ocean!
This just highlights the randomness of crime. The judge’s presence saved the day.
It wasn’t luck; it was karma coming back for the burglars at just the right moment.
Karma or not, let’s hope they get the help they need behind bars.
How persuasive can Phonlawat be, claiming ignorance at breaking into a well-kept home? Do your homework next time.
I commend the judge for maintaining his composure. I would have panicked!
Being a judge, you get used to stress, but I imagine it’s different when it’s personal.
‘A bag of ill-gotten gains’ sounds like something out of a ’90s infomercial!
Or a cheesy crime novel. Real life is stranger than fiction sometimes.
Sounds like the woman whose gold was stolen needs a guest spot on CSI Pattaya! She’s handling it like a pro!
Catching burglars with CCTV footage is glorifying technology. Isn’t it just modern-day spying?
Spying, or just a necessary tool in our dangerous times?
Am I the only one finding it fascinating how the simplest mistake uncovers major crimes?