Villagers Overwhelmingly Support Police Arrest of Repeat Thief Stealing Day and Night to Fund Drug Habit

On February 16, 2026, police officers from Ban Mee Police Station led by Police Colonel Manoch Chantheing arrested Anuwat, a 38-year-old repeat offender from Khao Sam Yot Subdistrict. The suspect has been repeatedly breaking into shops and homes both day and night, stealing cash, gold ornaments, and valuable items to purchase drugs. One victim reported finding their shop's metal door forced open and all valuable items, including amulets worth over 200,000 baht, stolen. After his arrest, local residents overwhelmingly supported the police action, with some cheering the arrest and others cursing the thief. Investigations revealed Anuwat has multiple prior convictions and would typically flee to Mount Wongkot to consume drugs after committing robberies.