Bangkok Transit Police Arrest Cable Thieves from Red Line

The State Railway of Thailand and Tallingchan Police have jointly apprehended thieves caught illegally cutting power cables from the red-line electric train service. Lt. Gen. Kongsakdi Janthasopa, acting chairman and director-general of Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), revealed that the company has integrated cooperation with police across all stations along the route to maintain strict security monitoring, as cable theft incidents have been occurring frequently.

The BTS has established a safety, traffic, and public relations subcommittee chaired by Pol. Lt. Col. Amanai Tripat, deputy police commissioner and company director, which oversees proactive measures and monitors progress in coordination with local police along the red-line route on an ongoing basis.

Following the successful operation directed by Pol. Col. Kulchetsada Bangpran, deputy commander of Region 7 Police, officers including Pol. Col. Monchai Arunsongkaengdee, chief of Tallingchan Police Station, and Pol. Maj. Pongtawat Kongsuer, deputy chief, were tasked with apprehending the suspects. At approximately 10:30 AM on September 10, 2026, police successfully arrested two suspects and recovered evidence including approximately 10 kilograms of silver copper wire, one wire cutter, one utility knife, and a black Honda Wave motorcycle used in the crime. The suspects were arrested at a residence in Soi Ratchapruek 26, Tallingchan District, Bangkok.

Both suspects confessed during interrogation and have been charged with joint theft and receiving stolen property. The BTS stated its willingness to cooperate fully with police to apprehend all members of the cable-theft network. The company will maintain strict security measures, including increased joint patrols between security personnel and police along all service routes daily to prevent future cable-cutting incidents on the red-line system while prioritizing passenger safety.