Police Arrest Gang Stealing Transformers in Khao Kho
Police in Phetchabun arrested six men for stealing high-voltage transformers in Khao Kho district, causing over 3 million baht in damage. The gang operated from rented resorts, striking at night and selling stolen equipment to scrap dealers. Authorities found tools, stolen parts, and evidence of plans to hit more than 30 additional sites.
Police have arrested a gang of six suspects for stealing large high-voltage transformers and community electrical systems in Khao Kho district, Phetchabun province, causing damages exceeding 3 million baht and creating panic among resort operators and locals. Pol. Maj. Gen. Warawat Mali, Commander of Provincial Police Region 6, directed Pol. Col. Hathaiwat Charoenchainivat, Superintendent of Phetchabun Provincial Police, and Pol. Lt. Col. Bunthung Mueangsaeng, Superintendent of Khao Kho Police Station, to track down the perpetrators.
On October 31, 2026, the Khao Kho investigation team led by Pol. Lt. Col. Chuchart Warana, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, inspected crime scenes and reviewed CCTV footage, identifying six suspects: Mesak (surname withheld), 32, from Chonburi; Chanaphat (surname withheld), 21, from Lopburi; Anon (surname withheld), 44, from Samut Prakan; Ekarach (surname withheld), 24, from Saraburi; Enkhong (surname withheld), 35, from Lopburi; and Chairong (surname withheld), 33, from Chonburi.
After the thefts, the gang fled to Lopburi province, where police tracked them to a resort in Kok Charoen subdistrict, Kok Charoen district. A search of their pickup truck revealed stolen transformer parts, high-voltage cables, copper insulation, and tools including five cable cutters, 23 wrenches, four screwdrivers, a hammer, locking pliers, saws, and files.
Police revealed the suspects would rent resorts near targets, strike at night, transport stolen goods to a hideout in Khok Samrong district, Lopburi, and sell them to scrap shops. They had returned to Khao Kho to collect remaining equipment when apprehended. All six face charges of nighttime theft, using vehicles to facilitate crime, and receiving stolen property. The suspects confessed to multiple transformer thefts and had pinned over 30 additional target locations on their phones, which would have caused severe disruption if not stopped.
