Police Bust Motorcycle Theft Gang Using CCTV Surveillance
Police arrested three teenagers after using CCTV surveillance to dismantle a motorcycle theft ring operating in Bangkok's Metropolitan Police Division 9, recovering 49 stolen items and stolen bikes ready for resale.
Saphan Khwai Police Station conducted surveillance using hidden cameras to track a motorcycle theft gang, eventually capturing the entire group and linking them to violent crimes in both Thonburi and Nonthaburi areas. On July 1, 2026, officers led by Pol. Col. Samroay Phromphat announced the arrest of three suspects: Traiphop, age 19; Theerphol, age 19; and Thanyarak, age 19. Police seized 49 items including stolen motorcycles, motorcycle key components, lock-picking tools, helmets, and clothing worn during the crimes.
Officers charged the gang with organized nighttime motorcycle theft using vehicles to facilitate their crimes. Before the arrests, the suspects had stolen multiple motorcycles in the jurisdiction of Metropolitan Police Division 9. Investigators analyzed criminal behavior patterns, studied the timing of crimes, and continuously reviewed CCTV footage to track the gang.
After committing thefts, the criminals would flee to Phra Pin 5 Village in Soi Ekachai 109. On June 30, officers spotted Traiphop riding a motorcycle matching one used in the crimes. When confronted with CCTV footage showing him at crime scenes, Traiphop confessed to multiple motorcycle thefts.
Traiphop revealed that after stealing motorcycles, he would keep them at his rental room. Theerphol would contact buyers, who would send trucks to collect the vehicles. Before handover, they would change the keys and ignition switches, and arrange forged identity card and vehicle registration copies through a person called "Tee." Police found one Honda Wave motorcycle at Traiphop's room that he admitted stealing from Rama 5 Road in Phlai Bang subdistrict, ready for delivery to a buyer. They also recovered theft tools, stolen vehicle registrations, motorcycle parts, and clothing used during crimes.
Officers arrested Theerphol at a rental room in Soi Phahonyothin 58, who confessed to using aircraft aluminum to pry open motorcycle ignitions and working with Traiphop and Thanyarak. Police later arrested Thanyarak in Soi Bang Khae 14. All suspects admitted selling each stolen motorcycle for approximately 20,000 baht and dividing the proceeds.
