Van Driver Arrested for Stealing From Chinese Tourist
A 49-year-old van driver in Bo Phut was arrested after stealing foreign currency worth approximately 14,562 baht from a Chinese tourist visiting Wat Phra Yai on Koh Samui.
Police in Bo Phut have arrested a 49-year-old chartered van driver on theft charges after he stole foreign currency from a Chinese tourist. On August 23, officers led by Bo Phut Police Station Commander Pol. Col. Kan Chawish Poi Prasit, along with tourist police from Region 5, apprehended Sarawuth, a van driver, and seized foreign banknotes hidden under the driver's seat totaling approximately 14,562 baht—comprising two $100 US bills (about 6,536 baht), two 10,000 yen Japanese notes (about 4,200 baht), and one 100-euro note (about 3,826 baht).
According to investigator Nanthawut Goed Jan, the victim, 69-year-old Chinese national Mr. Lingjun Zhang, reported the theft on August 23 at around 10 a.m. He had hired the van to visit Wat Phra Yai in Bo Phut, Koh Samui. Before disembarking with his family to tour the temple, he left a black shoulder bag containing foreign currency on the front passenger seat while Sarawuth remained alone in the vehicle. When the family returned to the van, they discovered the bag had been opened and the cash was missing.
When initially questioned, Sarawuth denied any knowledge of the missing money. However, during a vehicle search conducted in his presence, officers found all the foreign banknotes hidden under the driver's seat. After the evidence was recovered, Sarawuth confessed, stating that he had opened the black bag while the family was touring the temple, found multiple denominations of foreign currency, and took some of it before hiding the cash under his seat.
Police have charged Sarawuth with theft and transferred him to Bo Phut Police Station for further legal proceedings.
