Pattaya Police Arrest Two Suspects in Water Meter Theft Spree

Pattaya Police have arrested two suspects accused of stealing water meters from homes across the Banglamung district and nearby areas. Investigators claim the pair admitted involvement in more than 50 theft cases on August 5. The arrests followed a series of complaints from residents after water meters disappeared from multiple locations, causing inconvenience and financial losses for homeowners. Police arrested two men identified as Ploen, 52, and Preecha, 29. They were initially charged with consuming Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) without permission after urine tests showed positive results. Both were taken to investigators at Banglamung Police Station for legal proceedings. During questioning, police said the suspects admitted involvement in repeated water meter thefts, claiming they had carried out around 50 incidents in Banglamung and neighboring police areas. One reported case occurred at about 6 a.m. on August 4, when a homeowner in Takhian Tia Subdistrict in east Pattaya discovered that a water meter had been stolen and filed a complaint with Banglamung Police. Following the arrests, investigators are continuing to trace where the stolen meters were sold and are examining possible links to scrap metal shops or individuals who may have purchased stolen property. Police urged residents who discover missing water meters or have information about suspicious activity to contact Banglamung Police to assist with preventing further crimes in the community.