Law
Police Arrest Man for Stealing Electrical Cables at Ayutthaya Housing Complex
A 41-year-old man was arrested in Ayutthaya for repeatedly cutting electrical cables at a public housing complex, excluding his own building to ensure his power remained on.
On August 9, 2026, police in Phra In Racha, Ayutthaya, apprehended a 41-year-old man, identified as Praphan, following reports of frequent power outages at the Ban Ua-Athon housing complex in Chiang Rak Noi. Residents had complained that electrical control cabinets were being targeted, causing significant disruption and damage to the local power infrastructure.
According to Khaosod Online, investigators utilized CCTV footage to track the suspect, who was found residing within the same housing community. Upon entering his room, officers discovered the suspect playing online slot games. During questioning, the man admitted to the thefts, explaining that he intentionally avoided cutting cables in his own building to ensure he would not lose electricity himself. Police also reported that the suspect tested positive for drug use during the arrest.
For residents and visitors, this incident highlights the vulnerability of local infrastructure to opportunistic crime. While the suspect is in custody, the extent of the damage to the electrical systems and the timeline for full repairs remain under assessment by local authorities. It is currently unconfirmed if the suspect acted alone or if there are further accomplices involved in the broader damage to the facility's electrical grid.