BURIRAM — Netizens divided in Thailand: Should a poor man be charged for stealing meatballs to feed his parents?
An impoverished 50-year-old man stole meatballs placed outside a store to feed his elderly parents and was subsequently arrested by police. This incident sparked widespread debate on Thai social media, leading to legal representation for the man.
Mr. Boontieng, also known as Thong Phitakpan, a 50-year-old resident of No. 5 Village, Non Daeng, Nong Kating Subdistrict, Lamplaimat District, Buriram Province, has been released on bail after he was detained completely for four rounds or 48 days at Buriram Provincial Court.
He was arrested by Muang Buriram Police Station on May 25, 2024 on charges of theft by vehicle at night, one day after the incident.
The stolen goods were “meatballs”,” more precisely known as “standing meatballs”, which became famous because they were named as K-pop singer Lisa’s favorite snack.
Mr. Thong confessed to the crime and stated that he could not make ends meet for his family. When he saw the meatballs lying unattended outside the store after closing time, he took some to fry. He fed some of them to his children and shared the rest with his parents, who are 88 and 89 years old and live in difficult circumstances, especially his bedridden mother.
Many internet users felt sorry for Mr. Thong and criticized the meatball store for reporting the theft, which amounted to only 300 baht. Others argued that the law must be upheld to set an example; otherwise, anyone could use similar excuses to steal.
The police, though sympathetic, insisted on doing their duty. Pol. Maj. Gen. Rutthapol Naowarat, commander of Buriram provincial police, stated that they had clear CCTV evidence of the suspect’s face, although the shopkeeper later withdrew the complaint.
Since the charge was “theft by vehicle at night”,” which carries a penalty of 7 years and 6 months imprisonment, it is a public offense that cannot be settled out of court.
At the same time, the authorities were instructed to deliver some dry food to Mr. Thong’s family in Lamplaimat district to provide them with moral support.
Dr. Wichian Chuptaisong, president of the Lawyers Council of Thailand, noted that this case is eligible for legal aid because the suspect is impoverished and disadvantaged, has no legal counsel and committed the crime out of hunger.
He appointed Mr. Wuttikarn Kulsuwan, chairman of the Buriram Provincial Lawyers Council, to handle the case and post bail for the suspect, as Mr. Thong had no relatives to contact and no one to post his 75,000 baht bail.
After the court ordered Thong’s temporary release, officials escorted him to his parents’ home. Upon arrival, Thong rushed to embrace his parents with joy. The first words Mrs. Ui said to her son were, “Behave yourself, my child.” Thong promised that he would not commit any more offenses after this.
Lawyer Wutthikan stated that the Lawyers Council is trying to find ways to help. Although this case carries a severe penalty, the nature of the offense was committed out of desperation. If he has no prior record, the court may be sympathetic and consider an appropriate judgment, as he has the responsibility of caring for his parents.
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