HAT YAI — 17 April 2026, police have arrested a husband and wife accused of using doctored bank transfer slips to obtain free petrol and meals across multiple areas, with their latest offence reported in Phatthalung province.
The arrests followed an operation on 16 April led by Pol. Col. Macha Kaewthong, superintendent of Hat Yai Police Station, and an investigative team headed by Pol. Lt. Col. Nattaruet Khatiyasunthorn and Pol. Capt. Sarunpat Chujaroen.
The suspects, identified as Sarawut, 33, and Pornnapa, 32, were apprehended under warrants issued by the Songkhla Provincial Court.
Police located their grey Toyota Yaris parked along a road in Khlong Hae subdistrict. When the occupants spotted officers, they attempted to flee along the Khlong Hae–Khu Tao route. Officers pursued and intercepted the vehicle at the Khlong Hae–Khu Tao traffic lights on Lopburi Ramesuan Road.
During questioning, Sarawut confessed that on 6 April 2026 he ordered 500 baht worth of petrol at a filling station. While the attendant was refuelling, he altered an old transfer slip dated 2 April by editing the date, time and account name using a mobile application. He then presented the falsified slip as proof of payment before driving off. He later used a similar method to obtain free noodle meals.
Police have charged Sarawut with theft by deception using a vehicle to facilitate the crime, as well as forgery and use of forged documents.
Investigators are gathering further evidence to pursue additional charges against the pair, as records indicate they carried out similar offences in several parts of Hat Yai district and most recently in Phatthalung.
The suspects have been handed over to Hat Yai investigators for legal proceedings. Police have urged shop owners and petrol stations to verify account balances after each transfer to avoid falling victim to similar scams.