PHUKET — Phuket police have arrested a 25-year-old German man accused of stealing 2,000 baht from a spa in Muang district, after CCTV footage of the incident circulated on social media.
Police said the theft occurred on 20 January when the suspect, identified as Mr. Laszlo, took cash from a drawer while the cashier was away. The spa later discovered the discrepancy during its daily reconciliation, reviewed CCTV footage and filed a complaint.
At about 19:00 on 21 January, Phuket police and immigration officers arrested the suspect under a Phuket Provincial Court warrant on a theft charge. He was detained at the same massage shop after returning to apologise and offer to return the money.
Police said the shop declined to accept the cash and alerted officers, who took the suspect into custody. During questioning, after being informed of the charges and possible penalties, the suspect broke down in tears and expressed remorse.
The suspect admitted to the theft, saying he acted on impulse, and apologised to the shop owner. Police said investigations are continuing to locate two other suspected accomplices.