Arrest in the Early Hours
Police in Khon Kaen arrested a 60-year-old Dutch national early Sunday morning, September 21, 2025, after he attempted to steal an ATM in Muang district.
The man, identified only as Sijtse, was found hiding by the roadside near a Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) ATM and his pickup truck on Maliwan Road in Ban Thum subdistrict, according to the Bangkok Post.
How the Theft Happened
Officers from Ban Ped Police Station said the ATM had been tied with heavy chains attached to a black Mazda pickup truck and dragged about 20 meters from where it had been bolted down outside a shop.
Security camera footage showed the machine being hauled away before police arrived at the scene.
A Family Strained by Finances
Following this, investigations revealed that the Dutchman had lived in Thailand for six years.
He invested about 10 million baht (approx. S$401,003) into a restaurant business run by his 37-year-old wife, Waraporn.
However, the business faced financial difficulties, and arguments became common in their household.
On the night before the theft, the couple fought again over money. Frustrated, the husband told his wife that he was leaving to meet a friend in Nong Khai province.
She only learned about the theft the following morning when contacted by the police.
Wife Not Linked to the Crime
Police clarified that the wife had no involvement in the theft. The vehicle used in the crime belonged to a relative and was shared within the family, but the Dutchman had taken it to commit the act.
Evidence and Charges
Forensic teams collected fingerprints from the ATM and the truck. SCB representatives have since filed formal charges.
The man now faces several counts, including nighttime theft, property damage, and use of a vehicle in committing a crime, Khaosod reported.
Under Thai law, the offenses carry a prison term of one to seven years. Since a vehicle was used, the sentence could be increased by half, making the maximum possible sentence 10.5 years.
Fines ranging from 2,000 (approx. S$80) to 14,000 baht (approx. S$561) may also be imposed.
No Bail Granted
Authorities have denied bail during the ongoing investigation, and police are continuing to examine whether the Dutchman had any accomplices in the crime.
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