The Yannawa police investigation team has arrested a homeless man who stole a Chinese tourist's bag, claiming he saw it left there and just picked it up.
On 18 Jan 2026, reporters reported that at 23:30 on 17 Jan, Pol. Col. Phansa Amornapitak, Superintendent of Yannawa Police Station, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Arthit Chatnakrob, Deputy Chief of Investigation, Pol. Lt. Col. Kitchapat Pongphatnakitja, and Pol. Lt. Col. Supakit Kongsuen, led the investigation unit to arrest Mr. Piya, also known as Ya Khamkao, 45 years old, with evidence including: 1. A blue laptop bag containing an HP silver-gray notebook computer valued at around 25,000 baht; 2. A black Gucci handbag valued at about 100,000 baht; 3. An ATM card from China Merchants Bank; 4. A brown Louis Vuitton wallet valued at 30,000 baht; 5. A passport and a gray SPORT backpack, along with the long-sleeve shirt and elephant-patterned long pants worn during the incident.
The arrest took place in front of a convenience store on Lan Luang Road, Khlong Mahanak Subdistrict, Pom Prap Sattru Phai District, Bangkok.
This case began on 16 Jan 2026 at approximately 21:45, when authorities received a report from a Chinese tourist. While dining at a restaurant on Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Road, the tourist had placed valuables—including a blue laptop bag and a black Gucci leather handbag—briefly in front of the restaurant for about 15 minutes. Upon returning, the tourist discovered these items were missing.
Yannawa police investigation officers conducted field inquiries and reviewed CCTV footage at the scene. They identified the suspect as a man dressed in khaki long pants, a black checkered shirt covered by a light blue denim jacket, carrying a black backpack. The footage showed him approaching and taking both bags before fleeing. The team intensified their pursuit and on 17 Jan at about 23:30, successfully arrested Mr. Piya in front of a convenience store on Lan Luang Road. The victim's belongings were found with him and seized as evidence. The victim was contacted to recover their property.
During interrogation, Mr. Piya stated that he is homeless and without a permanent residence. He said he saw the victim's bag left unattended and simply took it. He was handed over to the Yannawa police investigators and charged with "theft at night or receiving stolen property," to be prosecuted according to the law.