A 43-year-old man, undeterred by prison, was arrested after recently being released. He roamed Sisaket Province stealing motorcycles, exchanging them for methamphetamine to use, and spending the money on leisure. He admitted that one motorcycle was traded for 30 methamphetamine pills.
On 20 Sep 2026 GMT+7 in Sisaket Province, reporters reported that investigative police units from Praibung, Kantharalak, Phayu, Nam Kliang, Si Ratana, and Mueang Sisaket Police Stations coordinated to track and arrest a suspect involved in multiple motorcycle thefts across several districts. Based on linked information of thefts in various areas, police shared intelligence and set up surveillance at likely crime spots to arrest the suspect with evidence and stolen property.
Eventually, a suspicious man entered the jurisdiction of Praibung Police Station and was seen attempting to steal a motorcycle. Officers immediately apprehended him. The suspect was identified as Athon Wisetmuen, 43, a Sisaket resident. He was arrested with the stolen items and taken in for questioning and further investigation into his activities in different locations.
During interrogation, Athon admitted to stealing motorcycles in several areas, stating he committed three thefts in Mueang Sisaket Police Station's area, two in Nam Kliang, one in Phayu, one in Benchalak, two in Praibung, and three in Kantharalak—totaling at least 12 thefts across six police stations. He said he traded the stolen motorcycles for methamphetamine pills, receiving 30 pills and 1,200-1,300 baht per exchange. He had recently used two methamphetamine pills before his arrest. He claimed the motorcycles were forwarded to Laos after the exchanges.
Additionally, records showed that the suspect was recently released from prison before resuming theft. Police are reviewing his prior convictions and expanding investigations to identify associates involved in receiving the stolen motorcycles and the routes used to move the vehicles out of the area.
Meanwhile, reporters obtained CCTV footage from various locations capturing the suspect's thefts. Some footage shows him surveying parking areas before stealing motorcycles and fleeing the scene. Authorities are comparing these images with incident reports from each area to use as evidence and to broaden the investigation.
Initially, investigators charged the suspect with theft, possession of a Category 1 drug (methamphetamine) without authorization, driving under the influence of drugs, and drug use based on evidence and test results. He was then handed over to prosecutors for legal action.