KHON KAEN – Police have arrested a 60-year-old Dutch national in Khon Kaen, who stole an ATM Machine in front of a shop in Baan Thum community, along Maliwan Road in Khon Kaen. Police were immediately sent to check the scene.
Upon arriving, police officers spotted a black pickup with no plates. A heavy chain at the back of the truck was locked around the ATM Machine. Police began to comb the nearby area and soon found the foreign man, still dressed in black, hiding in the grass not far away.
They took him into custody and brought him to the Ban Ped police station.
Pol Col Pakphoom Decharueangsill told Thai media that, after securing both the suspect and the evidence, they coordinated with the local tourist police and forensic officers to check the ATM Machine for fingerprints.
The police investigation found clear tracks showing the ATM Machine had been dragged about 20 metres from its original spot, much like scenes from the movie action film Fast 5 starring Vin Diesel.
The Dutchman told police he had been living in Thailand for six years. He had once given his Thai wife around 10 million baht to open a restaurant along Prachasamran Road in downtown Khon Kaen, where they also lived. As time passed, their personal funds dried up, and arguments over money became frequent.
On the night of the incident, after another dispute over their finances, the husband took the pickup, claiming he was off to visit friends in Nong Khai. His wife did not suspect anything, only learning about the crime later from the police. Investigators believe she had no part in the theft.
The truck used was found to belong to a relative and had been borrowed for family use. Police are looking into where the suspect got the equipment, like the chain hoist, as part of their ongoing investigation, along with whether anyone else took part in the attempt.
The Dutchman now faces charges for theft at night, damaging property meant for protection, and using a vehicle to commit a crime or escape with stolen goods. The bank involved has filed a formal complaint. Police have opposed bail at this stage, and the case will move forward according to normal legal procedures.
Many expats in Thailand, drawn by the country’s vibrant culture and low cost of living, face financial ruin due to poor planning, failed businesses, or reckless spending. When their funds run dry, some turn to illegal activities such as drug trafficking, fraud, or theft to sustain their lifestyle or escape debt.
Thai authorities, known for strict enforcement, often deport or imprison foreign offenders, with penalties ranging from hefty fines to lengthy sentences in overcrowded prisons. This growing issue highlights the risks of expatriate life without a financial safety net, as desperation can lead to severe legal consequences in a foreign land.
