Woman Held Over String of Thefts at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports
Woman Held Over String of Thefts at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports
BANGKOK, June 1, 2026 — Thai Tourist Police have arrested a woman accused of stealing valuables from sleeping passengers at Bangkok’s two main airports, following investigations into a series of thefts targeting foreign travelers.
The arrest was announced on Saturday by Tourist Police Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Saksira Pueak-am, alongside Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Kittipong Kittikhajorn and senior police officials.
The suspect was detained at a resort in Sing Buri province under an arrest warrant issued by the Samut Prakan Provincial Court on May 30. Police said several items belonging to victims were recovered during the operation.
The investigation began after a passenger reported a theft at Suvarnabhumi Airport on May 21. The victim had fallen asleep in a waiting area near Gate 3 and later discovered that a bag containing valuable belongings had been stolen.
According to police, the missing items included an iPhone, a passport, identification documents and foreign currency comprising US$4,000, 9,500 UAE dirhams, €800 and £400. Authorities estimated the total loss at more than 300,000 baht.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and identified the suspect, later linking her to two additional theft cases reported at Don Mueang Airport involving Malaysian and Indian tourists on May 16 and May 20, respectively.
After gathering evidence, authorities secured an arrest warrant and tracked the suspect to Sing Buri province, where she was taken into custody. She has since been transferred to investigators for legal proceedings.
Police said efforts are underway to return recovered property to the victims.
Tourist Police Commissioner Saksira said the arrest reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen visitor safety and maintain confidence in Thailand as a tourist destination. He reiterated the force’s commitment to protecting travelers and responding swiftly to crimes affecting foreign visitors.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine whether the suspect may be connected to additional theft incidents at airports or other transportation hubs.
