On September 11, officers from Chakkrawat Police Station arrested 66-year-old Boonlert Jadsanam and confiscated his tuk-tuk as evidence in Soi Rama 6, Soi 21, Phetchaburi Road, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok. Mr. James, the American victim, was brought in to identify the suspect.
Mr. James told Chakkrawat Police that he had taken a yellow and blue tuk-tuk with an unidentified license plate from Phaya Thai BTS station to Soi Mangkon, Chakkrawat Subdistrict, Samphanthawong District. They agreed on a fare of 500 baht. However, when they reached the destination, Mr. James handed over a 1,000 baht note, and the driver fled without giving him any change. In the chaos, Mr. James didn’t have time to retrieve his bag, which contained his passport, $500, nine pieces of jewelry worth 5,000 baht, an orange jacket worth 3,500 baht, Ray-Ban sunglasses valued at 7,000 baht, a blue cap worth 1,000 baht, a black umbrella worth 200 baht, headphones worth 1,000 baht, a phone charger worth 500 baht, and a shoulder bag worth 7,000 baht.
The police investigation was challenging due to the fake license plates. Investigators analyzed CCTV footage along the escape route, which showed the suspect making several stops after the incident. Despite the difficulties, officers were able to identify Boonlert and secure an arrest warrant from the South Bangkok Criminal Court.
The suspect was eventually located in Soi Rama 6, Soi 21, Phetchaburi Road. Police staked out the area and, at around 11:40 p.m., apprehended him along with the tuk-tuk used in the crime.
During questioning, Boonlert confessed to the crime and admitted to targeting foreign tourists in areas such as Nana, Pratunam, and Yaowarat, citing his need for money to buy drugs.
He was charged with robbery, carrying a potential sentence of 2-7 years in prison and a fine of 40,000-100,000 baht. He was also charged with theft at night using a vehicle to facilitate the crime, which carries a penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.
