Coach Driver Arrested for Stealing Tourist’s Credit Card, Withdrawing B280,000
SURAT THANI — A coach driver has been arrested for allegedly stealing a Romanian tourist’s credit card and withdrawing 280,000 baht in cash from ATMs, police said on Tuesday.
Channarong Boonjui, 34, was taken into custody at his home in tambon Talad of Muang district. Officers recovered the stolen money along with the clothes he was reportedly wearing during the transactions, said Pol Lt Gen Panumat Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau.
The case began when Romanian tourist Cristina Banaga reported to Phuket police that her credit card had gone missing during a trip from Koh Phangan in Surat Thani to Phuket. She later discovered unauthorized withdrawals and requested her bank to cancel the card.
An investigation revealed that Mr. Channarong had used the card 14 times at various ATMs in Muang district. He allegedly told police he found the card on his tour bus, along with a note containing the PIN code, and decided to try using it. After successfully withdrawing money once, he continued until he had taken a total of 280,000 baht.
Authorities are proceeding with legal action against the suspect.
