BANGKOK (AP) – Thai police faced significant challenges in capturing a serial burglar who consistently eluded arrest. In a stroke of ingenuity, the police devised an undercover operation involving a traditional lion costume to infiltrate events where the suspect was believed to frequent.
On February 18, 2026, officers donned a vibrant red-and-gold lion outfit to blend in with the celebratory atmosphere of a Lunar New Year fair at a temple in Nonthaburi, a province adjacent to Bangkok. Video footage released by the Bangkok police department depicted the officers dancing toward the suspected burglar, who was unaware of the ruse. As the suspect ambled through the festivities, an officer wearing the costume's papier-mâché head swiftly tackled him to the ground, resulting in the successful apprehension.
The suspect, a 33-year-old man whose identity was not disclosed, has been linked to multiple burglaries, including three break-ins at the home of a local police commander in Bangkok. The value of the items stolen from these residences amounts to approximately 2 million baht, equivalent to about $64,000.
According to the police, previous efforts to arrest the suspect were met with failure as he demonstrated a keen awareness of his surroundings, often escaping before officers could close in. The breakthrough came when police traced stolen amulets that he had sold, leading them to identify his regular visits to temples in Nonthaburi.
While not an official holiday in Thailand, the Lunar New Year is widely celebrated, with lion dances being a customary element of the festivities. This cultural context provided an ideal cover for the police operation aimed at capturing the elusive burglar.
Following his arrest, the suspect confessed to the crimes. He stated that his motivation for the thefts was to fund a drug habit and gambling activities. Authorities also disclosed that he has a prior criminal history, which includes convictions for drug-related offenses and burglary.
This creative method of apprehending a criminal showcases the innovative strategies employed by law enforcement in Thailand to tackle persistent criminal activity. The utilization of cultural elements and festive occasions not only aided in the successful capture of the suspect but also highlighted the adaptability and resourcefulness of the police in addressing crime in a unique manner.
