A 29-year-old French national of Arab origin has been taken into custody on Koh Samui following allegations that he burgled a neighboring property in the Bo Phut area. The suspect, identified as Mr. Arezi, was arrested on November 27 after a victim from Chiang Mai reported a theft from his rented home, prompting a police investigation.

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The case unfolded when officers reviewed CCTV footage which allegedly captured Mr. Arezi entering the victim’s property. Police subsequently accompanied the victim to the suspect’s residence, where they immediately identified stolen items, including a suitcase and a portable speaker, in plain sight within the living room. A more thorough search of the premises led to the discovery of a total of 13 stolen items with a combined value exceeding 246,000 baht (approximately $7,650). The recovered valuables included a diamond ring, laptops, watches, perfumes, a speaker, and sneakers.

CCTV footage from the property showed a foreign resident living next door entering the victim’s home, police said. #kohsamui #thailand https://t.co/vI4HifnnZK

— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) November 28, 2025

Through the assistance of a translator, Mr. Arezi reportedly confessed to the theft. However, he refused to sign any official documentation related to his confession. He now faces formal charges of theft from a dwelling, a criminal offense that, under Thai law, carries a potential penalty of one to five years in prison and fines ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 baht.

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Authorities have transferred Mr. Arezi to the Bo Phut Police Station for further questioning as the investigation continues. The case will proceed with a formal interrogation and potential trial, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding property security and the legal accountability of foreign nationals in Thailand.

-Thailand News (TN)