Two suspects have been arrested in Bangkok after allegedly stealing animals from two zoos in a bizarre daylight incident involving reptiles and a squirrel monkey.
Police detained a man and a woman at a rented room in the Don Mueang area on May 7, following coordinated investigations into the thefts reported on May 1.
Pata Zoo revealed the incident on its official Facebook page, saying the pair entered the zoo at around 10.40am during a public holiday when the venue was crowded with visitors. Staff said the suspects initially carried a blue backpack containing a squirrel monkey, which they were asked to leave at the entrance before entering.
According to the zoo, CCTV footage showed the duo later changing into black jackets with McDonald’s logos before heading directly to the exotic animal section.
The man is alleged to have forced open reptile enclosures, while the woman removed a Chinese crocodile lizard and a tiger salamander before concealing them under her clothing. The pair then left the zoo, retrieving the squirrel monkey from the entrance area before fleeing.
Zoo staff also noted that the monkey may have originated from another nearby facility, after Peuan Deratchan Mini Zoo reported a squirrel monkey named “March” missing at around the same time.
Authorities later identified the suspects as Raiwin Sikaewkun and Warisara Waiprasert. Police said all stolen animals were successfully recovered during the arrest operation.
The suspects have been charged under Section 335(3) of Thailand’s Criminal Code for theft involving the breaking of protective barriers, an offence carrying a prison term of one to five years and a fine.
Investigations are ongoing as police examine whether the incidents at both zoos are linked.
