Copper busbar theft halts 100-million-baht Khlong Sam power project

2026-02-15 - 09:16

PATHUM THANI — 15 February 2026, Police in Khlong Luang have arrested a suspect accused of stealing copper busbars from an underground power cable project in Khlong Sam, causing millions of baht in damage and disrupting a major 100-million-baht infrastructure scheme. At 12:00 at Khlong Luang Police Station, senior officers, local officials and representatives from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) Pathum Thani announced the arrest. The suspect, aged 25–30, was apprehended near a bridge opposite Soi 6/3 in Khlong Sam subdistrict, Khlong Luang district. Police seized 12 copper busbars along with tools including torches, wire cutters and a metal saw, as well as a motorcycle. Pol. Lt. Col. Kawinwet said that at approximately 03:00 on the same day, officers received a tip-off from a concerned citizen about a suspicious man sitting near the bridge. Upon inspection, officers found the suspect straddling a motorcycle. A search of the motorcycle uncovered the busbars and tools inside a black cloth bag beneath the seat. During questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed to stealing the items from a roadside electrical control cabinet along Khlong Sam Road, opposite Chalida Village, Village 6, Khlong Sam subdistrict. He claimed it was his first offence and said he previously worked delivering gas in the Khlong Sam area. He has been charged with night-time theft and theft using a vehicle to facilitate the offence or escape. He was handed over to investigators at Khlong Luang Police Station for legal proceedings. PEA officials explained that the stolen copper busbars are large copper strips that function as primary conductors inside electrical control cabinets, distributing high-voltage electricity to households. A total of 12 busbars were taken from control units 1 and 2, each valued at more than 30,000 baht, for a combined equipment loss of approximately 360,000 baht. Dr. Wirasak said the theft has affected the underground power cable project in Khlong Sam, a major development with a budget of 100 million baht. Damage from this incident alone is estimated at 4–5 million baht, forcing work that was nearly complete and scheduled for handover within months to be halted and repaired at multiple points. An official explains the function of the copper busbar to reporters He confirmed the SAO is coordinating with police to pursue the case to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of any alleged connections or influence. He also warned that scrap shops found purchasing stolen state property would face closure and licence revocation. Residents are urged to report any late-night cable removal activity, as SAO officials do not conduct such operations at night. Pol. Capt. Phongnaponn said investigators will intensify legal action, focusing on three key issues: determining the true extent of financial damage, expanding the investigation to identify possible accomplices or networks operating in other areas, and targeting scrap dealers who purchase stolen materials — a key factor enabling repeat offences. Officials warned that damage or loss of such equipment directly affects the stability of the local power supply in Khlong Luang district. Without the busbars, electricity cannot be distributed normally. The theft has also disrupted Phase 1 of the project, requiring new procurement. Some busbars must be specially manufactured or imported and cannot be purchased from general construction supply stores, extending repair timelines. Authorities emphasised that selling the busbars as scrap metal would yield only a small sum compared with the hundreds of thousands of baht in losses and widespread public inconvenience caused. The offence may also qualify as theft of property intended for public use, which carries heavier penalties than general theft. Khlong Luang Police Station