Former star competitor with the Ozza jet ski team, Sommai “Yong” Wongwiboonkit, 47, was once a third-place finisher in the Bangkok Jet Ski competition in 2011. Today, Sommai was arrested in Nonthaburi accused of leading a gang responsible for stealing pickup trucks and SUVs and selling them in neighboring countries.
Crime Suppression Division (CSD) officers apprehended Sommai on Saturday under an arrest warrant issued after a vehicle theft in Nakhon Pathom on April 29, according to a report by The Bangkok Post. Wicharn Onsomkit had his Toyota Fortuner stolen and immediately alerted police, who “radioed local officers to monitor the vehicle’s GPS tracking system. The Fortuner was found abandoned not long afterward. The license plates had been changed, but a shoulder bag and a mobile phone were found inside the vehicle.”
“A subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Mr Sommai in Nonthaburi. Seized from his house in Bang Bua Thong were 31 items including numerous license plates and car registration books, three vehicles suspected of having been stolen, and two 9mm pistols,” continues the article. “Investigators said the gang allegedly headed by Mr Sommai focused on stealing Toyota Hilux Vigo and Fortuner vehicles that were in a high demand and could fetch high prices in neighboring countries. They say the gang was responsible for numerous thefts dating back to 2012, mostly in Phetchabun, Loei and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces.” Sommai was wanted on 11 arrest warrants in all.
