Aussie tourist faces Thai jail after alleged shoplifting spree in Phuket mall
A Melbourne tourist is facing up to three years in a Thai jail after an alleged shoplifting spree led to his dramatic arrest in the holiday paradise of Phuket.
An Australian tourist is facing up to three years in a Thai jail after an alleged shoplifting spree on the holiday island of Phuket.
Thai police allege Liam Allan Lakeman, 25, shoplifted from the Central Phuket mall three times before he was caught, according to the Asia Pacific Press news agency.
CCTV showed the Melbourne man allegedly taking a football jersey off a rack and stuffing it under his shirt on November 1.
As Mr Lakeman was leaving, the store’s owner called him out because he was allegedly wearing another shirt stolen from the shop.
The Aussie tried to flee before an off-duty police officer arrested him, local authorities claimed.
Dramatic footage appeared to show Mr Lakeman being held on the floor, saying “Please, please, please,” and “Do you have my phone?” during his arrest.
The arresting officer, Lance Corporal Niratsai Charoenkijwattana, said he was having a day off at the mall when he noticed a woman allegedly “chasing a man and fighting over store items”.
“Then, he lifted his shirt, pulled out three shirts he had (allegedly) hidden in his pants, and threw them to the floor,” Mr Charoenkijwattana told Asia Pacific Press.
“A store employee said he had shoplifted from there before, and the shirt he wore that day was a stolen one.
“The stolen items included three football jerseys and a box of Bose wireless headphones, which he had taken from another shop.”
Local police claimed Mr Lakeman had since allegedly confessed to stealing in order to pay off his credit card debt. That claim was backed up by interview footage released.
He is facing theft charges which carry a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to 6,000 baht (AU$280).
Phuket is grappling with a post-pandemic surge in visitors after the Thai government introduced a visa-free scheme in a bid to boost revenue.
The influx of tourists from countries including Russia, India and Australia has exacerbated issues with crime, overcrowding, and waste management.
The island saw 8.65 million visitors in 2024, many of whom were Australian.
News.com.au has contacted the Australian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.
