PATTAYA: A bus driver was arrested for stealing a bag from an American tourist, and crystal methamphetamine was found in his possession.
Pattaya police station chief Apichai Krobpetch said Suchart Chanthachote was arrested on Monday after a complaint from the US visitor that he had left a bag containing money on a tour bus on Saturday.
Police looked for the bus on Monday and found the bag, containing US$460 (14,800 baht), on the vehicle, the officer said. Six small bags of "ice" weighing seven grammes altogether were also found on the bus, he added.
Mr Suchart, 47, admitted he had seen the bag after it was left on the bus and decided to keep it instead of returning it to the owner, while the drugs were for sale to other bus drivers, according to Pol Col Apichai.
The driver faced a theft charge and another charge on possession of narcotics.
The name of the US tourist was not disclosed.