Retired Dutch National Arrested in Khon Kaen After Attempted ATM Theft
Sixty-year-old Sijtse Koovlar admits trying to tow away ATM with pickup amid financial dispute
A sixty-year-old retired Dutch expatriate, Sijtse Koovlar, was arrested early Monday morning in Tambon Ban Thum, Mueang district of Khon Kaen after allegedly attempting to steal an ATM machine using a pickup truck.
Police responded at 2:05 am after receiving reports of someone trying to remove the machine from a Siam Commercial Bank branch.
Officers found the pickup truck — without licence plates and driven against traffic flow — dragging the main body of the ATM.
Koovlar reportedly used a trolley to dislodge the ATM from its frame before towing it toward his home.
He told investigators the attempted theft stemmed from financial difficulties.
Bankrolled by a business investment dispute with his Thai wife over a transfer of ten million baht, Koovlar said frustration led him to act.
Police confirmed he tested negative for drug use.
Authorities are investigating charges related to theft and property damage.
The suspect has been detained while legal proceedings continue.
Police responded at 2:05 am after receiving reports of someone trying to remove the machine from a Siam Commercial Bank branch.
Officers found the pickup truck — without licence plates and driven against traffic flow — dragging the main body of the ATM.
Koovlar reportedly used a trolley to dislodge the ATM from its frame before towing it toward his home.
He told investigators the attempted theft stemmed from financial difficulties.
Bankrolled by a business investment dispute with his Thai wife over a transfer of ten million baht, Koovlar said frustration led him to act.
Police confirmed he tested negative for drug use.
Authorities are investigating charges related to theft and property damage.
The suspect has been detained while legal proceedings continue.
