Man breaks both legs fleeing Trang Hospital after cable theft

A 43-year-old man broke both legs after crashing his motorcycle into a shrine sign while fleeing from Trang Hospital security guards who caught him stealing electrical cables.

Mueang Trang Police Station received the report around 23:00 on February 22nd. The suspect had been cutting and stealing electrical cables from the hospital grounds when security spotted him.

Instead of surrendering, the man jumped on his motorcycle and sped away from the hospital. During his escape attempt, he crashed directly into a concrete shrine sign, suffering serious injuries to both legs.

Cable theft has become an increasingly common crime in Thailand, with thieves targeting copper wiring from public buildings, construction sites, and infrastructure. The metal can be sold to scrap dealers for decent money — though apparently not worth two broken legs.

The irony here is pretty thick. The guy fled a hospital to avoid getting arrested, only to end up needing that same hospital for his injuries. He's now facing both theft charges and a lengthy recovery.

What this means for travelers

This incident highlights a broader security issue at Thai hospitals and public buildings. While rare, petty theft does happen at medical facilities, especially late at night.

If you're visiting someone at a Thai hospital or seeking treatment yourself, keep valuables secure and stay in well-lit, populated areas. Most Thai hospitals have decent security, but they're also large facilities that can't monitor every corner.

The suspect is currently receiving treatment for his injuries while in police custody. He'll face charges for theft and property damage once he's recovered enough to appear in court.

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Source: Thai man breaks legs fleeing hospital cable theft