Police are searching for more thieves who stole at least 27 defibrillators worth upward of THB1.8 million (US$55,000).
Police spokesperson Achaya Kraithong told reporters this morning that they were still looking for the public automatic electrical defibrillators, which had been stationed around the city and have disappeared recently.
Maj. Gen. Achaya said the defibrillators need to be returned as they could be the difference between life and death for someone suffering a heart attack. There have been reports of the devices, worth THB69,000 each, being sold online.
Police arrested one man who admitted to stealing six defibrillators and trying to sell them online. He was determined to be mentally unstable and homeless.
The police have warned anyone who comes across a defibrillator sold online that they were most likely stolen from the city.
Earlier this month on Jan. 4, a medic reported that defibs had been stolen from the Thai Red Cross Society at Chulalongkorn University Hospital, the Sala Daeng police station, and Na Bua intersection along Phutthamonthon Sai 3 Road in western Bangkok.
Photos showed the storage lockers had been smashed open, and the devices missing.
A total of 255 defibrillators have been placed around the city in unlocked boxes so they could be opened in case of emergency, according to the medical staff from the Thai Red Cross Society. People can call 1669 for help in using them. The service is available in Thai or English.
More AEDs are being installed as part of a safety campaign at more public locations including traffic stops and high-rise buildings.
