Police have tracked down a foreign tourist who stole a golden lion statue from a jazz bar in downtown Chiang Mai before fleeing to Pai District. The suspect has now been returned to Chiang Mai to face legal proceedings, and the stolen item has been recovered and returned to the shop owner, along with an apology.
The incident involved a foreign tourist who stole a gold-painted lion statue used as interior decoration at a jazz restaurant on Phra Pok Klao Road. The theft occurred after midnight on the 11th February 2026. The suspect was seen casually walking out of the premises with the statue.
Following the incident, the shop owner filed a complaint with investigators at Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station and posted CCTV footage of the theft on social media as a public warning.
On 17th February 2026, officers from Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station launched an investigation and were quickly able to identify and locate the suspect, Mr Daniele, an Italian national. At the time, he had travelled to Pai district in Mae Hong Son Province.
Police from Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station, in coordination with Chiang Mai Tourist Police and officers from Pai Police Station, apprehended the suspect before escorting him back to Chiang Mai for legal action. The stolen statue was recovered as evidence.
During questioning, the shop owner, Kanyasiri Wood, 43, arrived to retrieve her property. In preliminary discussions, Mr Daniele admitted to the theft, stating that he acted without proper judgement. He apologised to the owner by shaking her hand and performing a wai gesture, expressing remorse for causing inconvenience and distress.
Police have formally charged him with “theft at night”, and legal proceedings are now underway.
