SONGKHLA: A company that sells security equipment was left with a red face when two men stole water from taps outside its premises in Hat Yai, using it to leisurely wash their tour coach and van - and tripling its monthly bill.
The pair discovered that two taps were unlocked, and made good use of the water, but apparently did not realise the company's specialty, and their every move was recorded by a security camera.
Footgage from the camera in front of HD Cable Tech Co, showed they had the water running for two hours while they cleaned their two vehicles, and then left the tap open afterwards.
The company sells surveillance equipment from its premises near the interprovincial bus terminal in Hat Yai municipality.
Water from another tap, owned by an adjacent office of the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation, was also stolen on the same night of Sept 14. (continues below)
These two taps in front of a security camera company were left unlocked, and its water was stolen. (Photo: Assawin Pakkawan)
HD Cable Tech employee Chitsanuphong Sinsanguan said on Wednesday he had thought the substantially inflated bill was probably caused by water leaking from a broken pipe -- until he saw the camera footage.
"The bill increased from just over 100 baht normally to 325 baht this month," Mr Chitsanuphong said.
He suspected the tour bus came from Malaysia.
His company did not file a complaint with police - but the two taps have since been securely locked to prevent any future theft.
A security camera shows one of the two men stealing tap water to wash their bus.