British man arrested over sportswear return probe

BURIRAM — 16 September 2026, Buriram police searched a resort room and detained a British man after a sportswear company raised concerns that items returned by an online customer might not be the same products originally shipped.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Warayut Chan-yiam, chief of the Buriram Provincial Police, led officers from the provincial investigation unit and Muang Buriram Police Station in searching a room at a resort in Krasang subdistrict, Muang district, under a search warrant issued by Buriram Provincial Court on 15 September.

The search followed a complaint filed by Mega Castle Co Ltd, which told investigators that a British customer had ordered four Buriram United football shirts and sportswear items online.

The customer later requested a return, saying the items did not fit and that he wanted to order a different size. The company accepted the return in accordance with its procedures.

However, after receiving the package, the company became suspicious that the returned items might not be the same products it had originally sent. It subsequently asked police to investigate.

During the search, officers found a British man who identified himself as staying in the room. They also seized four Buriram United shirts and sportswear items for examination and as potential evidence.

The items were taken to Muang Buriram police for further investigation.

Police stressed that the case remains under investigation and that no conclusion has been reached on whether the seized products are connected to any wrongdoing.

Investigators will assess the available evidence and proceed according to legal procedures.

Pol Maj Gen Warayut urged people and online businesses to keep records of purchases, payment receipts and delivery details. He also advised sellers to document product details and any distinctive marks before shipping and after returned goods are received, to help resolve potential disputes.

The British man remains presumed innocent unless and until a final court judgment establishes that he committed an offence.

The police operation was conducted to collect evidence, establish the facts and proceed through the justice process.