A “lion dance” in front of a shopping mall in Bangkok to celebrate the Lunar New Year on February 17, 2026.
The Thai city of Nonthaburi witnessed a humorous and innovative incident, where police officers disguised themselves in traditional lion dance costumes to arrest a fleeing 33-year-old thief.
Taking advantage of the Lunar New Year celebration atmosphere at a local temple festival, the police infiltrated the crowds and carried out the raid unexpectedly.
To ensure the operation’s success, the police hid a secret camera inside the lion’s head to precisely monitor the suspect’s movements before apprehending him.
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According to an official statement from the Thai police, the suspect was wanted in several theft cases and had been arrested twice before. This time, however, he fell into the clutches of the disguised “lion,” which ended his escape in a cinematic manner.
Thailand
Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a Southeast Asian country with a rich history dating back to ancient kingdoms like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. It is renowned for its ornate Buddhist temples, vibrant street life, and distinctive cuisine, and it is the only nation in the region never to have been colonized by a European power.
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest city of Thailand, founded in 1782 by King Rama I as the capital of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. It is renowned for its ornate temples and palaces, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, which reflect its deep historical and cultural significance as the nation’s political, commercial, and spiritual center.
Nonthaburi
Nonthaburi is a historic province in central Thailand, originally established as a city in the mid-16th century during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat of Ayutthaya. It served as a strategic defensive outpost and is now a major suburban area of metropolitan Bangkok, known for its traditional floating markets and orchards.
shopping mall
A shopping mall is a large indoor complex containing a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues under one roof. The modern concept, designed around the automobile, emerged in the mid-20th century, with early examples like Southdale Center in Minnesota (opened 1956) pioneering the fully enclosed, climate-controlled format.
temple
A temple is a structure reserved for spiritual or religious activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, and has been a central part of human civilization for millennia. Historically, temples have been built by diverse cultures worldwide, from the ancient ziggurats of Mesopotamia and the Parthenon in Greece to the Hindu temples of India and Buddhist pagodas across Asia. They often serve as enduring symbols of a culture’s architectural, artistic, and theological achievements.
lion dance costumes
Lion dance costumes are vibrant, symbolic outfits used in the traditional Chinese lion dance, a performance meant to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Their history dates back over a thousand years, with origins linked to stories of a mythical beast being driven away by loud noises and a dramatic disguise.
lion’s head
Lion’s Head is a prominent peak and landmark in Cape Town, South Africa, formed over 600 million years ago. It is known for its distinctive shape, which resembles a crouching lion, and holds historical significance as a signal hill for communicating with ships. Today, it is a popular hiking destination offering panoramic views of the city and coastline.
secret camera
“Secret Camera” refers to a hidden surveillance device used to capture images or video without the subject’s knowledge. Its history is tied to the development of miniature photography and espionage technology, becoming more prevalent with the miniaturization of electronics in the 20th century. Its use raises significant ethical and legal concerns regarding privacy.
