Police have arrested one of three teenagers who allegedly spray-painted over a section of approved graffiti artwork on a wall in Charoen Krung Soi 30.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the suspect in custody confessed that he and two other friends were involved in defacing the artwork, which was created by a Spanish artist as part of the “Krung Thep Creative Streets” project.
The damaged piece depicts a woman with a flower behind her left ear and had been sprayed over with English lettering, causing significant damage.
The governor stated that the incident occurred early in the morning of September 27th, when the three teens arrived on motorcycles and took 17 minutes vandalising the mural.
CCTV footage captured the event clearly, Chadchart said, adding that the three individuals have been identified, which has led to the arrest of one.
He emphasised that the act constitutes property damage, as the artwork is under the care of the BMA.
The offense carries a heavier penalty than general public nuisance violations and he warned others considering similar actions that such behaviour is neither honorable nor a source of pride.
“It doesn’t matter whether the artwork is by an international or local artist, this kind of behaviour is unacceptable. It reflects a lack of discipline and disregard for public spaces,” said Chadchart.
“Many graffiti artists create outstanding work without violating others’ rights. If you really want to create, the city is willing to provide designated spaces, but do not vandalise other people’s work.”
Pol Col Thammasak Sarabun, superintendent of Bang Rak Police Station, confirmed that one suspect is in custody and being questioned. The other two suspects are still being sought.
The perpetrators could face charges related to damaging, destroying or devaluing property, which carry both imprisonment and fines as punishment on conviction.
The mural in question was created by Carolina Adan Caro, a Spanish artist who spent about 10 days completing the piece.
The “Krung Thep Creative Streets” initiative features 15 murals by international artists across several creative districts in Bangkok, with the permission of the respective property owners.
