A THIEF who struck in Surat Thani overnight may be less happy with his haul today when he learns that the house he burgled belongs to Phuket Police Commander Major General Pekad Tantipong.

The major general confirmed today to Phuketwan that he had lost items valued at more than one million baht including gold and jewellery and Buddhist amulets.

''Yes, it's true,'' he said. ''My home in Surat Thani was broken into last night and the thief got away with quite a haul.''

He said he trusted police in Surat Thani would find the culprit quickly. He added that there were no security cameras in the house.

Major General Pekad has a habit of making news.

While hastening to a Surin resort last year to check security before a visit by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, the major general's vehicle was involved in a collision with another vehicle at the Thepkasattri Road-bypass road intersection.

Two of the three people in the vehicle were wearing seat belts. Major General Pekad was not.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep visited Major General Pekad in hospital while he recovered from an operation for a dislocated hip.