Mischievous Cat “Arrested” at Bangkok Police Station Gets Mugshot and Steals the Internet

A routine rescue at a Bangkok police station turned into viral comedy gold after an American Shorthair cat caused chaos, scratched multiple officers, and ended up with a mugshot that has taken the internet by storm.

The cat, later identified as Nub Tang (which translates to “counting money” in Thai), was brought to the station by a good Samaritan who believed she was lost. What should have been a straightforward attempt to reunite her with her owner quickly spiraled into slapstick mayhem.

A rescue gone wrong

Police officer Da Parinda Pakeesuk, who was on duty at the time, explained how the unexpected “case” landed in his lap.

"A kind person brought the cat to me while I was on duty. They didn’t give any details, just said the cat seemed lost and asked if I could help find the owner. I felt a bit confused. What should I do? So I decided to post her photos on a few Facebook groups and my own page," he told Bored Panda.

But before Nub Tang could settle into her temporary safe haven, her feisty side emerged. She scratched and bit officers who tried to handle her, leading the amused team to jokingly treat her like a criminal.

Meet the mysterious cat who wandered into a Bangkok neighborhood wearing a pink harness and ended up at the police station

Da Parinda Pakeesuk

Someone brought her to Officer Da Parinda Pakeesuk, hoping the police could help track down her owner

Da Parinda Pakeesuk

The infamous mugshot

To lighten the mood, the officers staged a mugshot for Nub Tang, complete with her paw prints taken “for the record.” The photos — part rescue plea, part parody of a police booking — were uploaded to Facebook. Within hours, they went viral.

"I didn’t really think about it at first. I just wanted the cat to be reunited with its family," Officer Pakeesuk admitted. "But then a day later, I opened my Facebook and I was shocked by what had happened. So many people shared the post."

The viral images sparked an avalanche of reactions, with hundreds of comments, memes, and adoption offers flooding in. Some people wanted to give the “criminal cat” a new home, while others just wanted to follow her story.

But before she could settle into her temporary home, the cat unleashed her inner diva, clawing and nipping at the very officers trying to help.

Da Parinda Pakeesuk

A lesson in adoption

Despite the attention, Officer Pakeesuk reminded people that Nub Tang wasn’t up for adoption — her real family was likely searching for her.

"Many wanted to adopt the cat, probably because she’s cute and of a good breed," he explained. "But I told them there are many stray cats on the streets too. If you’re a true cat lover, consider adopting one of those — they’re just as lovable. This cat, however, should go back to her rightful owner. She must miss her owner very much, and the owner must miss her too."

To lighten the mood, the officers staged a mugshot for Nub Tang, complete with her paw prints taken “for the record.”

Da Parinda Pakeesuk

To verify the rightful owner, the officer carefully sorted through messages, asking potential claimants to describe Nub Tang’s distinctive features and provide details about where she had gone missing. It didn’t take long before the genuine owner was identified and reunited with their mischievous pet.

The photos — part rescue plea, part parody of a police booking — were uploaded to Facebook. Within hours, they went viral.

Da Parinda Pakeesuk

"Many wanted to adopt the cat, probably because she’s cute and of a good breed," he explained. "But I told them there are many stray cats on the streets too."

Da Parinda Pakeesuk

The cat was reunited with its owners

Da Parinda Pakeesuk

Internet’s newest “criminal icon”

Although Nub Tang is now safely back home, her legacy as the internet’s most notorious (and adorable) feline “offender” lives on. Her mugshot continues to circulate widely, proving that sometimes, the internet doesn’t just fall in love with cats — it crowns them as legends.