Pattaya police chief Pol Colonel Apichai Krobphet said Pipop Thunglad, 38, had been apprehended at his rented room in the resort-city.
Police made the arrest after restaurant owner Tushar Gaur, 20, filed a complaint at Pattaya police station that his Thai employee had stolen some cash.
Pipop was hired two months ago, the Indian businessman said.
He alleged that Pipop had previously often stolen Bt100 to Bt200 to buy meth pills, before upping the ante to a much larger amount in the latest theft.
Pipop has admitted to stealing the money to buy drugs and therefore faces both theft and drug-abuse charges, Apichai said.