Police have arrested two Chinese tourists accused of carrying out a gold shop robbery in Nakhon Ratchasima, stealing rings worth about 300,000 baht before fleeing. The suspects were detained later the same day in Bangkok after investigators traced their getaway vehicle. The stolen items were recovered and authorities are preparing legal proceedings.
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The robbery took place at around 10:10am on 27 April in Dan Kwian subdistrict, Chok Chai district. Two masked men entered the shop while two female employees were inside, prompting the staff to flee to the back room after spotting them. The suspects, dressed in black long-sleeve shirts, shorts and face coverings, targeted a display cabinet containing gold rings.
Police said the men were unable to access gold necklaces due to protective grills, so they used a hammer to smash the cabinet and grab the rings. The entire incident lasted approximately 30 seconds. The suspects then escaped in a white Toyota Yaris sedan without a visible licence plate, triggering a nationwide alert.
Authorities later identified the suspects as 27-year-old Zou Qintao from Guangdong province and 19-year-old Song Haolong from Sichuan province. Investigators tracked the vehicle to a rental company in Bangkok, leading officers to a car hire shop in Prawet district where the pair were arrested. Police confirmed the suspects were found in possession of the stolen gold rings.
Pictures courtesy of Khaosod
No firearm was recovered, with the suspects allegedly claiming it had been discarded during their escape. Police said initial investigations indicated the pair had entered Thailand as tourists and both reportedly had Thai girlfriends. Authorities added that they allegedly ran out of money before planning the robbery.
The case has raised concerns about security at gold shops and the monitoring of foreign visitors involved in criminal activity. Police coordinated with immigration officers and local units to secure the arrests swiftly, highlighting cross-agency cooperation. Officials have not yet confirmed additional charges beyond robbery-related offences.
Khaosod reported that Investigators from Nakhon Ratchasima provincial police travelled to Bangkok to take custody of the suspects for further questioning. Evidence is being compiled for prosecution.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 28 Apr 2026