Chiang Mai Police Apprehend Suspect in Bold Gold Grab at Shopping Mall

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Police have apprehended a suspect in connection with a daring robbery that took place at the Mangkon Thong Yaowarat gold shop in Central Airport Plaza, Chiang Mai. The heist occurred around 11:30 on November 5, when the suspect posed as a customer, requested to try on a gold necklace, and then fled the store with the valuable item. Thanks to swift police work, the suspect was quickly tracked down and is now in custody for further questioning.

 

The robbery unfolded when a man dressed in a white long-sleeved shirt with black sleeves, wearing a black face mask, and carrying a black shoulder bag, entered the jewellery store on the mall’s second floor. Appearing as a potential buyer, he examined a 1-baht gold necklace and asked to try it on. Seizing a moment when staff were distracted, he sprinted out of the store with the necklace, making his escape toward the mall’s parking area.

 

Following the incident, Deputy Commissioner Pol. Maj. Gen. Veerachon Boontavee, along with Chiang Mai Police Forensic Unit and Phuping Rajanivej Police Chief Pol. Col. Manatchai Inthuen, arrived at the scene to gather evidence. CCTV footage was obtained, and images of the suspect were circulated in local areas to expedite his capture. The public was also encouraged to provide any information that could assist in identifying the man.

 

Shortly after the incident, authorities succeeded in locating and arresting the suspect, identified as Mr. Nattaphol Sanmangmoon, 33. During initial questioning, Nattaphol confessed to the robbery, admitting he sold the stolen necklace at a local gold shop in Siriwattana Market for 38,000 baht. Police are currently working to retrieve the necklace from the buyer to return it to the original store.

 

Nattaphol is now being held at Phuping Rajanivej Police Station, where further investigation is underway to determine if he has any connection to other thefts or criminal activity in the region.

 

Picture captured from CCTV below.

-- 2024-11-06