File photo for reference only

 

In a pre-dawn operation, forestry police arrested a Vietnamese man and five Thais at an illegal gold mining site on Panompa Mountain in Thailand's northern province. This decisive action followed a complaint about a Vietnamese investor's covert activities on the site, located in tambon Nong Phra of Wang Sai Phun district, where he was suspected of digging for gold.

 

The Vietnamese national, identified as Duong, 38, was caught alongside Thai nationals Phirabun, 58, Bunyom, 48, Ms Somporn, 45, Patthana, 37, and Sawat, 63. Notably, their surnames were not disclosed.

 

 

Authorities confiscated 39 pieces of mining equipment, including numerous sacks of ammonium nitrate—frequently used in explosives—highlighting the scale and potential danger of the operation. According to Pol Maj Gen Watcharin Phusit, commander of the police's Natural Resource and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, rising gold prices had driven the Thai suspects to involve Duong, facilitating his clandestine entry into the mining site.

 

The suspects are currently held at the Wang Sai Phun police station, as authorities anticipate further arrests. The raid underscores ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining amid soaring gold market values.

 

-- 2025-01-10

 

 

Could only be looking for nuggets which are rare, the ore would need Chemical proccesing, ammonium nitrate combined with diesel fuel know as ANFO is a high explosive and should be handled with care (see to many ANFO fires ) they probably found  pyrite's (Fools gold ) it is bloody hard work mining for gold its not a quick get rich scheme  and i dont think Thais would be in for it, toooo much work!!! 

There are many "Gold Diggers" in Thailand. I knew it🤣

If anybody is wondering, this is in Phichit province. (Which is not in Isaan)

A pre dawn raid in a tunnel they had no chance of seeing cunning plod coming 🤔