Carpenter Arrested for Stealing Gold Necklace to Settle Debt

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

A carpenter has been arrested after attempting to steal a 1-baht gold necklace from a jewellery shop in Bangkok. The man reportedly committed the crime to settle his debts and support his family, claiming that his monthly income was insufficient to cover expenses.

At approximately 14:30 on 31 January, the police at Bung Kum Police Station received a report of a gold theft at a jewellery shop in the Khlong Kum area of Bung Kum District. The shop assistant told authorities that a man, dressed in a red collared shirt, entered the store with the intention of purchasing a gold necklace. While browsing, he suddenly snatched a 1-baht gold chain from the assistant’s hands and fled the scene on a white Yamaha Fino motorcycle.

After the robbery, the police quickly launched a manhunt. Officers from the Bung Kum Police Station tracked the suspect to a rented room in Soi Lat Phrao 87, where he was arrested. The suspect was found in possession of the stolen gold necklace and the motorcycle used in the crime.

During questioning, the suspect, identified as a carpenter and former military conscript, confessed to the crime. He explained that he had been struggling financially, working as a furniture maker with a monthly salary of only 3,000 Thai baht, which was not enough to cover his debts or provide for his family. He stated that, desperate to make ends meet and with a young child to care for, he impulsively decided to steal the gold to pay off his loans.

Pol. Col. Athiwat Nuchthaworn, Chief of Bung Kum Police Station, confirmed that the suspect would be charged with robbery and held in custody pending further investigation.

-- 2025-02-01