“Polite” Thief Steals Gold Necklace for Valentine’s Gift in Samut Prakan

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture captured from CCTV.

 

Police in Samut Prakan are hunting for a gold thief who gave a polite wai before robbing a gold shop, claiming he needed the jewellery as a Valentine’s Day gift for his girlfriend. The incident took place at a gold shop on Nam Daeng – Bang Phli Road, Bang Kaeo subdistrict, Bang Phli district.

 

According to CCTV footage, the suspect, described as a stocky middle-aged man wearing a black jacket, black trousers, and a face mask, entered the shop barefoot around 14.00 on 14 February. He initially told the shop owner he wanted to exchange a gold necklace for a bracelet as a present for his girlfriend. However, after discussing prices, he left, only to return at 18.00 with a different approach.

 

This time, he asked to see a 1.5-baht gold necklace, claiming his girlfriend would bring a 2-baht gold necklace to swap. As he engaged the shop owner in conversation, he grabbed her mobile phone before requesting the necklace and gave a wai apologetically, saying he was in desperate need.

 

Shortly afterwards, he forced his way behind the shop counter, threatening an elderly shop assistant. The woman tried to calm him, but when the shop owner reached for a panic button, the suspect panicked. He ordered both women to move to the back of the shop before snatching a Wi-Fi router, mistakenly thinking it was the CCTV server. He then fled the scene on a black Honda PCX motorcycle.

 

Ms. Kanoknapa, the shop owner, recalled that the suspect first came in during the afternoon, pretending to negotiate an exchange. He later returned, claiming his girlfriend was lost and requesting to see the gold necklace again. When he realised she was about to alert authorities, he panicked and stole the necklace, two gold-encased Buddha amulets, a mobile phone, and the shop’s Wi-Fi router.

 

The elderly assistant, who was also targeted, stated that the suspect was polite at first but became aggressive once inside. “He told me he had no choice and begged me not to resist,” she said. “He pushed me aside before grabbing the valuables.”

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Wichit Boonchinwutkul, chief of Samut Prakan Provincial Police, confirmed that officers from Bang Kaeo Police Station are investigating. “The suspect acted alone and did not appear to be armed.”

 

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to track the suspect and expect an arrest soon.

 

Police have also issued a warning to gold shop owners, advising them to ask customers to remove face masks, install secure iron bars, and ensure CCTV servers are well protected. In this case, the shop had security bars but had not locked them, allowing the suspect to push his way inside.

 

-- 2025-02-16

 

[Young Hick]

Aww he's so romantic.

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
“Polite” Gold Shop Robber Arrested in Samut Prakan

 

Picture of suspect returning to the shop with police.

 

A man who stole gold from a shop in Samut Prakan, showing unusual courtesy during the crime, has been arrested.

 

Police in Samut Prakan have arrested 26-year-old Chayanon Buthongha, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, in connection with a gold shop robbery that took place on 14 February. Chayanon, a chef and part-time delivery rider, allegedly stole a 1.5-baht-weight gold necklace and the shop owner’s mobile phone after politely removing his shoes and giving a wai before committing the crime.

 

CCTV footage captured the suspect fleeing the scene with not only the stolen items but also the shop’s Wi-Fi router, which police believe he mistook for a CCTV server.

 

Following an urgent investigation, officers traced Chayanon to a residence in Wat Dan Alley, where he was arrested on 16 February. He reportedly confessed to the crime, stating that he was struggling with an outstanding informal debt of 20,000 baht and had planned the robbery after failing to find other means to repay it.

 

According to Pol. Maj. Gen. Wichit Boonchinwutthikul, Commander of Samut Prakan Provincial Police, the suspect targeted a newly opened gold shop staffed only by women and an elderly employee, believing it to be an easier target. After the robbery, he sold the stolen gold at a shop in Samrong for 40,000 baht, intending to use the money to clear his debt.

 

Authorities have since recovered both the cash from the gold sale and the motorcycle used in the crime. Chayanon has been taken into custody for further legal proceedings.

 

Police have urged gold shop owners to enhance security measures, particularly in newly established shops without protective barriers. Officers noted that criminals often select shops run by women or elderly staff as primary targets. Authorities continue to advise businesses to remain vigilant to prevent future incidents.

 

-- 2025-02-16

 

[hotchilli]

Now he has more then debt to worry about...