Alert Gold Shop Owner and Nephew Thwart Robbery in Yasothon

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

A gold shop in Yasothon province became the scene of a robbery attempt yesterday, April 21, when a suspect armed with an unloaded gun demanded gold. The quick thinking of the shop owner and her nephew, however, prevented the theft, forcing the suspect to flee empty-handed.

The incident unfolded on Witthaya Thamrong Road in the Nai Mueang subdistrict of Mueang district, as reported to Police Lieutenant Colonel Worawut Thanmook by Police Major Thanawit Sitthinarm. Sukanya, the shop's owner, recounted that the suspect, dressed in a white shirt and jeans, entered the shop under the guise of asking for money, a common ruse used by beggars.

As Sukanya bent down, the suspect brandished a gun and demanded gold. Remaining composed, Sukanya attempted to negotiate with the intruder. Her nephew, suspecting the firearm was not loaded, bravely intervened by using a wooden board to thwart the attack, which prompted the suspect to retreat and escape in a vehicle towards Prachasamphan Road.

In response to the failed heist, Pol. Maj. Thanawit has initiated an investigation to gather clues on the suspect, with surveillance footage offering preliminary leads. To prevent further incidents, police have increased their patrols and are closely monitoring gold shops both in shopping centres and surrounding areas.

In a related incident earlier this month, a shocking armed robbery took place at a shopping mall in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, where a gunman stole jewellery worth over 400,000 baht from a gold shop. This robbery occurred on April 2 at around 7:30 PM, prompting an immediate response from police patrols, investigators, and forensic teams in Bang Phli Yai subdistrict.

These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about security in retail environments, prompting law enforcement to heighten vigilance and protective measures across regions to safeguard businesses and deter future criminal activities.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger

-- 2025-04-22