Crime Thief’s Botched Gold Heist Ends in Capture at Rayong Mall

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A man’s attempted robbery at a gold shop in a bustling Rayong shopping centre ended in failure when he ran towards an escalator, only to find it was going upwards  and was swiftly apprehended by bystanders.

 

At around 19:00 on 27 April, Pol Lt Kawiwut Boonruang, deputy inspector of Muang Rayong Police Station, was alerted to a robbery at a gold shop named Tamnak Thong 5, located on the first floor of a major shopping mall in Rayong province. The suspect was detained at the scene by members of the public while attempting to flee.

 

 

Upon arrival, officers found the alleged thief seated on the floor, his face bloodied and bruised. Immediate first aid was administered before he was taken into custody.

 

The suspect was identified as Mr. Natthaporn, a 26-year-old native of Chumphon province. He told police he had travelled to the mall to withdraw money from an ATM, but after being unable to obtain cash, he impulsively decided to steal gold jewellery from the nearby shop.

 

According to shop staff, Mr. Natthaporn entered the premises carrying a backpack and asked to see a 5-baht gold necklace. After inspecting the item, he pretended to step outside to make a phone call, only to return moments later. While pretending to examine a single necklace, he suddenly grabbed 10 necklaces, weighing approximately 50 baht and bolted.

 

As he attempted to flee via the escalator, he mistakenly ran onto the upward-moving side, allowing a quick-thinking bystander, Mr. Winai Masawat, 52, to catch up and restrain him with the help of others, including a food delivery rider.

 

Mr. Winai, who had been shopping for gold with his wife at the time, said he witnessed the theft and instinctively gave chase.

 

Pol Maj Gen Phummint Singhasut, commander of Rayong Provincial Police, praised the public for their bravery and confirmed that the stolen gold, valued at over 2 million baht, was recovered in full. Certificates of commendation will be awarded to those who helped in apprehending the suspect.

 

Mr. Natthaporn has been taken to Muang Rayong Police Station for further questioning and legal proceedings.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-04-28.