Crime 50,000 Baht Reward Offered for Capture of Gold Thief After 18 Days on the Run

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A gold theft that took place at a shopping mall in Udon Thani province remains unsolved after 18 days, prompting the jewellery shop to offer a 50,000 baht reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

 

The incident occurred at 19:04 on 26 April, when a lone thief dressed in a food delivery rider’s uniform entered the mall and robbed a gold shop at gunpoint, escaping with 23 baht-weight of gold necklaces, worth approximately 1.1 million baht. The suspect used a fake firearm and fled the scene on a yellow Honda Click motorcycle without a licence plate.

 

Despite swift action by mall staff and police, the suspect evaded capture, throwing away the fake gun before speeding off. CCTV footage and witness reports have since helped investigators piece together his movements both before and after the heist.

 

Police Colonel Phattanawong Janphon, superintendent of Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, held a joint meeting with local and regional investigators to assess the progress. It was revealed that the suspect had scouted the area in the Nong Sai community prior to the robbery and approached the mall via the Sakhon Nakhon bypass. He parked his motorcycle in front of the mall, entered through the right-hand entrance, and carried out the robbery in just one minute.

 

His escape route took him through Udon Thani city, where he was briefly held up by a passing train at Nong Bua market’s level crossing. From there, he continued through the railway community and Wat Pa Nong Kaew, changed into a black jacket, and headed toward Mittraphap Road in the direction of Nong Khai, after which he vanished.

 

Authorities have appealed to the public, particularly motorists who may have had dashcams running at the railway crossing, to check their footage and report any useful images. Citizens who recognise the suspect’s attire, helmet, or motorcycle have also been urged to come forward.

 

So far, four individuals have been identified as potential suspects, but DNA testing has ruled them out.

 

Police have also coordinated with delivery companies to identify all registered riders in the area using a yellow Honda Click. Although some information has been obtained, no significant leads have emerged. Investigations are also focusing on over 8,000 known offenders in Udon Thani, as well as individuals in neighbouring provinces such as Nong Khai and Nong Bua Lamphu.

 

The shop has pledged a 50,000 baht reward for any tip-offs leading to the arrest of the perpetrator.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1358943-armed-robber-makes-off-with-gold-worth-16-million-baht-in-udon-thani-mall-heist/

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-15.