Picture and video courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Shoppers in Tak province witnessed a short chase inside a Lotus’s department store on the evening of 18 August, when a 28-year-old man attempted to snatch a gold necklace from a gold shop.

 

The suspect, later identified as Mr Thanaphon, from Mueang district, Tak, walked into the Huang Toh Kung gold shop at around 19:10, pretending to browse for jewellery. Staff members quickly grew suspicious of his behaviour and discreetly alerted security by pressing an alarm button.

 

As a member of staff handed him a one-baht-weight gold necklace, the man suddenly grabbed it and bolted for the exit. One of the shop assistants shouted for help, attracting the attention of police officers from Mueang Tak station who were already patrolling inside the store.

 

The officers immediately gave chase and intercepted the suspect just 15 metres from the scene, near an optician’s shop. During the arrest, a six-inch fruit knife was found in his possession, although he had not drawn it during the incident.

 

The gold necklace was recovered after it was discovered on the floor, having slipped from the suspect’s hand during the commotion.

 

Police later seized the suspect’s blue and black Honda Wave motorcycle, which he had parked near the store’s exit, allegedly ready for a quick getaway.

 

Mr Thanaphon reportedly told officers he had not intended to commit the crime but acted out of desperation due to financial hardship. “I didn’t know what else to do. I just thought of stealing the gold, but I was unlucky because the police appeared straight away,” he allegedly said.

 

The suspect is now in custody and faces charges of theft and carrying a weapon in a public place.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-08-19

 

 

 

 

that's got to be one of the fastest takedowns ever.