Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A police officer has been praised for his quick thinking and bravery after single-handedly capturing an armed suspect who attempted to rob a gold shop inside a shopping mall in Samut Sakhon province. The incident occurred on 9 November at a department store in Krathum Baen, where the suspect tried to steal gold worth more than 3.3 million baht.

 

Pol Senior Sergeant Major Sukit Kla Songkram, known as “Sergeant Ple,” from Krathum Baen Police Station, was on patrol when he heard shouting from the Yaowarat M Gold shop. He saw the suspect, 28-year-old Somphong, smashing the display case and grabbing gold jewellery while holding a gun. Sgt Sukit identified himself as a police officer, but the suspect aimed and attempted to fire at him. The gun misfired twice as its magazine had fallen out, allowing Sgt Sukit to chase and apprehend the man without injury to anyone.

 

Police later recovered 55 baht weight of gold necklaces and bracelets, worth around 3.3 million baht, along with the weapon used in the crime. The suspect confessed that he committed the robbery to pay off debts from online gambling. He now faces charges of armed robbery, attempted murder of a police officer and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

 

Deputy Provincial Police Commander Pol Col Pakin Siwamethakul, who also serves as acting superintendent of Krathum Baen Police Station, commended Sgt Sukit for his courage and restraint. He highlighted that although the officer was armed, he chose to subdue the suspect without using his weapon once he realised the gun was not operational. The police commander described his actions as a model of professionalism and humanity in law enforcement.

 

The Royal Thai Police have summoned Sgt Sukit to meet senior officers in Bangkok to discuss the incident and to consider awarding him for his outstanding service. A civilian who assisted in restraining the suspect will also be recognised by the Samut Sakhon Provincial Police.

 

Investigators are continuing to examine the origins of the modified firearm and the suspect’s financial records to determine whether others were involved. The suspect remains in custody as police prepare to send the case to prosecutors.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Officer Sukit Kla Songkram captured an armed gold thief at a Samut Sakhon mall after the suspect’s gun failed.

• The robber confessed he committed the crime to repay online gambling debts.

• The Royal Thai Police plan to reward the officer and a civilian helper for their bravery.

 

Related Stories

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Dailynews 2025-11-11

 

 

 

 

All praise to the cop who did his job... Nice work

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

The gun misfired twice as its magazine had fallen out,

 

Fail.

 

Epic fail.

9 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

 

Fail.

 

Epic fail.

You'd be amazed at how often that happens. lol