Gold Missing From Trang Municipal Pawnshop, Probe Widens

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Gold valued at an estimated 3 - 5 million baht has gone missing from the municipal pawnshop operated by Trang Municipality, prompting a police investigation and the temporary closure of the facility. The disappearance was discovered after the New Year holiday period when customers returned to service their pawn agreements or seek additional loans. Police have questioned four staff members and are focusing on three possible motives: online gambling, personal debt and local political conflict.

The missing items include both gold bars and gold jewellery pledged by members of the public at the Trang Municipal Pawnshop. The loss is believed to have occurred during a five-day New Year holiday closure, with the issue coming to light when the pawnshop reopened on 5 January 2026. Customers attempting to pay interest or increase loan limits were informed of irregularities, leading officials to file a police report.

The pawnshop employs nine staff members, with two holding keys to the safe where the gold was stored. Initial forensic checks found no signs of forced entry, but investigators noted irregularities with internal CCTV cameras, which reportedly malfunctioned intermittently during the holiday period. Officers from Mueang Trang Police Station have so far questioned four of the nine employees.

On 7 January 2026, a committee from the Local Administrative Organisation Pawnshop Management Board, along with Trang Provincial Local Administration Chief Thiraphan Siripakmannon, began a detailed audit of all pledged assets. The inspection is expected to take about two days, during which the pawnshop will remain closed until at least 8 January, or longer if required. Authorities aim to determine the exact number and value of missing items.

Throughout the day, many concerned customers gathered outside the closed building, some unaware of the incident and others seeking reassurance about their pledged property. Several expressed distress, including individuals who had pawned family heirlooms for short-term financial needs such as education expenses. Officials have yet to clarify whether affected customers must formally identify themselves or file individual police reports.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Phasakorn Phakdiwanich, Commander of Trang Provincial Police, said investigators are tracking staff movements over the past 10 days and reviewing footage from both internal cameras and the province’s Real Time Crime Centre. Police have identified a suspect and are gathering evidence to support an arrest warrant. The investigation is examining potential links to gambling, debt, local political tensions and internal management weaknesses.

Khaosod reported thar authorities will complete the asset audit, continue questioning remaining staff, and finalise evidence collection. Further legal action will depend on the outcome of these inquiries and the confirmation of losses.

Key Takeaways

• Gold worth an estimated 3 - 5 million baht is missing from Trang’s municipal pawnshop after the New Year holiday.

• Police have questioned four of nine staff and are probing gambling, debt and local political motives.

• An official asset audit is under way, with the pawnshop closed pending the investigation.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-08