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Thai Councillor Arrested Over Failed Gold Shop Robbery

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Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Police have arrested a local municipal councillor accused of attempting an armed robbery at a gold shop in Nakhon Ratchasima province, an incident that ended without injuries but raised serious concerns about public safety and trust in local officials. The suspect allegedly fired a gun inside the shop before fleeing empty-handed, prompting a swift police investigation that led to his arrest the following day.

The attempted robbery occurred around noon on 24 January 2026 at Phanthong Yaowarat Gold Shop on Nong Prue–Nong Phai Road, opposite Nong Prue Market, according to police. A man described as wearing a black-and-white helmet, dark jacket and trousers, white gloves and grey trainers entered the shop carrying a backpack and shoulder bag before drawing a handgun. He threatened staff, saying he only wanted gold and did not intend to hurt anyone, and ordered trays of gold to be handed over.

A sales assistant, identified as Namfon Jianmaroeng, 34, reportedly engaged the suspect in conversation to delay him before running to activate an emergency alarm. The suspect fired one shot at a display wall to intimidate staff and to clear an escape route, then fled without taking any gold. He escaped on an automatic motorcycle parked behind the shop.

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On 25 January 2026, Nakhon Ratchasima city police, supported by regional and provincial investigation units, traced the suspect’s escape route through a market and over a wall into a nearby housing estate about 800 metres from the scene. Officers located a motorcycle matching the suspect vehicle at a house in Pho Klang subdistrict. The homeowner, identified as Wichian Sirisathit, 67, a member of the Pho Klang municipal council, drew suspicion during questioning.

Police said a review of Wichian’s mobile phone revealed location data placing him in the area at the time of the attempted robbery, consistent with CCTV footage along the escape route. Authorities stated that Wichian confessed to the attempted robbery and to firing a Norinco 213 9mm handgun to threaten the victim. He reportedly cited heavy debts as his motive.

The arrest has prompted scrutiny of the vetting and conduct of local officials, while police emphasised that the investigation followed standard procedures based on evidence and witness accounts. No injuries were reported, and the gold shop did not suffer losses of merchandise.

Khoasod reported that police are to proceed with formal charges as the case moves through the legal process. Investigators will continue to compile evidence, including forensic and digital records, while authorities consider the implications for the suspect’s position on the municipal council.

Key Takeaways

• A 67-year-old municipal councillor was arrested over a failed armed robbery at a gold shop in Nakhon Ratchasima.

• The suspect allegedly fired a Norinco 213 9mm handgun but fled without stealing any gold.

• Police said mobile phone location data and CCTV footage linked the suspect to the crime.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-26

 

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