Picture courtesy of ThaiRath

Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy suspected of carrying out a gold shop robbery at a major shopping centre in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, just one day after the crime. The suspect was detained on 4 February 2026 while attempting to flee across provinces, following a coordinated operation by the Crime Suppression Division. Authorities say the swift arrest prevented further movement of the stolen gold and the case will now proceed under juvenile justice procedures.

The robbery occurred on the evening of 3 February 2026, when a lone suspect entered a gold shop inside a well-known department store in Khor Hong subdistrict, Hat Yai district. The shopping centre is located opposite Prince of Songkla University’s Hat Yai campus. A total of 33 baht weight of gold was taken during the incident.

Following the robbery, investigators reviewed CCTV footage and gathered surrounding evidence that identified the suspect as a local youth from Songkhla province. Police later learned that the suspect had handed the stolen gold to a friend in Songkhla before immediately leaving the area. He then boarded a flight from Hat Yai International Airport to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok.

From Don Mueang, the suspect travelled to Mo Chit bus terminal and boarded a long-distance coach heading to Ubon Ratchathani province. Acting on this information, officers from Crime Suppression Division Sub-Division 6 coordinated with Sub-Division 3 to track his movements. The suspect was eventually located at the Ubon Ratchathani bus terminal at around 6.45pm on 4 February.

Police reported that as officers approached to identify themselves and conduct a check, the suspect appeared startled and attempted to run away. Officers pursued and restrained him without incident. He was taken into custody and identified only as “An”, aged 15, with his name concealed due to his status as a juvenile.

During questioning, the suspect confessed to the robbery and confirmed that the stolen gold had been left with a friend in Songkhla. Police said arrangements were being made to recover the gold as evidence. The suspect was transferred to the Highway Police in Ubon Ratchathani for further interrogation and procedural steps.

ThaiRath investigators will expand inquiries to determine what other accomplices were involved, particularly the individual who held the gold. The case will proceed under juvenile legal processes, with further updates anticipated as evidence recovery and questioning continue.

Key Takeaways

• Police arrested a 15-year-old suspect one day after a gold shop robbery in Hat Yai involving 33 baht weight of gold.

• The suspect fled by air and bus across multiple provinces before being detained in Ubon Ratchathani.

• Authorities are working to recover the stolen gold and continue investigations under juvenile procedures.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thairath 2026-02-05

 

 

He’s learning. A few edges need to be polished up but he’s got a good future in this place. Planning and executing the heist, offloading it, escaping to far away locations. Almost fully pulled it off. Almost!