Chonburi –
A gold shop robber armed with a boxcutter stole multiple gold items worth more than 300,000 baht at a shopping mall in Mueang Chonburi yesterday (September 30th).
For those who prefer the video version of this story, please see below:
The CCTV footage of the gold shop at a Tesco Lotus shopping mall in the Samet sub-district shows at 6:30 P.M. the 25-year-old suspect was seen asking for the price of several gold items at the shop while glancing around nervously. Shortly after asking for the price, he pulled out a boxcutter and threatened a nearby security guard, whose name was withheld by police, who backed up in response. The suspect is then seen on camera jumping into the gold shop, knocking down Covid-19 protective screens while leaping over the counter, before grabbing multiple items and fleeing the scene, closely followed by the security guard who had previously backed away from the suspect.
However, the suspect’s getaway would not last very long.
The suspect fled on foot outside of the mall where he threatened a motorbike taxi driver with the boxcutter, demanding the driver take him away from the scene of the crime. The driver, who was not identified, cooperated and the pair began to drive away.
The security guard who had followed the thief kicked the motorbike as it began to leave the mall, causing the robber and driver to fall onto the street. The suspect was disarmed and held down by the security guard and several Good Samaritans until Samet police arrived at the scene and officially took the suspect into custody, later bringing him to a local police station for further processing.
The suspect was named by police as Mr. Wit Yangyuen, 25. Seized from him were multiple gold items worth more than 300,000 baht.
Mr. Wit reportedly admitted to police, “I have attained significant debts from online gambling losses. Additionally, I just had some major arguments with my parents in Bangkok and felt I was out of options. I used the last of my money to travel to Chonburi, intending to rob a gold shop locally and then return to Bangkok, hoping they would not recognize me as I was from out-of-town. I purchased the boxcutter prior to the robbery.”
Mr. Wit is facing multiple charges including armed robbery, carjacking, and several other smaller charges. As stated, he has reportedly admitted to the incident and plans to plead guilty. In accordance with Thai law, this will likely give him reduced prison time. He remains in custody as of press time.
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