Pattaya, Chonburi – Thai police have made significant progress in the high-profile armed robbery case that shocked the local community, recovering the stolen safe that had contained over 2 million baht in cash after it was abandoned in a remote field.
The breakthrough came on the morning of March 3rd, 2026, when investigators from Chonburi Provincial Police, working alongside Tourist Police, Immigration Police, and officers from Nong Prue Police Station, searched a large grassy area in tambon Nong Pla Lai, Bang Lamung district. The location was identified based on an alleged confession from one of the arrested suspects, who admitted that the gang had smashed open the safe, divided the money, and discarded the empty unit along their escape route. The three suspects had previously strongly denied involvement despite what appeared to be clear CCTV evidence. The identity of which suspect provided the information was not released by Pattaya Police.
The safe, a medium-sized grey model, was found just off a quiet road in an isolated spot, likely chosen by the suspects for its convenience in parking and quick disposal without drawing attention. Officers spent more than 15 minutes searching the overgrown field before locating it. The safe’s door had been pried open and showed clear signs of heavy damage from blunt force. It has been seized as key evidence and forwarded for further forensic examination. The money itself was believed to be divided amongst the suspects, some of who were still denying involvement.
The robbery occurred late on the night of February 26th, 2026, at approximately 10:30 PM, when three suspects dressed in black clothing and wearing balaclavas to conceal their faces stormed a two-storey townhouse in Chokchai Village 9. Armed with knives, they threatened the residents, a 32-year-old British chef named Wesleigh Cyril Russell, his 34-year-old Thai partner, and a British friend, forcing them into the kitchen before seizing two iPhones and carrying the safe containing more than 2.05 million baht downstairs. The cash had reportedly been withdrawn recently in preparation for purchasing a home. The gang fled in a black four-door pickup truck, ramming through the village’s exit barrier to escape.
Police have so far arrested three British nationals in connection with the crime: Jermaine Palmer (20), Michael Taihulu Junior Campbell (32), and Christopher Erance (38).
All three have been remanded into custody after originally appearing defiant and denying the charges during initial proceedings at Pattaya Provincial Court. Authorities describe the operation as well-planned, with the suspects using secondary roads to evade detection and even switching vehicles during their getaway.
A fourth suspect, now publicly identified by Thai police as Brandon Tyler Garrett, remains at large. Police are actively gathering evidence to secure an arrest warrant and are intensifying efforts to track him down, with sources indicating a swift resolution is expected. Investigators continue to probe whether additional accomplices, including possible local informants, were involved in targeting the victims. At least two other unidentified people, one a foreigner, were interviewed, said Pattaya police previously, but were only described as people of interest and not charged at this time.
The incident has caused alarm among residents in the gated community and surrounding areas. Local authorities have pledged to strengthen security measures in the region to restore public confidence and prevent similar brazen crimes.
Police stated that the investigation is progressing steadily, supported by CCTV footage, witness statements, and forensic leads, and assured the public that all suspects will face justice.
