A 47-year-old man identified as Prakorn Samnuk was arrested on Friday in connection with a gold shop robbery that took place in Lamphun province just a week earlier. The arrest was made by Chonburi Provincial Police at a shopping mall in Central Pattaya, following a fast-moving investigation aided by a provincial warrant.
The Heist
The robbery occurred on June 7, 2025, at the Yaowarat Gold Shop in Pa Sang district, Lamphun. According to security footage and witness accounts, a lone assailant—estimated to be between 160 and 165 cm tall—entered the store wearing a long-sleeved blue shirt, jeans, a black cap, and a face covering.
The suspect, later identified as Prakorn, fled the scene on a black Yamaha Mio motorcycle, having snatched two gold necklaces weighing 5 baht each (approx. 76 grams total), worth over 500,000 baht (USD $13,800). The robbery took less than five minutes, suggesting premeditation and a swift getaway plan.
The Arrest
Following a tip-off and days of surveillance, a police team led by Pol. Col. Phasakorn Paichit and Pol. Maj. Pheerawat Wongthong apprehended Prakorn in Pattaya on June 14. The arrest was made under an outstanding Lamphun Provincial Court warrant (No. 265/2568, issued June 11), citing “snatch theft using a vehicle to facilitate the crime or escape arrest.”
At the time of arrest, authorities found 415,072 baht in cash and two mobile phones in his possession, both of which have been seized as evidence.
Motive and Confession
During interrogation, Prakorn confessed to the crime, stating that he sold the stolen gold in Pattaya. He admitted that the robbery was financially motivated by his addiction to online gambling, which had left him heavily indebted and desperate for quick money.
He further revealed that he had considered fleeing Thailand to avoid prosecution, but was caught before he could execute his escape plan.
Legal Proceedings
Prakorn is currently in custody at Pattaya City Police Station, awaiting transfer to Lamphun province where he will face formal charges. Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and that they are working to trace the gold sale and verify if any accomplices were involved.
The case highlights both the risks posed by online gambling addiction and the swift coordination between provincial police forces in apprehending fugitives across regions.
