Chiang Rai Police Seek Laos Cooperation in Hunt for Gold Robbers

CHIANG RAI – Chiang Rai police are intensifying cooperation with Lao authorities to apprehend suspects in a brazen 13 million baht gold robbery that saw the perpetrators flee across the border. The incident, which occurred on the evening of August 4, involved two armed men who stormed the Yaowarat Krungthep gold shop located within Tesco Lotus in Chiang Khong district. After seizing approximately 13 million baht worth of gold, equivalent to 184 baht weight (around 1.15 kilograms), the suspects made their escape on a motorcycle. They reportedly abandoned the vehicle near the Thai-Lao border and crossed the Mekong River, disappearing into Bokeo province in neighboring Laos. On August 6, two days after the heist, the Thoeng Provincial Court approved an arrest warrant for one of the suspects. Police Lieutenant Colonel Itthipol Chalatanyakit successfully led the request for the warrant against Khamthid Pornprasid, a 28-year-old Lao national also known as Somchai Thipwan. He faces multiple charges, including armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and firing a weapon in a public place. Khamthid possesses a valid international passport, issued in April 2025 and valid until 2035, facilitating his potential international travel. Thai security forces are actively collaborating with their Lao counterparts to locate him. Chiang Khong police have formally requested assistance from the Bokeo provincial police command, with authorities actively tracking the suspects on the Lao side of the border. Recently, clothing believed to belong to the suspects was discovered in Houay Xai, a Lao town directly across the river from Chiang Khong. However, investigators suspect the two men have already left the Houay Xai area. To ensure a swift resolution and maintain regional security, information is being continuously shared between the two nations. The Chiang Khong Provincial Police have announced a reward of 100,000 baht for anyone providing information or clues that lead to the suspect's arrest. Anyone with useful information is urged to contact the Chiang Khong Police Station at 053-791-426 or the 24-hour hotline 191.