Armed Robber Steals 3.5 Million Baht in Gold from Pathum Thani Shop

A lone gunman robbed a gold shop in Pathum Thani province, Thailand, making off with over 3.5 million baht worth of gold jewelry in an armed robbery that lasted less than two minutes on a quiet evening. The crime occurred at the Bangkok Golds shop in the Sam Khok district. Local police received an alarm signal from the store at 5:58 p.m. and rushed to the scene. Frightened store employees told police that the suspect calmly entered the shop, then suddenly produced a small handgun and ordered the staff to get down. The robber spoke softly with a clear central Thai accent, pointing his loaded gun at one worker and ordering her to hand over the heaviest gold necklaces on display. The thief took a total of 52 baht-weight of pure gold, including several large gold chains weighing between four and ten baht each. After securing the items, he put his gun away and walked outside. Security camera footage shows the man entering at 5:56 p.m. and leaving calmly at 5:58 p.m. He did not attempt to run from the crime scene. Investigators learned the suspect walked from a nearby village towards the shop just before the crime and returned in the same direction afterward. Police are reviewing street cameras to determine his escape route, and it is unclear if a vehicle was used. Local business owners have expressed concern over the remarkably quick and quiet robbery. Police have pledged to increase patrols around gold shops in the area to ensure the safety of workers. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the suspect, particularly anyone who saw a man in a black hoodie near the shop. Bringing the suspect to justice is the top priority.