PATTAYA, Thailand – A shocking robbery took place at a luxury two-story house owned by a Chinese businessman in east Pattaya area on January 16. The thieves broke into the residence, forced open a large black safe, and made off with a collection of luxury watches valued at over 100 million baht.
The house, located in an upscale village with an estimated value of at least 8 million baht, was the scene of extensive damage. Inside the targeted room, a 1-meter-wide, 1.5-meter-tall black safe was found severely damaged, with its front door pried off using a sledgehammer and crowbar. Around the room, there were about eight wooden watch boxes, each capable of holding ten watches, scattered across the floor.
Additionally, the back window of the house had been forced open, indicating the thieves likely entered through that point. Officers from the Forensic Science Division collected fingerprints and other evidence at the scene.
Initial investigations by Huai Yai Police Station’s investigative and forensic teams involved collecting crucial evidence, including CCTV footage from inside the house. Authorities have also questioned Mr. Yu Chao Chao, the caretaker of the property, for further details. Efforts are ongoing to contact the homeowner, currently in China, to verify the exact value and quantity of the stolen items.
Pol. Col. Chatree Suksiri, Deputy Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police, led a team to revisit the crime scene for an hour-long inspection. However, no new information was disclosed to the press.
A security guard from the village informed reporters that houses in the area, including single-story homes, typically start at 7 million baht, while two-story properties with swimming pools are worth at least 10 million baht. Most residents in the community are Chinese nationals, with frequent comings and goings. The guard noted that it was unclear how the thieves entered, but they may have scaled the back fence, which borders a wooded area.
Authorities continue to investigate and gather evidence to track down the perpetrators.
