HAT YAI, Thailand –Despite repeated police warnings and increased surveillance efforts, gold shop robberies continue to plague vulnerable businesses across Thailand. The latest incident occurred on April 8 in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, where a lone gunman stormed a gold shop in broad daylight, making off with more than 9 million baht worth of gold.
The daring heist took place at a gold shop located in the busy Plaza Market area of downtown Hat Yai. The suspect, described as an older man wearing a blue-black shirt, white pants, a black cap, and a black face mask, entered the store armed with a handgun. He threatened the four female staff members, causing them to flee toward the back of the shop. One staff member attempted to plead with the suspect by raising her hands in a wai, but he proceeded with the robbery regardless.
The thief swiftly grabbed two full trays of gold ornaments, totaling 184 baht in weight, and exited the store within two minutes. He then fled the scene on a motorbike parked nearby. Forensic officers and police investigators were quickly dispatched to the scene but have yet to make an arrest.
This alarming incident adds to growing concerns over the security of gold shops, especially in high-traffic commercial areas. Although police have previously issued advisories and urged shop owners to upgrade their security systems, the warnings appear to have had little impact in deterring well-planned, rapid strikes.
The Prime Minister has yet to comment on this specific case but has recently emphasized stricter safety reviews for both public and private establishments following the State Audit Office building collapse. The ongoing gold thefts highlight another urgent area in which public safety and crime prevention strategies may need to be re-evaluated. (TNA)
