BANGKOK, THAILAND – A masked gunman robbed a gold shop in a Sukhumvit Road shopping mall, escaping with gold and cash worth more than 11.2 million baht as police launched a large-scale manhunt.
Masked attacker struck near closing time
Shortly before midnight on Friday, a masked man entered the Aurora Gold Shop in the Lotus Mall in Bangkok’s Khlong Toey district while four employees were closing the store. He wore a blue long-sleeved shirt, long trousers and a sun hat, and carried a handgun. Inside the shop, he poured gasoline on the premises to intimidate the staff and ordered them to hand over all valuables.
Gold and cash worth over 11.2 million baht stolen
The robber seized a total of 149 baht of gold, equivalent to about 2.2 kilograms of the precious metal. Based on the current gold price, the stolen jewellery was valued at around 11.1 million baht, or approximately 277,500 euros. He also took 170,000 baht in cash, bringing the total haul to more than 11.2 million baht.
Police analyse CCTV and track escape route
After the robbery, the perpetrator fled into the night. Officers at Phra Khanong Police Station immediately opened an investigation and began securing surveillance footage from the mall and surrounding area. Every second of the material was being examined to reconstruct the robber’s escape route.
“We are following every lead. The perpetrator will not get away.”
said police investigators.
A nationwide search was considered likely as detectives pursued possible clues.
Shocked employees offered psychological support
The four female staff members were alone in the shop during the attack and were threatened with the weapon while forced to stand by helplessly. They suffered severe shock, and psychological support was offered to them. Their testimonies were seen as crucial for developing an offender profile, with police hoping they could recall details such as the masked man’s voice or movements.
Investigators suspect carefully planned heist
Criminal investigators believed the crime was a well-prepared operation, citing the choice of target, the timing shortly before closing and the threat of violence. They were examining whether the robber acted alone or had an accomplice, possibly waiting nearby with a vehicle. Police were also probing how he transported the heavy gold haul, suggesting a backpack or special bag was likely used.
Appeal for witnesses along Sukhumvit Soi 50
Officers issued an urgent appeal to the public for information. Anyone who noticed suspicious people or activities around Sukhumvit Soi 50 was asked to contact the Phra Khanong Police Station on 02 332 2362–6, which is staffed around the clock. Authorities described the incident as one of the most spectacular gold robberies in the Thai capital in recent months and said solving the case was a top priority.