PATTAYA, THAILAND – An armed home invasion targeting a British chef and his Thai wife in Bang Lamung ended with the theft of two million baht in cash, with police calling it a professionally planned attack involving multiple getaway vehicles and announcing three arrests.
Targeted raid on British-Thai couple
The break-in took place in the early hours of 27 February at a two-storey townhouse in the Chokchai Village 9 residential area in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province.
Living in the house were 32-year-old Briton Wesleigh Cyril Russell, a chef, and his 34-year-old Thai wife Chandee. At the time of the crime, they were inside the building together with a British friend.
Masked attackers threaten victims with knife and demand cash
According to the report, three masked men entered the house after nightfall and moved directly towards the occupants.
One of the assailants held a knife to Russell’s throat and forced him to reveal where the money was kept, which had been intended for the purchase of a house.
Safe with two million baht and phones stolen
Police stated that the robbers stole a safe containing two million baht as well as the couple’s smartphones before fleeing the scene.
Investigators currently believed the perpetrators could be foreigners and were examining related evidence and leads.
Police suspect detailed planning of the heist
Pol Col Natthaphon Phongsuksakul, head of Nong Prue police station, said all indications were that the gang had specifically selected the couple because they knew about the recent large cash withdrawal.
Investigators concluded the crime was carefully planned, with getaway vehicles, escape routes and the rapid disposal of incriminating evidence coordinated in advance.
Three getaway vehicles and precise route captured on CCTV
CCTV footage showed, according to police, that the group used a total of three vehicles to confuse any pursuers and cover their tracks.
First, a black Ford pickup drove to the couple’s home before the suspects, during their escape, discarded the stolen phones near Soi Nong Krabok and continued along Sukhumvit Road in the direction of Wat Bun Kanchanaram temple.
Switch to white SUV and cash split in apartment
Near Wat Bun Kanchanaram, the gang switched into a white SUV, which appeared on images from another surveillance camera, police said.
Their route then led to an apartment complex about eight to nine kilometres from the victims’ home, where investigators believed the safe was opened and the cash divided among the perpetrators.
Second black pickup and trail towards Muang
From the apartment, another black Ford pickup collected the suspected offenders, Pol Col Natthaphon further explained.
The group then drove along Sukhumvit Road towards Muang district, while police analysed the established escape route and gathered additional evidence.
Three suspects arrested as investigation continues
During the manhunt, officers arrested three suspects, who were being intensively questioned.
The lead investigator said more information would be released as the case progressed and new findings emerged.