KATHU, PHUKET – A brazen burglary at a luxury estate in Kathu district has shaken the holiday island of Phuket. While the homeowner was abroad, unknown individuals violently broke into the building and made off with gold worth 40 baht weight and cash totaling over three million Baht. The police are now pursuing the perpretrators.
Brother Discovers Chaos During Weekly Check
The burglary was discovered on June 8 by Somsak, the 54-year-old younger brother of the homeowner. He had been looking after the estate during his brother’s absence abroad.
During his weekly visit to clean the house, Somsak immediately noticed signs of forced entry. Inside, he then realized that valuables had been stolen from a drawer in the wardrobe.
Gold Bars, Jewelry, and Cash in Two Currencies Gone
The thieves targeted the entire valuables safe. They made off with gold bars weighing 33 baht (approximately 495 grams) and gold jewelry weighing 7 baht (about 105 grams).
Additionally, they seized more than two million Baht in Thai cash, as well as Euro holdings equivalent to over one million Baht. The total loot is valued at more than three million Baht.
Police Secure Fingerprints and Review Surveillance Videos
Officers from the Kathu Police Station found clear traces of forced entry at the crime scene. Criminal investigators arrived to secure latent fingerprints and other evidence.
The investigators are now reviewing footage from neighborhood surveillance cameras. They are focusing on the access roads to the village to gather clues about the perpetrator’s escape route.
Targeted Strike Against Empty Luxury House
Initial police findings suggest a planned act. The thieves apparently targeted the house precisely because it had been uninhabited for an extended period.
The fact that the perpetrators knew where the valuables were stored suggests a degree of preparation. The police are now working at high pressure to identify the suspect(s) and initiate legal proceedings.
Up to Seven Years in Prison for Aggravated Theft
Legally, the act falls under Section 335 of the Thai Penal Code, which addresses aggravated theft involving violent entry into a dwelling. The penalty ranges from one to five years in prison.
This is supplemented by a fine of 20,000 to 100,000 Baht. If several aggravating factors apply, the sentence can increase to up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of 140,000 Baht.
Family Robbed After Celebrations
Recently, a similar case caused a stir in Phuket. A family returned home from celebrations only to discover that burglars had stolen their safe containing one million Baht, gold bars, and gold chains.
Even the family’s passports fell into the hands of the perpetrators. In this case as well, the police continue to search for the fugitive burglars.