CHONBURI, Thailand – A daring attempt to swap a valuable gold chain for a fake was thwarted by a quick-thinking shop owner.
An opportunistic crime unfolded on Monday afternoon in the Sri Racha district when a 34-year-old woman from Myanmar attempted a brazen switcheroo at a gold shop. Her plan was to instantly replace an expensive gold necklace with a worthless imitation, but the owner proved faster on the draw.
The Blitz Exchange in the Gold Shop
The incident occurred at the Boonchai Yaowarat Gold Shop, located in the Pak Ruam Market along Highway 331. The woman, identified as Mong Ser, entered the store around 4 p.m., posing as an interested customer. She inquired about a 1-Salung gold chain, weighing approximately 3.75 grams. After examining the piece for some time, she left, only to return minutes later and request to see the chain again.
Two Minutes That Changed Everything
With the genuine gold in her hand, the 34-year-old enacted her deceptive scheme. For two to three minutes, she manipulated the jewelry. She then returned a chain to the owner, feigning continued interest in a purchase and stating she needed to withdraw cash. However, the shop owner immediately noticed the returned item was of inferior quality – a cheap copy.
As the woman stood near the exit, the owner called her back.
The Owner Pounces
The gold merchant acted without hesitation. He grabbed the suspect’s other hand and made a crucial discovery: the real gold chain was still in her possession. It was a classic deception attempt that failed at the last second. Without delay, the owner locked the shop door, preventing any escape. He then alerted the police from the Bo Win Station.
Handcuffs Instead of a Gold Chain
Officers arrived at the market shop and promptly arrested the 34-year-old. Instead of leaving with a valuable necklace, her visit concluded with handcuffs. The attempted theft was perfectly documented. Mong Ser is now in police custody, and legal proceedings have been initiated.
The attempted theft was perfectly documented.
she said. The woman will now face court for the alleged attempted theft.