SAMUT PRAKAN, THAILAND – A man armed with gasoline tried to extort five million baht from a bank branch in a busy shopping mall, but was stopped by witnesses who detained him until police arrived.
Gasoline used to threaten bank manager
The incident took place at about 3:40 p.m. in a mall in Bang Phli district, when a 48-year-old man from Chon Buri entered a bank branch carrying a bottle of gasoline. He poured the liquid over the branch manager and threatened to set her on fire if his demands were not met. The attacker grabbed the woman by her jacket and ordered staff to hand over five million baht in cash, causing panic among customers as employees tried to calm the situation.
Escape attempt stopped by witnesses
The manager managed to break free in an unguarded moment and reach safety. Realizing his plan had failed, the man tried to flee the mall but did not get far as several witnesses reacted immediately. Courageous passers-by confronted the fleeing robber inside the mall and overpowered him after a brief struggle, during which the suspect sustained bruises and facial injuries before officers from Bang Phli police station arrived and formally arrested him.
Suspect cites unemployment and debt
During questioning, the 48-year-old, identified as Suthidol F., fully confessed to the crime and said he had been unemployed for some time and under severe financial pressure. He told officers he had travelled from Chon Buri to Samut Prakan specifically to rob a bank there, saying he saw no other way out of his economic distress. Police seized the bottle with the remaining gasoline and other evidence at the scene to support the case against the suspect.
Serious charges and further investigations
Bang Phli police chief Pol Col Pairote Petploy confirmed that the man initially faced charges of unlawful detention and serious extortion. Investigators were also examining whether the use of gasoline could justify additional offences such as attempted aggravated arson. The case raised renewed questions over how malls and banks can better protect staff from sudden attacks and what security measures in public spaces might help deter potential copycats.
Public safety and civil courage in focus
The swift intervention of witnesses prevented possible severe injuries in the crowded mall. Their actions highlighted the role of public vigilance when threats escalate in everyday settings. At the same time, the incident underscored concerns about desperation-driven violence amid financial hardship and its implications for public safety and security planning.