PATTAYA, THAILAND – Investigators recovered a missing safe linked to an armed home invasion, but more than 2 million baht in stolen cash were believed to have already been shared out and a final suspect was taken into custody.
Safe recovered in remote field
On the morning of 3 March 2026, officers from the Chonburi Provincial Police searched a large grassy area in Nong Pla Lai in Bang Lamung district. They were joined by the Tourist Police, Immigration Police and officers from Nong Prue Police Station.
According to investigators, the operation followed an alleged confession by one of the detainees. The man reportedly stated that the group had forced open the safe, divided the money and dumped the empty container as they fled.
Damaged evidence secured
The medium-sized grey safe was found near a quiet road at an isolated spot believed to have been chosen for a quick, discreet stop. The location was described as suitable for briefly parking and disposing of the evidence without attracting attention.
Police searched the overgrown area for more than 15 minutes before locating the heavily damaged safe with its door pried open. The item was secured and forwarded for forensic examination.
Home invasion in gated village
The robbery took place on 26 February 2026 at around 10:30 p.m. in a two-storey townhouse in Chokchai Village 9. Three suspects dressed in black and wearing balaclavas reportedly threatened the residents with knives.
The victims were a 32-year-old British chef, Wesleigh Cyril Russell, his 34-year-old Thai partner and a British friend. Two iPhones were taken from them before the intruders carried away a safe containing more than 2.05 million baht.
Escape route and investigative leads
Police reported that the group fled in a black four-door pickup truck. On their way out of the housing estate, they allegedly rammed a barrier to make their escape.
Authorities assessed the sequence of events as planned. They said the suspects used side roads and even switched vehicles while fleeing in an effort to evade checkpoints and police patrols.
Arrests and continuing pressure
Three British nationals were arrested in connection with the robbery. They were identified as Jermaine Palmer (20), Michael Taihulu Junior Campbell (32) and Christopher Erance (38).
After appearing before Pattaya Provincial Court, where they initially denied the allegations, all three were remanded in pre-trial detention. The court proceedings and ongoing custody were part of a broader investigation into the armed raid.
Fourth suspect traced, possible accomplices
A fourth man publicly named by police as Brandon Tyler Garrett was subsequently located, according to an update from investigators. Officers stated they had gathered evidence to support a warrant for his arrest.
In parallel, authorities examined whether additional accomplices had been involved, including potential local informants. At least two more people, among them a foreign national, were questioned as persons of interest.
Neighborhood left on edge
Residents reported that the incident caused noticeable unease in the gated community and surrounding area. The violent nature of the break-in and the high-value theft left many locals worried about safety.
Local bodies announced plans to strengthen security measures within the estate and nearby neighborhoods. Police stressed that the investigation was continuing, citing CCTV footage, witness statements and physical evidence that were still being processed as part of the case.