NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND – A 67-year-old municipal councillor in northeast Thailand confessed to an armed attempt to rob a gold shop, foiled by a saleswoman who triggered an alarm.
Daylight attempt on Korat gold shop
Around midday on 24 January, a man posing as an ordinary customer entered the Phanthong Yaowarat Gold Shop in Korat. Under a helmet and dark clothing, he was later identified as Wichian Sirisathit, a member of the Pho Klang town council. He drew a 9mm pistol and demanded gold from staff.
“I only want the gold, I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
said Wichian, according to the account given by staff. The 34-year-old saleswoman Namfon Jianmaroeng remained calm, spoke to the robber to stall for time and secretly pressed the emergency alarm.
Gunshot and empty-handed escape
When the alarm was activated, the gunman fired a warning shot to intimidate the employees. He then fled the shop on a motorcycle without taking any gold. Police later said her actions prevented a possible theft worth millions and a potentially more serious incident.
Police track suspect to his home
A large contingent from city, regional and provincial police followed the escape route through a market and over a wall. About 800 meters from the scene, officers found a suspicious motorcycle in a residential area. It was parked in front of the home of 67-year-old Wichian, immediately putting the local councillor under suspicion during questioning.
CCTV and phone data seal the case
Investigators checked his mobile phone and said location data placed him at the gold shop at the exact time of the attack and along the escape route. The records matched the shop’s surveillance footage, which showed the robber’s movements during the failed raid. Confronted with the evidence, Wichian admitted to the attempted robbery and to firing a shot with his Norinco 213 pistol.
“Heavy debts were my motive”
“Heavy debts were my motive.”
said Wichian Sirisathit, explaining why he had planned the attack. Investigators viewed the crime as particularly serious because of his public office and the trust associated with his role as a local representative.
Political career ends in handcuffs
Police immediately initiated all necessary legal proceedings against the former councillor. The failed robbery abruptly ended his career in local politics. Officers said the case highlighted how personal financial problems could spill over into serious criminal acts.
Shop worker hailed as hero
The day’s clear heroine was saleswoman Namfon Jianmaroeng, whose composure and decision to trigger the alarm were credited with averting a major loss and potential injuries. Gold shops in Thailand have repeatedly been targets of robberies, but it was rare for suspects to come from the ranks of local politicians.
Community trust shaken
Residents were left questioning how an elected representative could stand armed in a local gold shop. The case, reported locally as a drama over money and power, cast a harsh light on the personal and financial crises that can hide behind a public façade. It also raised broader questions in the community about where responsibility begins and where the excuse of “debts” ends for those in public office.