Two Chinese suspects accused of carrying out an armed robbery at a gold shop in Chok Chai district, Nakhon Ratchasima, have been taken into custody and are set to take part in a crime reenactment later today.
The suspects, identified as 27-year-old Zou Qintao and 19-year-old Song Haolong, were arrested following the robbery on April 27, 2026, where they allegedly smashed glass display cases using a firearm before stealing around 30 gold rings worth approximately 300,000 baht (about RM38,000). They then fled the scene in a white Toyota Yaris.
On April 28, police from Chokchai Police Station escorted both men for separate interrogations, with a Chinese interpreter present to assist communication. Officers said the suspects appeared visibly tense as investigations continued.
Authorities also recovered a large quantity of stolen items, including 44 gold rings weighing 156.9 grams and 24 pairs of gold earrings weighing 119 grams, with an estimated total value of 700,000 to 800,000 baht (around RM89,000 to RM102,000). The items were seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
The suspects have been charged with armed robbery involving damage to property and the use of a vehicle to facilitate the crime and escape. A crime reenactment is scheduled for later this afternoon as part of police procedures.
During questioning, both suspects reportedly claimed they were deceived online into travelling to Thailand with an offer to repair drones, allegedly worth up to US$40,000 per unit (about RM190,000). They said they followed GPS instructions provided by an employer but became suspicious upon reaching the Cambodia border area and later Mae Sot in Tak province.
Police said the suspects later ran out of money, with one allegedly left with only 20 baht (around RM2.50), which led them to commit the robbery. One suspect also admitted to selling some of the stolen gold for around 16,800 baht (about RM2,100).
Investigators also found that the pair had attempted a similar gold shop robbery in Ban Lueam district on April 26, based on CCTV footage showing one of them at a convenience store in the area.
The gold shop owner, 74-year-old Surasak Jirawongpaisan, expressed relief over the arrests, thanking police for their swift action. However, he said staff remain shaken by the incident and stressed the importance of tighter security moving forward to prevent similar crimes.
