A Thai man has been arrested after allegedly snatching a gold chain from a Malaysian tourist at the Thung Sao junction in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, on August 9.
The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Sakrin Kae Chayapan, was arrested at his mother’s house in Thung Wa district, Satun, on September 24 after police traced his movements through closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage.
Hat Yai police chief Colonel Thammarat Phetnongchum said investigations showed the suspect was riding a motorcycle alone when he approached a public vehicle carrying the victim, grabbed the gold chain from the victim’s neck, and fled the scene.
“After obtaining an arrest warrant from the Songkhla Provincial Court, our officers managed to detain the suspect at his mother’s residence. He later confessed to committing the crime,” Thammarat said on Wednesday.
According to police, the suspect claimed he had been unemployed for over a month and sold the chain — believed to be Malaysian gold — for more than 20,000 baht (RM26,460) to settle his motorcycle loan and pay rent.
“He denied using the money for gambling and claimed his family had no knowledge of the incident,” Thammarat added.
The case has sparked concern among locals and tourists over safety in Hat Yai, a popular destination for Malaysian visitors. The suspect is now in custody and faces legal action under Thai law.
