Four Myanmar nationals have been arrested in Thailand after allegedly tying up a security guard and stealing electrical cables worth approximately 600,000 baht (about S$24,000) from a construction site in Chonburi province.
The suspects were apprehended just two days after the robbery, while authorities continue hunting for several other gang members who remain on the run.
The incident took place in Ban Bueng district during the early hours of 4 June. CCTV footage captured a group of more than 10 men arriving at the site and carrying out the theft in a coordinated operation.
According to investigators, the gang targeted newly installed electrical cables intended for a construction project. The stolen materials were loaded onto two pickup trucks before the group fled the area.
Security Guard Restrained During Robbery
Police said the gang confronted the lone security guard on duty before allegedly threatening him with knives.
The guard was reportedly overpowered, tied up and left unable to call for help while the suspects spent nearly an hour removing the cables from the site.
Footage reviewed by investigators showed the suspects loading large quantities of cable onto waiting vehicles between approximately 1.20am and 2.20am.
The theft was discovered shortly afterwards, prompting a large-scale investigation involving officers from both Ban Bueng Police Station and Chonburi Provincial Police.
CCTV Trail Leads Police To Suspects
Investigators traced the suspects’ movements using CCTV cameras installed along nearby roads and highways.
On 6 June, police spotted one of the vehicles allegedly involved in the robbery entering a second-hand goods shop. The registration number matched a pickup truck seen in surveillance footage from the crime scene.
Further investigations led officers to a residential area in Rayong province.
As police entered the neighbourhood, they encountered a grey Isuzu pickup believed to have been used during the robbery. Officers stopped the vehicle and detained the driver, identified as 34-year-old Ye Htwe.
During questioning, Ye Htwe allegedly provided information that led to the arrests of three additional suspects identified as Sai Htet Aong, 27, Wai Gan, 18, and Ye Ko Lin, 34.
Police Believe Gang Linked To Other Crimes
Authorities said all four suspects admitted their involvement in the robbery during questioning.
Police believe the group may be connected to several similar theft cases reported in nearby districts, where construction materials and industrial equipment were stolen from work sites.
The gang’s alleged leader, known only as “Maung”, remains at large together with several accomplices.
Investigators are continuing efforts to locate the remaining suspects and recover the stolen cables.
Police have indicated that additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.