In a shocking turn of events, the Lotus Thalang branch in Songkhla fell victim to a brazen robbery, orchestrated by none other than Pricha Samankun, a 20-year-old from Takhua Thung, Phang Nga. The incident unfolded in the late afternoon, where Pricha, armed with a knife, targeted the “Yao Warach Gold Shop” within the Lotus shopping complex in Sadao district. The audacious heist resulted in the theft of eight gold necklaces valued at over 800,000 Baht.
The Backstory of Pricha Samankun
Pricha, who had recently returned from working abroad in Malaysia, embarked on a solo mission to execute the gold heist. Born and raised in Takhua Thung, Phang Nga, the 20-year-old had a brief stint working overseas and had only recently come back to Thailand.
Local and regional law enforcement agencies swiftly mobilized to investigate the incident. The police, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Surajit Petchjom, apprehended Pricha in Hat Yai, contrary to initial expectations of him fleeing to Malaysia. The suspect was found in a rented room in the heart of Hat Yai, where the stolen gold and the knife used in the crime were recovered.
Motive Behind the Gold Heist
Pricha’s confession shed light on the motive behind the audacious gold heist. Fueled by a desperate need for money, he intended to purchase firearms to settle a personal score. Allegedly, his former partner and ex-boyfriend had swindled him out of a substantial sum, prompting Pricha to resort to extreme measures.
Pricha says the reason she won the gold was to buy a gun to kill her ex-boyfriend who cheated her into millions.
The suspect’s plan was marked by simplicity and impulsiveness. Pricha rented a motorcycle in the vicinity, used it for the robbery, and abandoned it after accomplishing his mission. Operating alone, without intricate planning or involving others, he counted on a swift escape.
Police Pursuit and Apprehension
The police diligently tracked Pricha’s movements, combining efforts at local and regional levels. The absence of escape to Malaysia, initially anticipated by the authorities, led to a swift apprehension in Hat Yai, not far from the crime scene.
Pricha’s capture took place in a rented room in Hat Yai, where he admitted to the gold heist and revealed the stolen items’ location. The recovery of the stolen gold and the knife used in the crime further solidified the evidence against him.
Pricha Samankun’s Statement
Upon interrogation, Pricha admitted to the robbery and expressed remorse for his actions. His desperate need for money to address a personal vendetta motivated the crime, and he apologized for the disturbance caused.
Following his arrest, Pricha was transferred to the local police station, where charges were filed against him. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for increased security in commercial areas, prompting a reevaluation of existing safety measures.