Laotian man arrested after knife-point gold snatch in Bangkok

A Laotian man was arrested in Bangkok after allegedly robbing a woman at knife-point while she was shopping at a busy market, according to local police.

The 33 year old Laotian man, identified as Tabun, has been arrested for allegedly snatching a gold necklace from a Myanmar woman at knife-point in a busy Bangkok market.

The incident unfolded on November 9 at around 7.29pm as the victim was shopping at Ekachai Market in Bang Khun Thian district. According to police, as the woman passed a pork stall, the suspect approached from behind and attempted to snatch her necklace. Although the chain didn’t break immediately, the woman turned and was met with the sight of a knife. When she resisted, Tabun allegedly shoved her to the ground and made off with the jewellery.

The victim later informed relatives and filed a report at Bang Khun Thian Police Station at 1.58am yesterday, November 14. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the market and tracked the suspect’s escape route to a house in Soi Suksawat 14/18, Chom Thong district.

An arrest warrant was swiftly issued by the Thonburi Criminal Court under warrant number 1094/2568. Later that day, at approximately 4.20pm, officers staked out the property. Once they confirmed the suspect’s identity, Tabun was taken into custody without incident.

During questioning, Tabun reportedly confessed to the crime. He told investigators he sold the necklace and pendant at a gold shop in the Charansanitwong area for 56,000 baht. By the time of his arrest, he had spent a portion of the cash, with 49,000 baht remaining in his possession. The remaining cash was seized as evidence.

The arrest was made under the direction of Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

Tabun is now in police custody as legal proceedings continue. Police have not disclosed whether the knife used in the incident was recovered, reported KhaoSod.

The case has raised fresh concerns over market security and safety for women in crowded public areas across Bangkok.