Gold thief busted after high-profile heist in Sattahip
A wanted fugitive has been captured after leading police on a month-long chase following a high-profile gold heist. The seasoned thief, notorious for his criminal exploits, was arrested at dawn yesterday, February 18, in Ban Chang, Rayong, after officers raided his hideout.
The sting operation, spearheaded by Police Colonel Khomsan Khamtunkaew of Supphaluang Police Station and his deputy, Pol. Lt. Col. Chaimongkhon Chanthaprom, was launched after investigators secured a search warrant from the Rayong Provincial Court.
The thief, 63 year old Boonliep “Nok” Pichet was the prime suspect in a brazen January 26 break-in at a residence in Sattahip’s 101 Village.
Under the cover of night, he cut through the lock and made off with a stash of gold and luxury watches worth nearly 300,000 baht.
The stolen haul included a three-baht gold necklace with a gold-framed Buddha amulet valued at 145,000 baht, a 1-baht gold necklace worth 48,000 baht, and two diamond-studded wedding rings worth 58,000 baht. Watches from brands such as G-Shock, Diesel, Fossil, and Tissot, collectively valued at 40,000 baht, were also looted.
The breakthrough came when CCTV footage captured Nok prowling the area on a blue and black Yamaha motorcycle before the burglary.
This critical clue led police to his hideout, where they found the very same motorcycle along with incriminating evidence, including a black helmet, clothes matching the footage, and a cloth bag used in the crime. Some of the stolen jewellery and a Tissot watch were also recovered.
Cornered by overwhelming evidence, Nok confessed, admitting he had already sold some of the stolen goods to fund his gambling habit and purchase another gold necklace, reported The Pattaya News.
Police urge other potential victims to come forward, as more charges could be filed against the seasoned thief.
In similar news, a luxury home in Huai Yai, Chon Buri, owned by a Chinese businessman, was burgled, with thieves stealing luxury watches worth over 100 million baht.
Police and forensic teams found a pried-open rear window and a smashed safe. The homeowner, currently in China, had entrusted a friend with the property’s care.
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