Housekeeper denies stealing 20 million baht gold in Khon Kaen
A startling case of theft has emerged from a gold shop in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen, where a housekeeper has been accused of stealing gold worth over 20 million baht since 2021. Despite clear CCTV evidence, the accused continues to deny the charges in court.
Footage from a CCTV camera in the gold shop located in Ban Phai district, Khon Kaen province, shows the housekeeper seizing a gold necklace and slipping it into her pocket when left alone at the store. The shop owner first noticed discrepancies on September 9, when a gold ornament was seen falling from the housekeeper’s apron in the kitchen area.
Upon questioning, she claimed the gold must have slipped from the display case into her apron. However, the CCTV footage contradicted this explanation, revealing that she had indeed taken the gold from the showcase.
The shop’s investigation into records uncovered that the housekeeper had stolen gold jewellery on more than 47 occasions, accumulating over 700 baht in gold, equating to a value exceeding 20 million baht. Social media posts on the housekeeper’s personal Facebook account added to the suspicion, showing her purchasing land, a new motorcycle, and her daughter wearing a large gold necklace, all of which seemed unusual given her employment status.
The legal proceedings against the housekeeper saw the initial court sentencing her to 235 years in prison without suspension. Despite this, she has appealed the verdict.
The shop owner offered her multiple chances to return the stolen gold but she only returned a portion, worth approximately 7 million baht. Initially confessing when caught, she later hired a lawyer to deny all charges in court and even filed a counter-suit against the shop owner. The court ordered her to compensate the remaining 18 million baht, including interest but she has continued to appeal.
The shop owner expressed astonishment at the housekeeper’s persistence in denying the theft, given the overwhelming evidence from the CCTV footage. The owner questioned the rationale behind her reluctance to return the stolen assets.
The total value of the 700 baht of gold stolen initially was over 20 million baht, and the partial restitution of 7 million baht still leaves a significant amount to be compensated as per the court’s decision, reported KhaoSod.
“I don’t understand why she continues to delay when the evidence is so clear. Why doesn’t she return all the stolen assets?”
What Other Media Are Saying
- Bangkok Post reports the arrest of a gold shop employee for stealing jewellery worth 24 million baht over a year, highlighting issues of trust and security in retail environments. (read more)
- Thai Examiner reports on a well-executed gold shop robbery in Khon Kaen, highlighting police efforts to apprehend suspects, including one arrested in Laos, while another remains at large. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why might an individual deny theft charges despite overwhelming evidence?
Denial may stem from fear of consequences, hope for reduced penalties, or a belief in potential legal loopholes.
How do workplace theft cases like this impact trust within businesses?
They erode trust, prompting stricter security measures and potentially altering employee-employer relationships.
What psychological factors could drive someone to repeatedly commit theft at their workplace?
Motivations might include financial desperation, thrill-seeking, or rationalizing actions due to perceived injustices.
What if businesses implemented more advanced security measures beyond CCTV?
Advanced measures could deter theft, but might also raise privacy concerns and affect workplace morale.
How might this case influence future legal proceedings in similar theft cases?
It could set precedents for sentencing severity and restitution requirements, influencing judicial expectations and outcomes.
