Woman robbed of newly purchased 548,000 baht Toyota Fortuner

A bold heist occurred yesterday as a woman was robbed at gunpoint for her newly purchased Toyota Fortuner, moments after she transferred 548,000 baht for the vehicle.

The victim, 41 year old Cass recounted the ordeal to an investigating officer, explaining that she and an acquaintance, 25 year old Bow, were introduced to a woman known as Jae Aeh, who claimed to have a second-hand white Toyota Fortuner for sale. The introduction occurred at an entertainment venue where Cass and Bow met.

On June 11, Cass was invited to inspect the car in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The selling price was set at 550,000 baht. She paid a 2,000 baht deposit but requested time to consult with her family before making a final decision.

Later that same afternoon, Bow urged Cass to finalise the purchase, citing another interested buyer. Feeling pressured, Cass agreed to buy the car the next day.

Cass described how Bow instructed her to meet Jae Aeh near a restaurant in Mueang District, Pathum Thani, around 10pm to 11pm. Upon arrival, Cass found three individuals in the Fortuner, a male driver, Jae Aeh in the front passenger seat, and Bow in the back seat. After finalising the deal, Cass transferred 548,000 baht for the vehicle.

As soon as she transferred the money, four men arrived in another vehicle, three of the men got out of the vehicle and one remained inside. One of the robbers pulled out a gun and drove away with her vehicle.

She tried calling Bow for an explanation but received no response. Realising the severity of the situation, she decided to file a police report.

The Deputy Commander of Pathum Thani Provincial Police, Peerapol Chotikasaetien, immediately instructed investigators to gather information. Initial findings from the investigation team revealed that the gang had a history of similar crimes.

Their modus operandi involved luring victims into a false sense of security, completing the financial transaction, and then signalling accomplices to stage an armed robbery.

Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area to track down the suspects and bring them to justice, reported KhaoSod.