Bangkok: One of the gang members involved in a deadly heist at the Port Authority Stadium in Khlong Toei District has been apprehended following a swift police investigation. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of June 1st, resulted in the tragic death of a security guard, Mr. Boonnak, after he was struck by a fleeing vehicle.

According to Thai News Agency, the thieves executed their plan by breaking into a Customs Department container to steal e-cigarettes. As they attempted to escape, they reversed their van into Mr. Boonnak, who was on duty, resulting in his untimely death. The police from Tha Ruea Police Station quickly identified the suspects and arrested one of them, known as Mr. Bird, within ten hours of the incident.

A volunteer who was present at the scene recounted that a concerned citizen alerted the security team after hearing suspicious noises. The security personnel attempted to block the exit, but the thieves managed to force their way out. The volunteer managed to capture the van’s license plate number, which aided in the investigation. During the chaos, the van reversed, hitting Mr. Boonnak before fleeing the scene, leaving one of the accomplices behind.

Another witness described how he confronted the suspects after noticing the van and discovered tools and stolen e-cigarettes inside. Despite attempts to stop them by striking the van with an iron rod, the vehicle managed to escape. The van was later found abandoned at a temple in the Phra Ram 3 area.

The head of the security shift explained that the warehouse gates were open due to a futsal match, which may have provided the perpetrators with an opportunity to execute their plan. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Mr. Boonnak, a valued member of the security team.

Pol. Col. Witthawat Chinkam, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 5, stated that there were six individuals involved in the crime. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and expect to apprehend all suspects soon. Charges have been filed, including murder, robbery resulting in death, and trespassing. Mr. Bird, identified as the van’s owner, is cooperating with the investigation, while an arrest warrant is being prepared for another suspect, Mr. King.

In related developments, the police questioned Mr. J, an acquaintance of the perpetrators, who reportedly received e-cigarettes from them. The investigation is ongoing, with potential charges against Mr. J for aiding and concealing evidence.

The Customs Department, which had rented the port area for storage, reported that five containers had their locks cut. The stolen e-cigarettes, numbering over 200,000, were part of ongoing legal proceedings. The police continue to investigate whether this location was a specific target for the theft.