Narathiwat: A gold shop in the heart of Narathiwat city became the target of a daring robbery, prompting an urgent manhunt by authorities. Yesterday, a heavily armed individual executed a pre-planned robbery at a shopping mall in Su-ngai Kolok District, Narathiwat Province, scattering nails and causing explosions near the scene. The Royal Thai Army is in pursuit of the perpetrators involved in this incident.
According to Thai News Agency, the robbery unfolded around 6 p.m. when the armed robber held a security guard at gunpoint, seized a walkie-talkie, and looted nearly all the gold jewelry in the shop, valued at approximately 100 baht. During the robbery, Sergeant Major Burisorn Radachai, a special forces soldier from the 408th Military Training Center, witnessed the incident and engaged in a gunfire exchange with the assailant. Sergeant Major Burisorn sustained injuries, being shot in the right shoulder and grazed on his cheek.
Post-robbery, the perpetrator fled using a pickup truck, leaving behind a cooking gas tank and scattering nails on the road, which resulted in damage to several vehicles. Authorities had to close the road to manage the situation. Approximately thirty minutes after the robbery, an explosion occurred on Masjid Road, 500 meters from the mall. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and officials have secured the area for further investigation.
Further complicating the situation, reports emerged about attacks on villagers and the theft of two pickup trucks in Su-ngai Padi District, suspected to be linked to the same group responsible for the gold shop robbery. The Royal Thai Army confirmed the use of vehicles with Narathiwat and Pattani license plates in the crime, along with improvised explosive devices and other obstructions left along the escape route.
Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suwaree stated that the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command has mobilized security personnel from various units to track down the escape route of the perpetrators. Residents are urged to stay updated with official news and report any information related to the perpetrators to the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command hotline.