SAMUT PRAKAN — A Cambodian woman attempted to steal three red gold necklaces from a jewelry store in Samut Prakan Province. She was apprehended by bystanders while holding the necklaces and visibly shaking with fear.
The incident occurred at 1.40 p.m. on September 20. Officers from Bang Phli Police Station took her into custody for questioning and charged her with theft.
Sreyno stated she was a chicken farm worker who had traveled from Kabinburi District, Prachinburi Province, that Friday morning to visit her aunt near the incident location. Unable to find her aunt, she went to this market where she had previously sold gold. She intended to steal the red gold necklaces to sell in Cambodia.
She pretended to examine three necklaces and, when the staff was distracted, grabbed them and ran. However, locals and store employees caught her in the parking lot.
Sreyno explained she stole due to a 60,000 baht debt incurred to support her two children, receiving no help from her husband. She believed the red gold necklaces would fetch a high price in Cambodia, enough to repay her debt.
Pimduean Sophonphan, a 59-year-old noodle shop owner who witnessed the incident, recounted seeing the suspect examining the necklaces before hearing the staff’s cries for help. Vendors then chased and caught the thief in the market’s parking lot.
Pol. Col. Phairot Phetphoi, Superintendent of Bang Phli Police Station, stated that the suspect had a work permit for Thailand and was employed at a chicken farm in Prachinburi. Due to the nature of the crime, she was charged with theft by snatching.
According to Section 336 of the Criminal Code, theft by snatching is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 100,000 baht. If the act causes physical or mental harm to others, the penalty increases to 2-7 years imprisonment and a fine of 40,000 to 140,000 baht.
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