Bangkok: Authorities are making headway in the investigation of a gold shop heist at a shopping mall in Sukhumvit Soi 50. Police have identified leads on the suspect responsible for the robbery and anticipate making an arrest within the next couple of days. Preliminary findings show that the suspect had been surveilling the location for two days before executing the heist. The stolen gold was initially reported as 149 baht weight but has since been confirmed to amount to 198 baht.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred last Friday night around 11:30 PM, as the mall was on the verge of closing. The robber, armed with a firearm, threatened the shop's employees and forced them to hand over gold from the display cases. The suspect then proceeded to fill a black bag with the gold and also looted a locker containing nearly 170,000 baht in cash, exiting through a mall gate.

Police investigations reveal that the total haul from the robbery includes 198 baht weight of gold jewelry and 170,000 baht in cash, collectively valued at over 15 million baht. CCTV footage has traced the suspect's escape route to Suwinthawong Road, with the last sighting toward Chachoengsao Province. Investigators from Phra Khanong Police Station and the Metropolitan Police Division 5 are actively pursuing the suspects, who are believed to be Thai nationals, with at least one accomplice involved.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Commander of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police, convened at Phra Khanong Police Station to assess the case's progress. He confirmed that evidence is being compiled for issuing arrest warrants, expected in 1-2 days. Records show the suspect had been in the area on January 29th and 30th, likely scoping the site before finding an opportune moment to strike amidst lower foot traffic. Authorities are also examining the motorcycle used in the getaway to verify the authenticity of its license plate.

Police General Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, has directed police units to develop strategies to counter such crimes. The Metropolitan Police Bureau has increased patrols and is working with the Gold Traders Association to enhance security measures and prevent future incidents.