Police in Thailand apprehended a thief from Laos on Saturday, who was suspected of robbing numerous jewelry stores in Vientiane Capital this year.
Silasone Akong Khamsouksavath, a resident of Xay District, Xayaboury Province, was detained at the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, by Thai police officers, who handed over the 26-year-old to law enforcement officials in Laos from Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Silasone fled to Thailand after his latest robbery at Larnoy Phorjai jewelry store in Vientiane’s Chanthabouly District on 8 June.
Following the arrest, he told the police that he hired a boatman at the Mekong River for THB 1,500 (USD 43) to cross the border from Laos to Thailand and hid in an apartment in Khon Kaen. He admitted that he had a serious gambling addiction which is why he started robbing jewelry stores in Laos.
The Thai police seized eight gold chains that he stole from the jewelry store on Thursday, along with THB 300,020 (USD 8,638) in cash.
According to the store owner, Mr. Larnoy Phorjai, the thief used a fake gun to commit robbery, but he had previously attempted to purchase a gun as well.
The store owner provided TBH 200,000 (USD 5,769) to Thai police and informed that the reward was intended to speed up the thief’s arrest.
Allegedly, at least five jewelry stores were robbed this year by the same thief, who has attempted multiple robberies since 2021.
The man will be investigated by Lao police and depending on the discovered evidence, will be charged for his crimes.
