Deputy Police Chief Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabutr revealed that police are hastening nationwide gold theft prevention measures. If such incidents occur, perpetrators must be immediately apprehended. Initially, over 100 operators across Bangkok have not cooperated or adhered to agreements. Police plan to petition the Insurance Department to refuse liability for gold robbery incidents if improvements are not made. Meanwhile, investigations into the gold theft case are ongoing by the investigative unit.
At 10:00 AM on 3 February 2026 at Phra Khanong Police Station, Deputy Police Chief Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabutr attended a meeting on gold theft prevention before stating that investigators are actively pursuing suspects and expanding the inquiry. Just yesterday, they seized the motorcycle used by the perpetrator and verified whether the gold hook found at the motorcycle site is evidence from the robbery. Whether they can identify or issue warrants for the suspects remains under investigation.
Regarding the suspects’ behavior, police believe there was prior planning because before the incident, suspects were observed scouting the area while concealing their faces fully. Police do not underestimate the suspects, believing the crime was well planned. For prevention, the Royal Thai Police have directed prevention and suppression units nationwide, especially in the Metropolitan Police Bureau area with over 1,000 gold shops. Approximately 100 shops are in 'red zones,' considered high-risk areas for crime. The Metropolitan Police Bureau has been instructed to prepare response plans covering prevention and suspect pursuit, aiming to complete these within one to two weeks.
Police have also requested cooperation from gold shop operators and department stores to comply with agreements, including enhanced security inside shops—especially skilled security personnel trained in prevention before and after incidents—installation of iron bars in gold shops, and increased insurance premiums. These measures are expected to impact the economy and safety of the public and tourists.
Police acknowledge some operators have not cooperated. They will discuss with the Insurance Department and hold joint meetings with relevant agencies to set prevention measures. Therefore, operators must cooperate, including gold shops and department stores, to enable the Insurance Department to collect data and propose appropriate insurance premium adjustments.
For the over 100 non-cooperative shops, authorities will urge the Insurance Department to increase their insurance premiums as a deterrent. If shops fail to comply, the Insurance Department will not be liable for losses in gold robbery cases.
Regarding gold price volatility, police admit that gold shops are vulnerable points with higher incident risks. The Royal Thai Police have ordered all police nationwide to prevent incidents and ensure immediate apprehension of perpetrators if incidents occur.
Meanwhile, forensic police inspected the suspect’s motorcycle, recovered from Khlong Prawet Buri Rom canal. They are currently collecting evidence.