UPDATE: Rawai armed bank robber gives motive, claiming he was suffering from financial problems during the Covid-19 pandemic

Rawai, Phuket –

An armed bank robber who robbed a bank in a shopping mall in Rawai before speeding away with 160,000 baht yesterday was arrested and has now revealed his motive. According to him, he admitted he is suffering from financial problems during the Covid -19 pandemic and that he felt he had no other choice than to rob a bank to repay debts.

Our previous stories:

The Chalong Police was notified of the incident at 1:00 P.M. this afternoon (July 25th) at a bank in a shopping mall in Rawai, Mueang Phuket district. Bank staffers told police the suspect sped away with 160,000 baht cash.

An armed bank robber who robbed a bank in a shopping mall in Rawai before speeding away with 160,000 baht this afternoon has been arrested within six hours.

The Phuket Provincial Police Commander Lieutenant Colonel Sermpan Sirikong told The Phuket Express today (July 26th), “The suspect told us that he used to have a grocery shop and a Somtam restaurant. He has been suffering with financial problems during the Covid-19 pandemic. He had previously borrowed money from his friends.”

“He was nervous about getting cash together before deciding to rob a bank as he needed money to pay back to his friends. He paid all his debt with the stolen money immediately after robbing the bank.” Sermpan stated.

“He is facing charges of robbery. We are tracking down all the money he gave to associates of his to give back to the bank.” Sermpan concluded.

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Goongnang Suksawat
Goong Nang is a News Translator who has worked professionally for multiple news organizations in Thailand for many years and has worked with The Pattaya News for five years. Specializes primarily in local news for Phuket, Pattaya, and also some national news, with emphasis on translation between Thai to English and working as an intermediary between reporters and English-speaking writers. Originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, but lives in Phuket and Krabi except when commuting between the three.