UPDATE: Russian Suspect Wanted in Phuket Mall Heist, Escaped with 600,000 Baht

Phuket –

Thai authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a Russian national accused of orchestrating a sophisticated theft of more than 600,000 baht in foreign currency from a prominent shopping mall in Phuket last week.

Our previous story:

Police in Phuket are hunting for a daring thief who staged a late-night robbery inside a well-known shopping mall in the city center, making off with approximately 600,000 baht in cash.

The Wichit Police told the Phuket Express that the suspect, identified only as Mr. Vitalii, 47, allegedly disguised himself with a false mustache, glasses, and a cap to conceal his identity before carrying out the theft. Investigators believe the operation was meticulously planned, with each step designed to avoid detection and facilitate escape.

At 2:20 p.m. on July 28, Pol. Col. Somsak Thongkliang, superintendent of Wichit Police Station, confirmed that the Phuket Provincial Court had approved a warrant for Vitalii’s arrest on charges of nighttime theft using a vehicle to aid in the crime and evade capture. The warrant was issued on July 27th.

Authorities also revealed that Vitalii has overstayed his visa since 2025 and is believed to still be moving within Thailand following the incident. Immigration and police units are coordinating efforts to track his whereabouts.