Phuket-
Police in Phuket apprehended a suspect after a brazen armed robbery targeting a Myanmar national at a secluded waterfall in Chalong.
According to Chalong Police, the victim had parked his motorcycle along a roadside near Soi Klum Yang, Chalong Subdistrict, before going down alone to swim at the waterfall. While he was away, a man wearing a full-face motorcycle helmet approached, brandishing a long firearm fitted with a scope. The assailant threatened and assaulted the victim before loading the motorcycle onto a pickup truck and fleeing the scene.
Investigators rapidly traced the suspect’s movements using witness accounts and escape routes. Within hours, officers identified the perpetrator as “Mr. Dam” (alias) and arrested him at his residence. A search uncovered the victim’s personal documents, narcotics-related paraphernalia, the pickup truck used in the crime, and the long firearm. The stolen motorcycle was also recovered intact.
Police revealed the suspect’s criminal history included prior theft charges and imprisonment for drug trafficking. Evidence retrieved from his mobile phone showed images of the stolen motorcycle being loaded onto the truck and photos of the firearm.
Authorities have charged him with armed robbery using a vehicle, assault causing bodily and psychological harm, and drug use. The case is now proceeding through legal channels.
Chalong Police have issued a warning to tourists and locals alike: avoid isolated areas when traveling alone, as criminals may exploit secluded spots to target unsuspecting victims.
