A Cambodian woman attempted to steal three red gold necklaces from a jewelry store in Samut Prakan Province but was caught by bystanders while holding the stolen goods, visibly trembling with fear.
The incident occurred at 1:40 p.m. on September 20. Officers from Bang Phli Police Station arrested her for questioning and charged her with theft.
The suspect, identified as Sreyno, explained that she worked at a chicken farm and had traveled from Kabinburi District, Prachinburi Province, to visit her aunt, who lived near the area. Unable to locate her aunt, Sreyno went to a nearby market, where she had previously sold gold. Desperate to repay a 60,000 baht debt incurred to support her two children, she decided to steal the necklaces with plans to sell them in Cambodia. She pretended to inspect the three red gold necklaces, and when the store staff became distracted, she seized the opportunity and fled. However, locals and store employees quickly caught her in the parking lot.
Sreyno confessed that her financial struggles, coupled with the lack of support from her husband, drove her to commit the crime. She believed the necklaces would fetch enough money in Cambodia to clear her debts.
Pimduean Sophonphan, a 59-year-old noodle shop owner who witnessed the event, recalled seeing Sreyno examining the necklaces before hearing the store staff’s cries for help. Local vendors immediately chased after the woman and apprehended her in the market’s parking lot.
Pol. Col. Phairot Phetphoi, Superintendent of Bang Phli Police Station, confirmed that the suspect held a valid work permit for Thailand and was employed at a chicken farm. Due to the nature of the crime, she was charged with theft by snatching.
Under Section 336 of the Criminal Code, theft by snatching carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 baht. If the act causes harm to others, the sentence can increase to 2-7 years in prison and a fine ranging from 40,000 to 140,000 baht.
credit khaosod
