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POLICE (PDRM) have confirmed that a man arrested in Thailand for a daring gold shop robbery in Hat Yai is a long-time fugitive with a serious criminal record, including being wanted for murder and offences under Malaysia’s Emergency Ordinance.
The suspect, 62-year-old Yee Boon Long from Kulim, Kedah, was detained by Thai authorities last week and is now being held at a police lock-up in Hat Yai. He is believed to have used a false Thai identity and has not resided in Malaysia for some time.
Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, revealed that Yee has ten prior criminal records and is currently wanted in Malaysia in connection with two major criminal cases – one under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder and the other under Section 3(1) of the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969.
“Investigations into his past criminal activities in Malaysia are being looked into as part of preparations for a possible extradition,” Razarudin told reporters.
“For now, we are leaving the investigation to the Thai authorities, who are handling the case after the suspect was arrested for robbing a gold shop in Hat Yai,” he said. “PDRM is reviewing his case records as a preliminary step towards extradition proceedings.”
Yee was arrested by Thai police in Nonthaburi, Bangkok, on April 9 — a day after the robbery. Acting Region 6 Crime Investigation Commander Colonel Anusorn Thongsai, said Yee was believed to have acted alone during the armed daylight robbery at Hat Yai Plaza at 11.50am.
According to Thai investigators, he arrived at the scene on a motorcycle and fled by bus to Bangkok. He was later intercepted in a taxi while on his way to his daughter’s home in Nonthaburi, and taken into custody around 6.30pm local time.
Thai police recovered stolen gold jewellery, a pistol, and live ammunition during the arrest.
Further investigations revealed that Yee was using a fake Thai identification card, and no Malaysian passport or MyKad was found on him at the time of arrest.
Following the incident, Thai authorities issued an arrest warrant and reinforced security along the national border to prevent Yee’s escape.
The case has sparked renewed focus on cross-border criminal activity and the importance of law enforcement cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand, particularly in handling fugitives with dual criminal histories in both jurisdictions. – April 14, 2025
