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SEVEN suspects linked to a high-profile gold shop robbery in Sungai Golok, Thailand, earlier this month are believed to have crossed into Malaysia after escaping with jewellery worth RM4.6 million.
The revelation came from Commander of Thailand’s Fourth Army Region, Lieutenant General Naratip Phoyanok, who confirmed that Thai authorities have sought assistance from Malaysian security forces to trace the fugitives.
“Authorities launched a follow-up operation after the incident at the Big C supermarket in Sungai Golok, which borders Malaysia. Three of the ten suspects have been arrested, while the remaining seven are believed to have fled to Malaysia,” Naratip told reporters at his office in Yala on Wednesday.
He added that, in addition to the military, the Royal Thai Police have also reached out to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to coordinate efforts in locating the suspects.
“We suspect they crossed the border with the help of certain individuals. All the suspects are also believed to be involved in vehicle theft cases,” he said.
The 5 October incident saw ten armed men storming the Big C shopping complex in Sungai Golok before making off with millions in gold jewellery.
A military sergeant who happened to be shopping at the time was shot during the robbery. Two stolen pickup trucks used in the heist were later found abandoned near the Malaysia–Thailand border.
Following the robbery, three suspects aged between 23 and 43 were arrested in separate operations in the Sungai Padi area of Sungai Golok on 15 October.
Thai and Malaysian authorities are now working closely to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects believed to be hiding across the border. - October 30, 2025
