Bangkok gold shop robbed for ฿15 million — here's why tourist jewelry shopping just got riskier
Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post
A robber just made off with ฿15 million ($428,000) worth of gold from a Sukhumvit shop, and it's a reminder that Bangkok's gold district isn't always the safe shopping haven tourists think it is.
Tawatchai Chanprasert was arrested in Chiang Rai after a three-week chase where he kept changing his look with caps and wigs. The guy stormed into the gold shop, grabbed the haul, and vanished — until cops finally caught up with him.
Here's the thing about gold shopping in Bangkok: tourists love hitting the Sukhumvit area for jewelry because prices seem good compared to back home. But this robbery shows why you need to be smart about it.
What this means for your shopping plans
Gold shops in tourist areas like Sukhumvit are obvious targets. They're flashy, full of valuable stuff, and everyone knows tourists carry cash there. If you're planning to buy gold or jewelry in Bangkok, don't walk around with ฿15,000+ in cash like you're invisible.
The safer move: Shop at established places in malls like MBK or Chatuchak Weekend Market during busy hours. More security, more people around, less chance of getting caught up in something like this.
For what it's worth, most gold shop transactions in Bangkok are totally fine. But carrying huge amounts of cash in touristy areas? That's when you become a target yourself.
The arrest details
Police tracked this guy across the country after he hit the Sukhumvit shop. Three weeks of changing his appearance with different hats and wigs before they nabbed him in Chiang Rai. ฿15 million is serious money — that's more than most people spend on an entire year in Thailand.
The investigation is ongoing, but it's a good reminder that these gold shop heists aren't just movies. They happen, and when they do, everyone in the area becomes part of the chaos.
If you're shopping for gold in Bangkok, stick to busy areas during the day, don't flash cash around, and maybe reconsider carrying your entire jewelry budget in a single trip.
Planning a Thailand trip? See what it actually costs with our free budget calculator.
Book Activities:
- GetYourGuide — Tours & experiences
Book Transport:
- 12Go Asia — Buses, trains, ferries
Travel Insurance:
- SafetyWing — From $42/month for nomads
Source: Sukhumvit gold heist suspect nabbed after three-week chase
Planning a trip to Thailand?
Use our free budget calculator to see what things actually cost. Real prices from real trips — no BS, no guesswork.
Calculate Your Budget →
