CHIANG RAI – Police are launching a high-priority manhunt in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, after a daring armed robbery at a local petrol station. A man armed with a long-barreled firearm stormed a PT gas station, engaging in a tense physical struggle with staff before escaping with cash.
The incident, which lasted approximately three minutes, has left the local community on edge and prompted a security warning for businesses operating late at night.
According to official reports from the Chiang Saen Police Station, the crime occurred at approximately 8:45 PM. Officers received an emergency call reporting a robbery in progress and immediately dispatched investigative units and patrol teams to the scene.
Security footage from the station’s CCTV cameras captured the chilling moments the suspect arrived. The timeline of the event shows a calculated but chaotic approach:
- The Arrival: The suspect entered the station premises riding a Honda Click motorcycle.
- The Weapon: He brandished a long gun that had been wrapped in cloth to disguise its appearance.
- The Confrontation: The suspect confronted a pump attendant, demanding cash from the employee’s waist bag.
What started as a standard robbery quickly turned into a life-threatening physical altercation. In a moment of high adrenaline, the gas station employee attempted to fight back, grabbing the barrel of the rifle to prevent the suspect from aiming it.
For three minutes, the two men engaged in a desperate tug-of-war over the weapon. The commotion caused panic among other customers and staff nearby. Fearing the weapon might discharge or that the suspect was carrying secondary arms, the station manager was heard shouting for the employee to “let go.”
Recognizing the escalating danger, the employee eventually released his grip. The suspect seized the opportunity to grab roughly 5,000 Baht in cash before speeding away on his motorcycle into the darkness.
Investigation Details and Suspect Description
Pol. Col. Anuphan Kantharat, Superintendent of Chiang Saen Police, has taken direct command of the investigation. While the suspect remains at large, police have released several key details to help the public identify the individual:
Suspect Profile:
- Age: Approximately 35 years old.
- Attire: Wearing a camouflage-patterned shirt and black trousers.
- Vehicle: A Honda Click motorcycle (license plate unknown).
- Identifying Trait: Witnesses and police noted that the suspect spoke Thai with a heavy accent, suggesting he may not be a native speaker or is from a specific ethnic group in the border region.
Safety Warning for Local Businesses
In the wake of the heist, the Chiang Saen Police Department has issued a formal advisory for all gas stations, convenience stores, and late-night establishments in the area.
“We are urging business owners to increase their vigilance during the night hours,” stated Pol. Col. Anuphan. “Ensure your lighting is adequate and your CCTV systems are fully functional. Most importantly, do not attempt to physically confront armed individuals. Property can be replaced; lives cannot.”
The police are asking anyone with information regarding a man matching the description or the Honda Click motorcycle to contact their local precinct immediately. Tips can be submitted via the Royal Thai Police official website or by calling the emergency hotline.
