Chinese tourists confess to gold shop robbery, blame depleted funds spent on Thai girlfriends
Two Chinese tourists arrested for robbing a gold shop in Nakhon Ratchasima confessed they committed the crime after depleting their funds on travel expenses and Thai girlfriends. Police recovered all stolen items within hours of the inciden
NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Two Chinese tourists arrested over a gold shop robbery in Nakhon Ratchasima have confessed, telling police they committed the crime after running out of money while travelling in Thailand, including spending heavily on Thai girlfriends.
The suspects, identified as 27-year-old Zou Qintao and 19-year-old Song Haolong, were taken on Tuesday to reenact the crime at a gold shop in Dan Kwian municipality, Chok Chai district, as part of legal proceedings.
Police said the pair were tracked down and arrested in Bangkok's Prawet district within eight hours of the incident, following a coordinated operation involving multiple agencies using CCTV footage.
Investigators said the suspects claimed they entered Thailand as tourists but faced financial difficulties after spending most of their money, prompting them to plan the robbery.
Authorities said the crime appeared premeditated, with evidence indicating the use of tools including a firearm, hammer and other equipment, though officers are still verifying whether the gun was real.
All stolen items have been recovered, police said, adding that the suspects have no prior criminal records or links to organised crime networks.
Police in Nakhon Ratchasima said additional measures will be introduced, including stricter vehicle checks and increased patrols in high-risk areas to prevent similar incidents.
