Thailand raises alert as gold price surge fuels spate of robberies
Thailand raises alert as gold price surge fuels spate of robberies
BANGKOK, Feb 4, 2026 — Thai authorities have raised the alarm over a surge in gold-related robberies as rising gold prices make retailers increasingly vulnerable to crime, police said, urging shops in high-risk areas to tighten security.
Deputy Police Chief Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabutr told reporters that of an estimated 1,000 gold shops in Bangkok, around 100 are in “red zones” — areas prone to theft and armed robbery — and operators must bolster defenses, including trained security and stronger physical barriers.
Recent incidents underscore the threat: police are seeking suspects in multiple gold shop heists after thieves made off with high-value gold and cash in separate cases. One armed robber allegedly escaped with about 149 baht-weight (about 2.2 kg) of gold, worth more than 11 million baht under current prices, along with cash, authorities said.
The warning comes against a backdrop of soaring gold prices in Thailand, which have climbed sharply alongside global markets, increasing the value of stock held in shops and, police say, encouraging opportunistic and organised crime.
Police have also begun training exercises, including simulated gold shop robberies, to sharpen rapid response and containment tactics, officials said.
Authorities are pressing insurers to require higher security standards and may refuse liability for shops that fail to comply, in a bid to reduce the number of thefts and reassure the public and business owners.
