Driver beaten in B16m heist

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...-in-b16m-heist

Driver beaten in B16m heist

Brazen robbers seize bank's cash vehicle

• Published: 10/09/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

A Thai Military Bank cash delivery vehicle has been robbed in broad daylight in Bangkok before at least three men made off with 16 million baht.

The robbery, in which one of the security guards was savagely beaten, occurred in front of Seacon Square mall on Srinakarin Road.

The vehicle was driven to Prawet district where it was emptied of cash and dumped.

Police were alerted to the robbery at 12.30pm and rushed to Soi Srinakarin 57 where they found the Toyota pickup truck, which had been modified into a cash delivery vehicle, abandoned in an overgrown area, about 100 metres from the entrance to the soi.

The vehicle's cash storage compartment had been forced open.

Blood-soaked driver Thanachot Mangprakhon, 40, who suffered numerous bruises to his face and body, told police he and two colleagues had left Thai Military Bank's headquarters yesterday morning to deliver cash to branches.

At Seacon Square, their sixth delivery stop, the two colleagues went inside to deliver cash, leaving him alone outside the mall.

A man walked up to him with a gun while he was waiting near the vehicle.

The man hit him several times in the face with the pistol before pushing him into the vehicle. Another man rushed up and forced him to lie down, threatening to shoot him if he resisted.

The first man then drove the vehicle away from the mall followed by another pickup truck with an unknown licence plate.

Mr Thanachot said the two vehicles went to Soi Srinakarin 57, also known as Soi Premier 1, in the Nong Bon area.

He said he was hit again with the gun and collapsed. When he regained consciousness, he found the door of the vehicle's cash storage compartment had been forced open and all the cash gone. He sought help from nearby residents who called the police.

Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Santan Chayanont said it was thought the gang made off with about 16 million baht. He believed there was a third man involved.

Forensics police have collected fingerprints and DNA samples from the vehicle for possible leads.

They would also investigate whether the gang is linked to any recent robberies of cash delivery vehicles.

Pol Lt Gen Santan said the robbery was well planned as there were several escape routes in the area.

Police investigators said the gang appeared to be familiar with the area.

Security camera footage from Seacon Square mall and nearby areas is being checked for clues to the gang.

Police are continuing to question Mr Thanachot and his two colleagues for any further clues that might help in the investigation.