News

Did ATM thief keep warm with hot cash? Police doubt his story

January 7, 2003

BANGKOK, Thailand -- The suspected mastermind of a bank van robbery set fire to part of the loot, saying he wanted to keep himself warm on a cold night, police said on Jan. 8.

According to a report in the Bangkok Post, police suspect the story is a ploy to hide the bulk of the stolen cash.

Sawai Khongrum gave himself up on Jan. 7 and led police to a bonfire site in Pakchong district of Nakorn Ratchasima province, about 210 kilometers northeast of Bangkok.

Police found charred remains of bank notes worth 1 million baht (about $24,000 U.S.), but more than 5 million baht (about $117,000) remains unaccounted for,Bangkokpolice commissioner Lt. Gen. Damrongsak Nilkooha told reporters.

"He claimed that the weather was too cold and he burned the entire loot to warm himself while he was on the run," Damrongsak said. The lowest night temperature in north-easternThailandthis week was 16 degrees Celsius (about 60 degrees Fahrenheit).

Damrongsak said the remaining money could be with Sawai's relatives or friends.

Sawai had been implicated in the robbery by Krongsit Kamsuangjik, the van driver who was arrested with his two brothers on Jan. 6 after driving away with more than 50 million baht ($1.16 million) during deliveries to fill up ATMs aroundBangkok. The vehicle was found on Jan. 4 with 42.9 million baht ($1 million) inside. Some 1 million baht ($24,000) was recovered from the driver and his brothers.

(See related story Courier takes ATM cash to stick it to "the man")

No formal charges have been filed against any of the four suspects. Theft is punishable by up to five years in prison and destroying money and evidence is punishable by five years, according to the Bangkok Post.