In a stunning turn of events, the alleged mastermind behind the audacious e-cigarette heist at Bangkok Port has been apprehended. The once elusive figure, known by the moniker “Bank,” has finally been nabbed by Bangkok’s police. Bank, whose real name is Sitthisak, now faces serious charges related to the theft, and the untimely death of a security guard.
The heist occurred under the cloak of darkness in the early hours of June 1st. A band of six perpetrators, stealthy and determined, targeted a Customs warehouse, fleeing with a van brimming with confiscated e-cigarettes—popularly known as vapes. The escape route turned tragic when the van, in its hasty retreat, unfortunately struck a security guard, taking his life.
Following the heist, the police were relentless in their pursuit of the culprits. Their hard work paid off as five of the suspected gang members were captured. Each one sung a similar tune—pointing the finger at Bank, who they claimed was the puppet master behind the curtain, orchestrating the caper and navigating their escape vehicle.
Once in custody, Bank delivered a confession that was as revealing as it was shocking. He confessed to hatching the entire plot solo. Unwavering, he insisted that no one had hired him to execute this daring theft. Instead, he took full ownership, although he admitted receiving help from a local football field manager who assisted in pinpointing the target.
When confronted about the guard’s death, Bank maintained it was an unfortunate accident. He explained that a gear shift error was to blame, not malicious intent. As authorities delved deeper, Pol Maj Gen Chotiwat Luangwilai reported Bank’s admission to a previous caper: a theft on May 1st where the gang absconded with e-cigarettes to the tune of 270,000 baht, later peddled online.
Investigators suspect that an informant with intimate knowledge of the area might have played a hand in the capers. They proceed cautiously, cross-referencing Bank’s account while they await a comprehensive accounting of the stolen items from the Customs Department—an official complaint yet pending.
As the story unfolds, the scooped-up six now await their fate. The legal tug-of-war will pause at the Bangkok South Criminal Court on Wednesday where police aim to extend custody for an additional 12 days. Meanwhile, officers plan to contest any attempts at bail, determined to keep the players firmly in place as they piece together the full extent of the audacious escapade.
This remarkable story of heist and happenstance continues to enthrall, as every new wrinkle presents another layer in Bangkok’s gripping drama of law, order, and intrigue.
It’s scary to think that someone could pull off such a large heist like this at a busy place like the port!
I don’t think it was as complicated as it sounds. They probably exploited some security loopholes, which aren’t uncommon.
Maybe so, but losing a life in the process makes it a whole different level of tragic.
True, we can’t forget about the guard. Accidents or not, someone needs to be held accountable.
The fact that an informant could have been involved is intriguing. It hints at corruption in places we often overlook.
Corruption isn’t new in systems like these. It’s the norm, sadly. It’s just catching the right ones that’s tricky.
Yeah, that’s a good point. You’d think more would be done to prevent these betrayals from happening.
Is anyone else amazed at how quickly they were caught? I think there’s more to this story than meets the eye.
Yeah, I wonder if someone on the inside gave them up to save their own skin.
Certainly possible, especially with the claims of a ‘mastermind’ leading the charge.
You’re onto something there. The mastermind angle is often a cover for something even bigger.
I can’t believe all this over e-cigarettes. Are they really that valuable?
Apparently, they are! With bans and all, the black market must be thriving.
Wow, just wow. I would’ve thought tech gadgets, not vapes, would be the main target.
The street value on these must be huge. People underestimate the underground trade worth until stories like these come out.
This all sounds like something out of a movie. I wouldn’t be surprised if Netflix turns it into a series someday.
Sad reality. The guard’s family deserves justice, but will they really get it?
Exactly! Those are the real victims here. Losing someone to such a crime is heartbreaking.
It’s a tough position. We need more support and awareness to show them some backing.
Reading about the manager’s involvement, it’s a wonder how deep this network goes. Scary to imagine!
They should tighten up security if a football field manager can tip off criminals about targets!
The litigation is probably going to be drawn out, but Bank’s confession might just speed things up.
Confessions are powerful, but let’s not forget they can also be coerced. The truth can be complex.
True, hopefully they gather all the evidence before jumping to conclusions.
Technology plays a big role in these heists, yet it’s also what aids in solving them. Some irony there.
Bank claims full responsibility, but I suspect there’s more lurking in the shadows. Deflect and misdirect?
Thanks to the continuous coverage, it keeps the public aware and interested, ensuring justice is served.
I wonder how long they actually planned this. Such precision doesn’t happen overnight.
True. This took some time and effort, intel gathering, and calculated risks.