Pol. Col. Pratchaya Thisala, superintendent of Chiang Mai City Police Station, led officers in launching enhanced crime prevention measures targeting gold shops, particularly around Warorot Market—an area busy with tourists and shoppers.
With gold prices rising to about 62,000 baht per baht weight, police noted increased risk of theft and related crimes. In response, all local police stations are to strengthen protection measures and raise public awareness.
The operation includes upgrading and ensuring full functionality to over 1,000 CCTV cameras across public and private sectors, installing alarm systems linked directly to police, improving door locks and steel barriers, and maintaining open communication channels with gold shop owners.
Officers also met with Suraphon Owithayakul, Chairman of the Chiang Mai Gold Shop Association and owner of Yong Chiang Long gold shop, to coordinate cooperation and rapid information sharing among members in case of emergencies.
Pol. Col. Pratchaya emphasised frequent patrols and the use of modern technology, including a “Stop-Walk-Talk” approach for closer engagement with gold shop operators. He warned potential offenders that with advanced surveillance systems and trained officers on alert, any criminal acts would be swiftly detected and prosecuted.
