Duo arrested for robberies of beer, cigarettes

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Two Pattaya security guards were arrested in the Northeast for a string of armed robberies that allegedly netted them not only cash, but beer and cigarettes.

Police brought Danai Petpoom, 20, and Pornchai Manorah, 23, to a press conference Feb. 2 following their separate arrests in Khon Kaen. Seized from them was a homemade shotgun, walkie-talkie, one bullet and the motorbike they allegedly used to commit three crimes Jan. 30.

Police charged the pair with robbing at gunpoint a Family Mart convenience store on Soi Chaiyapornwithi 15, making off with 3,400 baht and three bottles of beer.

Danai Petpoom and Pornchai Manorah have been arrested for allegedly committing 3 armed robberies in Pattaya.Danai Petpoom and Pornchai Manorah have been arrested for allegedly committing 3 armed robberies in Pattaya.

But under interrogation, the pair also admitted to two other robberies earlier that night, police said.

First, they claimed to have robbed Narai Jankam, a 35-year-old Cambodian security guard of the Ananya Beachfront Condominium. From him they allegedly stole the walkie-talkie and a pack of cigarettes.

Then they went to fill up the motorbike at a petrol station, but refused to pay the 90 baht bill, instead waving their gun at the attendants before riding off, police said.

The suspects claimed they committed the crimes because they were drunk. Police are skeptical, as Danai, a Nong Khai native, went to hide at his sister’s house in Khon Kaen. Pornchai was arrested at the bus station in Khon Kaen, allegedly to join Danai at his hideout.