BANGKOK — Police are on the hunt for a group of six men following a violent robbery at the Customs Department’s warehouse at Khlong Toei port early Monday morning, during which a security guard was killed and a large quantity of impounded e-cigarettes was stolen.

Security Guard Shot Multiple Times at Terminal 21 Korat

The incident, which occurred around 1 a.m., is believed to be the first such heist targeting the government facility. CCTV footage shows the suspects arriving in a van and using bolt cutters to break into five cargo containers. They reportedly loaded up the vehicle with confiscated e-cigarettes and other items before fleeing the scene.

Tragically, the robbery turned deadly when a security guard, identified only as Boonnark, attempted to intervene. Spotting the suspects mid-heist, he gave chase on his motorcycle. In response, the van’s driver abruptly reversed, ramming into Boonnark’s bike. The impact killed him instantly, and the suspects sped away.

Thieves kill guard in daring e-cigarette heist

A violent crime in Bangkok where a group of men stole seized e-cigarettes from authorities, and during their escape, they fatally struck a 58-year-old security guard with a van. pic.twitter.com/yPHhos1wMU

— Bangkok Lad (@bangkoklad) June 1, 2025

Authorities have arrested one individual allegedly found in possession of some of the stolen goods, including several e-cigarette devices. The suspect claims he was unaware the items were stolen. Police are now working to determine his level of involvement and whether he was part of the coordinated theft.

Drunk Russian tourist in Pattaya reportedly breaks through gogo’s glass door, attacks guard

The scale of the robbery and the killing of a guard have sparked alarm, prompting heightened security measures at government storage facilities. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and tracing vehicle movements in and around the port area to track down the remaining suspects. The Customs Department and Bangkok Metropolitan Police are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as the manhunt intensifies.

-Thailand News (TN)