Bernama reported acting chief of the 6th police investigation division, Anusorn Thongsai, as saying that the suspect was arrested earlier this evening when he was on his way to his son’s house in the Nonthaburi district.

Anusorn said the 61-year-old man, who had fled to Bangkok after the robbery, had used various identities to evade the authorities.

“Initial investigations found that the suspect took a bus from Hat Yai to the Mochit bus station in Bangkok before trying to take a taxi to his son’s house.

“Police officers arrested the suspect at 6.30pm local time and seized evidence such as gold jewellery, a pistol and several live bullets,” he said when contacted.

Anusorn said the suspect had been placed under remand pending further action.

Earlier it was reported that investigations had shown the suspect had acted alone. He rode a motorcycle to the jewellery shop in Plaza Hat Yai at 11.50am on Tuesday.

The suspect used a pistol to threaten the staff and fled with gold worth 9 million baht (RM1.17 million).

Following the incident, Thai police had issued an arrest warrant and tightened controls at all border exits.