Robber escapes with RM60,000 after blasting open ATM

Using a homemade bomb, a suspected robber blasted open an automated teller machine (ATM) at a hypermarket here today, and made off with a cash box containing 481,700 Baht (about RM60,200).

According to Metropolitan Bureau Police chief Lt Gen Sanit Mahatavorn who visited the scene, the incident occurred at Prawet's District Soi Krungtheep Kreetha, off Srinarakarin Road about 4.30am (local time).

"The ATM belongs to Bangkok Bank and the blast scattered the debris of the machine over a radius of 30 metres," he said, adding it was a robbery and not related to security.

He said the police had yet to determine the type of bomb used in the explosion.

Meanwhile, security guard Thongtaew Chuenkham, 58, told reporters that he was jolted by the explosion and saw the ATM on fire.

He also saw a man taking out a metal box from the ATM machine and escaping on a motorcycle.

-- BERNAMA