A BRIT chef was allegedly held at knifepoint when an armed gang of fellow Brits stormed his Thai villa and fled with a safe stuffed with cash.
Four British men have now been arrested after the terrifying raid on the home of tourist Wesleigh Cyril Russell, 32, in Thailand’s notorious “Sin City” Pattaya.
The suspects allegedly burst into the property last Thursday while Russell was having dinner with friends.
Police say the gang held the group at knifepoint before forcing them into the kitchen.
They reportedly grabbed an iPhone 16 and an iPhone 14 before making off with a safe said to contain more than two million baht.
The raiders then allegedly rammed through the gates of the housing estate as they made their escape.
Cops claim the gang fled to a condominium in Pattaya before scattering across Thailand in a bid to evade arrest.
But police on Monday said all four suspects have now been detained in different parts of the country.
Jermaine Lewis Palmer, 20, was arrested at the Padang Besar immigration checkpoint while allegedly trying to flee to Malaysia.
Christopher Erunse, 38, was detained at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok as he prepared to leave the country.
Michael Campbell Chapman Tiehoule Jr, 32, was detained while visiting his girlfriend’s parents at a resort in eastern Buriram province.
Officers said all British suspects linked to the raid have been caught.
The first three suspects were remanded at the Pattaya City Provincial Court on charges of joint robbery.
They were described as “carefree and unstressed” as they reportedly joked around with police while being taken to court.
Another suspect, Brandon Tyler Garrett, is also in custody and being interrogated.
All four have denied the accusations.
Cops said DNA and fingerprint samples have been collected for testing.
A spokesman for the Nong Prue district station said: “Currently, authorities have seized several items of evidence, including the vehicle used in the crime.
“The clothing worn on the day of the incident, along with some cash, are currently under investigation to further prosecute those involved decisively.”
Tourists are regularly attacked or caught up in crime in Pattaya – earning the seaside resort the nickname “Sin City”.
Embarrassed officials have launched tourism drives to attract families and rebrand the city as a safe destination.
Authorities have also rolled out safety measures including improved lighting and more CCTV.
But despite attempts to clean up its image, Pattaya’s nightlife – fuelled by alcohol and sex tourism – continues to attract crime and accidents.
