The robbery took place at the Imperial massage in Anupas Manorom Village at 9.10pm whilst the massage therapists were still working.
Police arrived to find more than 10 Chinese tourists, along with the parlour̕s receptionists Nattitha Chaiyasopa, 29 and Supawadee Suden, 30, therapist Wanna Chaiyasopa and the parlour̕s owner Ein Mikim all in a state of panic.
After checking CCTV coverage, police found that there were five men involved in the robbery. Two, who were wearing motorcycle helmets, and both carrying knives and guns, walked in the shop and threatened all the workers in the parlour while the other three waited outside.
It is believed the two robbers got away with around B500,000 in cash and left the scene on a Honda Click motorcycle.
Receptionist Nattitha Chaiyasopa told police “Today is pay day. I was with Ein (the owner) counting money behind the counter to pay the staff.
“We had more than 10 Chinese tourists who had come to use the spa services and suddenly two men in crash helmets rushed in holding guns and knives.
“One of the men said ʻgive us all your money and the money in the basket too̕,” said Nattitha.
Police have said that the robbery is possibly an inside job, and that someone connected with the parlour had told the robbers it was pay day and that there woulkd be money there to be stolen.
Phuket Deputy Superintendent, Col Pinij Sirichai called for an immediate meeting of Phuket City police and an investigation team from Vichit police to come up with a plan to catch the robbers.