A bungling robber was caught when he was locked inside a gold shop by automatic doors.

Butpiya Bangthonglang, 34, rode on a motorcycle without a license plate to the Yaowarat Bangkok gold shop at the Maruay Market in Samut Prakan province, Thailand, on Wednesday afternoon.

He walked inside the store and, pointing a 9mm pistol at the staff, ordered them to fill his bag with the precious jewellery.

The quick-thinking clerks tried to stall for time by striking a conversation with the alleged thief, but their delaying tactics only angered him.

CCTV footage shows furious Butpiya firing at the glass entrance after finding himself locked inside. Before fleeing, the greedy suspect turned back and smashed a glass display case to scoop up trays of gold rings.

Sakhla police officers having a meal at the market were alerted to the heist after hearing the loud gunshots. They rushed to the shop and found Butpiya already mounting his motorcycle.

The suspect shot at them, and they returned fire, reportedly hitting the helmeted man on the back of his head and causing him to fall unconscious.

Butpiya was cuffed while lying on a stretcher, and has been taken to a hospital for his injuries.

Found at the scene were two trays of gold accessories scattered on the ground, Butpiya's gun, and his overturned motorcycle.

Police Major General Wallop Araemlar, commander of the Samut Prakan Provincial Police, said: 'Butpiya threatened the staff to hand over the gold items, but the staff engaged him in conversation in an attempt to delay his actions.

'This led to him breaking a display and stealing around 174 Baht of gold.

'Police Corporal Tin Songkaroon and Police Lance Corporal Pitak Thamkhai were there to respond to the shooter. Their quick response is commendable since the gunman was endangering innocent bystanders.'

Butpiya was still recovering from his 'serious injuries' at the hospital. Officials said he will be prosecuted once he has been discharged.