A man who fled to Thailand after allegedly stealing goods including handbags and a necklace worth nearly HK$3 million has been brought back to Hong Kong, police said on Thursday.

The force alleged that the suspect first entered a shop in Tsim Sha Tsui on Wednesday claiming to buy a bag but left to withdraw cash.

After he returned to the shop, he started looking at other bags before allegedly covering a female employee's face, causing her to lose consciousness.

The suspect left the store with 14 handbags, one necklace as well as two mobile phones totalling HK$2.97 million, officers added.

Police learnt that the man had left the SAR and flew to Bangkok, where he was later apprehended and sent back to the city.

"We would like to thank Thai police for their assistance, in quickly intercepting the suspect," said assistant district commander Ching Chi-yan of Yau Tsim District.

The suspect was picked up by local officers at the airport in the SAR on suspicion of robbery on Thursday evening.