Chonburi: The suspect was arrested for reenacting the crime of breaking into the abbot’s quarters and stealing 10 million baht worth of gold and silver. Police arrested a suspect who broke into the safe of the abbot’s quarters at Wat Namatum in Chonburi Province and stole cash and gold worth nearly 10 million baht. He was arrested in Surin Province and admitted to having other accomplices. The abbot revealed that all the assets belonged to the temple’s devotees who had made merit by pouring gold to cast a Buddha image, not the abbot himself.
According to Thai News Agency, investigative police from Phanat Nikhom Police Station, Chonburi Province, took 32-year-old Panupong, or Boy, to reenact his confession at Wat Namatum Temple, Village No. 6, Namatum Subdistrict, Phanat Nikhom District, Chonburi Province. On August 26, 2015, he broke into the residence of Phra Khru Wichit Thammarat, or Phra Ajahn Kwanchai, the abbot of Wat Namatum Temple in Phanat Nikhom District, Chonburi Province, and broke into the safe. He stole valuables, including cash and gold donated by devotees, worth nearly 10 million baht.
During the reconstruction, the abbot and villagers were present. When Mr. Boy met the abbot, he prostrated himself at his feet and apologized. The abbot patted his head and told him to forgive him. He should go back and face the consequences of his actions. If he is released from prison, he should repent and become a good person.
The abbot also clarified that the stolen property consisted of gold donated by the laity for the construction of the spire of the Buddha’s relics pagoda and the construction of a Buddha image. The total amount of gold was approximately 3 kilograms. Some of the gold had already been poured to cast the Buddha image, with approximately 2 kilograms remaining. The stolen property, along with cash, was intended to pay the labor costs of the gold pourers and other expenses. The property does not belong to the abbot, and he urges the laity to understand that the property belongs to the laity, who made merit together to support Buddhism.
In this case, police have CCTV footage of the incident. They gathered the evidence and requested an arrest warrant from the court. They then expanded their investigation and arrested Mr. Boy along with his car. He was hiding out in Chaliang Subdistrict, Mueang Surin District. Several items of evidence were seized. During questioning, the suspect confessed to the crime. He also revealed that there were other accomplices in the gang. Authorities are working to apprehend them and bring them to justice.