Bang khae: Police officers from Phetkasem Police Station are urgently hunting for a thief who sneaked into the abbot’s quarters at Wat Muang, making off with 10 million baht in personal cash and 250 baht of gold. The incident occurred at the temple located on Soi Phetkasem 63, Phetkasem Road, Lak Song Subdistrict, Bang Khae District. Mr. Sakda Lertritsomboon, the temple treasurer and victim, reported the theft to the authorities.

According to Thai News Agency, the abbot of Wat Muang, Phra Ratchawachara Phatthanathorn, was found inside the office during the police inspection. He explained that he had hired two disciples, Mr. Thawatchai, also known as Diao, and Mr. Tinnakorn, or Beer, to withdraw approximately 10 million baht from TMB Thanachart Bank, Salaya Branch. The money was placed in a suitcase and brought back to the abbot’s office, where it was kept.

On the morning of June 29, Phra Ratchawacharaphatthanathorn went to retrieve the money for temple expenses but discovered that the wallet containing the cash was missing. Further examination revealed that 250 baht of gold bars were also gone. Mr. Sakda was then notified to file an official complaint.

Pol. Col. Pramote Chanboonkaew, Superintendent of Phetkasem Police Station, stated that the money belonged to the abbot’s personal savings and not the temple’s funds. Forensic Science Division officers have been called in to examine the scene for latent fingerprints to help track down the thief.