Chonburi: A thief who infiltrated the abbot's quarters at Wat Namatum in Chonburi Province has been arrested after stealing gold and cash intended for the creation of 28 Phra Somdej Ong Phatom amulets. It is suspected that the thief was identified through CCTV footage, which captured the break-in and subsequent theft.
According to Thai News Agency, the thief took only a few minutes to break into the quarters and steal gold and over a million baht in cash before fleeing the scene on August 25th. Police from Phanat Nikhom Police Station tracked the suspect to Surin Province, successfully arresting him and recovering some of the stolen gold and cash.
The suspect admitted to selling part of the stolen items and is now being transported back to Phanat Nikhom Police Station for further interrogation. Chanitha, a 65-year-old former village headman and current member of the Namatum Subdistrict Administrative Organization, has been actively involved with the temple for many years. She expressed her belief in the abbot's dedication to helping underprivileged children and highlighted the importance of the stolen gold, which was donated by villagers for the creation of the amulets.
Chanitha emphasized that the cash was also meant for labor and other expenses associated with ongoing temple renovations, including the construction of a new pavilion and pagoda. She urged the public to understand the situation and continue supporting the temple's efforts. The police have announced the suspect's arrest and are continuing their investigation, suspecting that someone may have revealed the location of the valuables stored in the abbot's residence.
At Phanat Nikhom Police Station, authorities are preparing to thoroughly question the suspect. Preliminary findings indicate that he sold some of the gold and was planning to flee to a neighboring country via a natural escape route.