A security guard has been arrested for allegedly stealing cash from donation boxes at Bangkok's renowned Wat Pho temple, despite attempting to conceal his identity by reciting what he claimed were incantations to avoid detection.
Investigators from Phra Ratchawang Police Station arrested a 43-year-old suspect on Wednesday near the entrance to Soi Lat Phrao 136 in Bangkok. Officers also seized his black T-shirt and black trousers allegedly worn during the incident.
The arrest followed a complaint lodged on Saturday by a representative of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, commonly known as Wat Pho, regarding a night-time theft at the temple's sermon hall.
According to police, two wooden donation boxes inside the hall had been moved to the rear of the building and smashed open. Investigators found a small tripod nearby, which is believed to have been used to break into the boxes.
The suspect allegedly stole 100 banknotes of 20 baht, amounting to 2,000 baht in total.
CCTV footage reviewed by temple staff showed a man entering the sermon hall at approximately 1.25am on Saturday. He was dressed in a black short-sleeved T-shirt, black trousers and black trainers with white laces, while a white cloth was wrapped around his head to conceal his face.
The footage clearly captured the suspect before, during and after the theft, enabling investigators to gather evidence and obtain an arrest warrant from the Criminal Court.
Police later identified and apprehended the suspect after spotting a man matching the description and appearance shown in the arrest warrant.
During questioning, the suspect reportedly confessed to climbing over the temple wall to gain access to the premises and stealing money from the donation boxes.
He told investigators that he worked as a security guard in the Pinklao area and had committed the theft because he lacked money to pay his rent. Having previously visited the temple to make merit, he was aware that cash was kept inside the donation boxes and decided to take the money to cover his living expenses.
The suspect also claimed that before carrying out the theft, he apologised to the temple's sacred spirits and recited a personal incantation which he believed would conceal him from detection.
Police said the stolen money had already been spent on rent and other expenses. The suspect also admitted to a previous theft conviction in another province before later finding employment in Bangkok.
He has been charged with aggravated night-time theft, trespassing at night, criminal damage and theft at a public place of worship. He was subsequently handed over to investigators at Phra Ratchawang Police Station for legal proceedings.
