Bangkok: A case involving missing gold from Wat Muang has taken a significant turn as police uncovered evidence that nearly 200 baht worth of gold was sold in the Yaowarat area. The abbot of the temple claims a lapse in memory regarding the incident.
According to Thai News Agency, the atmosphere at Wat Muang was notably subdued this morning, attracting numerous media outlets eager to interview the abbot following revelations that 300 baht worth of gold and over 10 million baht in cash vanished from his quarters last month. Despite the media attention, the abbot remained silent, staying within his quarters.
Investigations have been thorough, with police questioning nearly everyone involved in the case. A particular focus has been on a gold shop in the Yaowarat area, which documented sales of approximately 170 baht worth of gold bars in April. The transaction involved a mix of cash and checks, with two checks valued at over 2 million baht each being cashed at a bank in the Sukhapibal 3 area. The funds obtained from this transaction were reportedly handed over to the abbot. However, when questioned, the abbot claimed ignorance, only to later acknowledge the evidence when confronted with documentation from the gold shop and the bank.
Further investigation included searches of the homes of 4-5 individuals linked to the case, but these searches did not yield any additional evidence. Pol. Col. Khomsit Rangsai, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 9, emphasized the need for a meticulous and comprehensive investigation, stating that any false information provided during the investigation would lead to accountability for the individuals involved.