Bangkok: Police are actively working to resolve the case involving the theft of 10 million baht and 250 baht worth of gold from the abbot's quarters at Wat Muang on Petchkasem Road.
According to Thai News Agency, authorities from the Anti-Corruption Division and Petchkasem Police Station visited the temple to gather more evidence. However, they found the abbot's quarters locked and were unable to contact him.
A former close monk of the abbot explained that the theft was reported by a representative sent by the abbot. The monk emphasized the difficulty of accessing the quarters due to multiple locks, suggesting an insider might be involved. Concerns were also raised about the temple's financial transparency, with calls for an investigation into the temple's donations and expenditures.
Mr. Beer, the temple caretaker, recounted accompanying the abbot to withdraw money from the bank. He noted that the abbot placed the withdrawn money in his quarters without disclosing details. Despite this, Mr. Beer is not worried, having already provided a statement to Phetkasem Police.
Progress in the case indicates that the property's disappearance is likely genuine. Pol. Col. Pramote Chanboonkaew, Superintendent of Phetkasem Police Station, stated that the timing of the incident remains unclear, occurring between May 20 and June 29. CCTV footage review revealed missing segments due to recording cycles.
The abbot claims the stolen money was his personal savings from 50 years as a monk, acknowledging his carelessness. He provided evidence of ownership and expressed hope for the culprit's capture. He clarified that the gold bars were purchased for investment purposes, separate from temple funds.
Regarding the covered CCTV cameras, the abbot admitted to covering them to prevent inappropriate images at night but assured they were uncovered during his absences. Additionally, reports of a pitbull in the quarters were refuted, with police finding only an old dog during their inspection.
Authorities have questioned several individuals, including the temple's treasurer and disciples, while coordinating with forensic teams and the National Office of Buddhism to advance the investigation.