Bangkok: Two older women were caught on surveillance camera stealing a mobile phone from the quarters of an ailing monk in Bangkok. The incident has sparked a police investigation to locate the suspects, who had previously solicited money from the monk.
According to Thai News Agency, the theft occurred at a temple located in Soi Pracha Uthit 27, Bang Mot Subdistrict, Thung Khru District. Mr. Manoon, the 29-year-old grandson of the monk, reported the crime to the police. The victim, known as "Luang Ta Suk," is 80 years old and suffers from a chronic disease that impairs his mobility. The monk was resting when the two women entered his hut, with one of them taking a mobile phone worth approximately 4,000 baht from the bedside.
Surveillance footage showed one woman, dressed in green overalls with short hair, searching the monk's room while the other woman stood by. When the monk closed his eyes, the woman quickly concealed the phone in her clothing and left the scene. The stolen mobile phone incident was promptly reported to the Rat Burana Police Station.
Luang Ta Suk recounted that the women had initially feigned a friendly visit and talked to him before asking to borrow money, claiming they would bring food in return. Due to his condition, he fell asleep, which allowed the theft to occur unnoticed.
Phra Soraphol, another monk at the temple, explained that a camera was installed in the monk's room to monitor his health, as he has epilepsy. Previous incidents with visitors had also raised suspicions. In one case, an individual visited the monk under the guise of making merit, only to request money for transportation. The monk, despite his limited means, offered 200 baht. In a similar past incident, a visitor managed to take 400 baht from the monk's wallet under false pretenses.
The temple is now using the CCTV footage as evidence, and a formal complaint has been lodged with the police to ensure justice for the aging monk.