A 59-year-old Buddhist monk, identified as Chalad (surname withheld), was arrested at a temple in Ayutthaya in connection with a high-profile robbery case. Chalad, who had been living as a monk for nearly ten years, was taken into custody on March 10 following a directive from Police Major General Witthaya Sriprasertphap. The operation was led by Police Colonel Suriyasak Jirawat and Police Lieutenant Athirat Thipcharoen.
The Samut Prakan Provincial Court had issued an arrest warrant for Chalad on February 3, 2015, for his involvement in a robbery that took place in 2010. Along with three accomplices, he was accused of breaking into a wealthy individual’s home in Mueang district, Samut Prakan. The group allegedly tied up the residents and stole valuables, including gold necklaces, rings, luxury watches, and amulets, with an estimated worth exceeding 2 million baht (US$59,190). After the heist, they reportedly abducted a caretaker, later abandoning them by the roadside before making their escape.
Initially granted bail to fight the charges in court, Chalad failed to appear as required. Instead, he spent years evading capture, moving between different provinces. Authorities recently discovered that he had been ordained as a monk in Ayutthaya, leading to his eventual arrest.
During interrogation, Chalad admitted to participating in the crime, acknowledging his role as the getaway driver and lookout. He has since been transferred to the Samut Prakan Provincial Court to face legal proceedings.
In a related case, law enforcement officials in Chiang Saen, including immigration officers, apprehended a 50-year-old Malaysian monk named Paramasivan in northern Thailand. He was suspected of stealing valuables from Chiang Mai’s Jed Yod Temple. The investigation commenced after authorities at Chang Phueak Police Station received reports of missing items. Paramasivan was located near Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, where he was subsequently arrested.
