Floral justice: Sharp-eyed garland vendor helps snare temple thief
A flower garland vendor noticed suspicious behaviour from a middle-aged man near a temple in Lop Buri province, leading to his capture and the recovery of several stolen items.
Yesterday, February 4, Police Lieutenant Colonel Prayoon Wisetchat from Ban Mi Police Station received a report from Phra Ajarn Thanong Kittipanyo, the abbot of Wat Khao Sanamjang, stating that villagers and local leaders had apprehended a thief and confiscated numerous stolen goods.
Upon investigation, police discovered that village headman Wirat Kasiwat and several residents had surrounded a 50 year old man, Prasit, known as Buek, who was carrying a black backpack. Inside the bag, they found four Buddha images, 47 amulets, 403 baht (US$12) in cash, and various other valuable items.
Buek initially claimed to the monks that he had brought the items from home and attempted to leave. However, the monks recognised the religious artefacts, prompting locals to detain him until police arrived.
The items were confirmed to belong to the temple by Wirat Kasiwat, village headman of Moo 9, Sanamjang subdistrict, who filed a complaint with the Ban Mi Police Station’s investigative officers.
Morakot, a 48 year old flower garland and beverage vendor, played a crucial role in subduing the thief. Expressing her frustration, she explained that the temple, accessible by over 600 steps, often experienced thefts, particularly when monks were away in the morning for alms or religious duties.
She had noticed Buek earlier in the day, riding a bicycle and parking near the temple. With three dogs barking at him as if he was a stranger, she observed him carrying a black backpack and wearing a brown cap.
Around 8.45am, Buek descended from the temple with Phra Ajarn’s dog, Ai Khao, barking at him. Noticing the backpack seemed heavier and his cap was reversed, Morakot asked to inspect his bag.
When Buek reacted aggressively, she brandished a pestle for self-defence and called for assistance from the monks and villagers.
Despite initially denying the allegations, Buek eventually confessed to stealing from the temple, claiming it was his first offence. However, police remained sceptical due to frequent thefts at the temple, particularly of donation money, reported KhaoSod.
A background check revealed an outstanding warrant against Buek for mule account fraud in Phetchaburi province. He was subsequently taken to the police station for further questioning and legal proceedings.
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