Police arrest six over thefts in Udon Thani communities
Police Colonel Phatthanaphon Chanphon, along with Deputy Superintendent of Investigation Police Lieutenant Colonel Nitit Roraklongtan and Investigation Officers Police Lieutenant Colonel Banjong Phakot and Police Lieutenant Colonel Pichet Pakkethati, announced the arrest of six men suspected of theft at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station yesterday, January 20.
The group included 30 year old Khemanat Upakot, who allegedly stole from the Baan Lao and Adulyadej communities, and 30 year old Peerapon Srivirit, accused of theft in the Nong Bua area.
Additionally, 33 year old Nawara Sirisa, 47 year old Chumpol Chaisit, 41 year old Teerapong Boonmak, and 29 year old Thanathip Khaklang are suspected of theft in various local communities, with items such as a 9-inch copper Phra Naga Prok statue and air compressor units being among the stolen goods.
Pol. Col. Phatthanaphon stated that several victims reported thefts of air compressor units. On Saturday, January 18, another report came in regarding the theft of a worship statue from a noodle shop near Ban Duea Wittayakom School.
Investigations revealed that the air compressor thieves were a group of homeless individuals. The police managed to apprehend not only them but also the person who stole the worship statue.
Khemanat confessed to stealing air compressors and selling them to a scrap shop, using the proceeds, which amounted to approximately 200 baht to 300 baht (US$6 to US$9) each time, to buy food, gamble on slot games, and purchase drugs.
Nawara, who stole the Phra Naga Prok statue, admitted to renting it out to an acquaintance for 2,000 baht (US$60). Shortly thereafter, he experienced anxiety and restlessness, dreaming of the statue he had stolen. In his dream, the statue expressed a desire to return home.
Theft arrest
The statue’s owner, 48 year old Max, recognised the thief as someone he had known since childhood. Max, who stated he would forgive this time but warned of severe consequences if caught again, explained that the statue is a replica of one from Phra Prang Naga Prok at Wat Pho Chai Si in Baan Phue district, Udon Thani province.
Max has long revered this statue because of an incident where a friend miraculously survived a nine-story fall while wearing an amulet of Luang Por Naga, reported KhaoSod.
Max initially believed the statue would not be recovered, but after praying and asking for its return, the police contacted him, announcing the capture of the thief.
According to historical accounts, the original Phra Naga Prok statue at the temple has been stolen four times but, miraculously, has always been returned.
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