Cha-am police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with a series of thefts at temples and private homes in Cha-am district and nearby areas, seizing a large cache of stolen property, including more than 100 Buddhist amulets.
Police said the suspect was arrested on 28 January at Cha-am Police Station under a warrant issued by the Phetchaburi Provincial Court. He is accused of attempted theft at a public place of worship and burglary at residential properties during the night.
According to police, the suspect, identified as Mr Ekkasit, also known as “Ton”, is a resident of Cha-am district. Officers arrested him at a rented room within Cha-am Municipality before taking him in for questioning.
Large cache of stolen items recovered
Police seized a wide range of items believed to be linked to the thefts. These included a motorcycle, a mobile phone, two e-cigarettes, more than 100 Buddhist amulets and sacred objects, gold jewellery, a wristwatch, collectible old banknotes in 10, 20, 50 and 100 baht denominations, a tablet, bags and several other valuables.
The arrest followed an incident on 18 January, when CCTV cameras at Wat Cha-am recorded a suspect entering a cave area within the temple grounds and attempting to force open a donation box before fleeing. Investigators traced the suspect’s movements using CCTV footage from several locations in the area, allowing them to identify him, gather evidence and request an arrest warrant.
Police said checks on the recovered items showed that some of the amulets and sacred objects were taken from Wat Cha-am, Wat Nong Hong in Cha-am district and Wat Tha Sik in Tha Yang district. Other seized property was linked to thefts from private homes in several nearby communities.
Following the arrest, dozens of male and female victims travelled to Cha-am Police Station to view the seized items and identify their belongings.
The suspect has denied all charges. Police said he has been detained for further legal proceedings.
Authorities have urged anyone who believes they may be a victim of the thefts to contact Cha-am Police Station to inspect the recovered property and reclaim items that belong to them.