Wat Samorplong Samakkeethamma, wants to inform other temples that there are thieves stealing bantam chickens from temples. A month ago a group of teenagers entered the temple and stole chickens raised at the temple. The Abbot of the temple used digital media to ask families to warn their children if they a have been involved and let them know that they risk jail and losing their future. In the digital world, the news is spread quickly and will receive the attention of the police.
The Abbot said that the chickens have disappeared during the evening when all the monks had to gather at the chapel to observe religious practice and to pray. This gives the thieves a chance to steal when all the monks were in the chapel. The abbot said that it was difficult to prevent because the temple was always open and temples give chickens a natural life. Many bantam chickens have been taken and sold at prices ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of Baht per chicken.
The price depends on the breed and the beauty of the chicken. The modus operandi is to remove one bird to use as a lure for others to follow. A net is then used to trap them before taking the chicken away. This temple has been raising chickens for a long time. Previously the chickens had little value; however an increased interest in bantams has meant an increase in value, leading to more theft from the temple.
The police have advised the temple to report thefts to allow for prosecution in accordance with the law. The police have also increased patrols at various temples where there have been thefts and check on those who have a history of stealing. More arrests and punishment in accordance with the law are anticipated.