Abbot Suspects Insider After Buddha Images Stripped Bare; Replica Buddha Footprint Also Stolen

Abbot Thruad expressed devastation over the systematic theft of Buddha images stripped of their brass ornaments throughout the temple, describing the violation as deeply wounding. The abbot suspects an insider—possibly a temple youth—after police found brass pieces that the youth claimed the abbot had given him, raising questions about how stolen sacred items ended up being removed at night.

On May 14, residents near Wat Tham Kunchon Ratkit in Nong Krathum, Pak Tho district, Ratchaburi province, reported a major theft. The hillside temple, which houses only three resident monks, suffered extensive losses including all brass crowns from over 10 Buddha images, three historically significant Buddha Chinaraj images, a small brass Buddha figure, the large brass replica Buddha footprint from the cave meditation chamber, electrical panels, plugs, two air conditioning units, ceiling fans, wiring, and surveillance cameras. Brass water faucets were also stripped out.

Abbot Phaanuphong Phurinyano revealed the thefts occurred gradually—first the air conditioners were removed, then fans, wiring, and water faucets. The most heartbreaking loss was the large brass replica Buddha footprint housed in the cave, constructed over 10 years ago with donations from devoted supporters. The abbot believes thieves cut it into pieces to sell incrementally, as removing it whole would be impossible.

The primary suspect is a temple youth who was caught with two brass pieces claimed to be gifts from the abbot. When police inquired, the abbot realized these pieces were from the stolen footprint. The suspect claimed to have caught the thief himself, but the abbot questions why he then took items away at night. The abbot did not reprimand him, leaving the matter to police investigation and legal proceedings.