Man Sought for Desecrating Sacred Shrine in Nakhon Ratchasima
An intoxicated man was caught on video desecrating a community shrine at Bamrung Tham Temple in Nakhon Ratchasima on August 15, removing sacred cloths and stealing a brass deity statue that was later recovered abandoned nearby. Police are s
On August 17, 2024, a Facebook video posted by a user sparked widespread online criticism after showing a shirtless man with apparent intoxication cycling to a community shrine at Bamrung Tham Temple in Market Subdistrict, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima. The man removed gold silk scarves, tricolored cloths, and flower garlands placed by worshippers at the shrine. The incident occurred around 8:51 PM on August 15. The suspect also drank a bottle of red ceremonial liquid left by villagers before attempting to lift the main shrine figure but abandoning the effort due to its weight. He then grabbed a smaller brass statue of the local deity, placed it in his bicycle basket, and rode away. The statue was later found abandoned on a sidewalk about one kilometer from the shrine and was recovered by residents and police.
The video spread widely on social media, drawing over 1,000 shares and numerous critical comments. Residents demanded authorities pursue the suspect, arguing that the shrine and deity statue are sacred community symbols worthy of protection. When a news reporter and local officials visited the site, accompanied by Subdistrict Administrator Sanung Khaipoet, Village Headman Theeraphong Changpoet, and witness Visnu Khaipoet, the removed cloths and garlands remained scattered below the shrine.
Witness Visnu Khaipoet recounted that after being alerted by a concerned citizen, he rushed to the site but found the suspect had already fled. He pursued the man on his motorcycle and spotted him cycling with the brass statue in the basket. The suspect wore a pink shirt and short pants and appeared intoxicated with slurred speech. Visnu recorded video evidence but did not apprehend him due to safety concerns. Early on August 16, the brass statue was discovered abandoned on a sidewalk near a factory and was returned to the shrine.
Local officials have vowed to coordinate with police to pursue the suspect for investigation and legal action. They have also called on the culprit to come forward, apologize to the shrine and its sacred figures, and seek forgiveness from the community, as these items are considered protective deities of Nakhon Ratchasima.
