Temple Leader Files Complaint Over Missing Transformer
A temple leader filed a police misconduct complaint after thieves stole electrical equipment worth 260,000 baht in April; police claimed it was sold and couldn't be recovered, but then a crane company mysteriously returned part of it just d
On July 24, 2025, at the Central Investigation Police Division's complaint center, Prommmasad Kritthayavir, 47, founder of Sri Maha Kali Temple (Thung Dok Krajiao Temple, Thep Sathit District, Chaiyaphum Province), filed a formal complaint with police and gave interviews to media regarding suspected police misconduct in a theft case involving an electrical transformer, meter, and high-voltage power pole. He is requesting an investigation into whether the investigators and the Thep Sathit Police Station commander violated Section 157 of the Criminal Code through negligence or improper conduct.
According to Prommmasad's account, on April 22, 2025, while he was away, approximately 5-6 men with a large crane forcibly removed the transformer, meter, and high-voltage pole from the temple and fled. When questioned, they claimed to be acting under orders to remove and sell the equipment. The incident caused damage estimated at no less than 260,000 baht and posed danger to passing traffic.
Prommmasad alleged that police made no progress on the case, claiming the transformer had already been sold and could not be recovered. For three months, the temple had no electricity. Finally, on July 3, 2025, he paid an additional 380,000 baht to purchase a new transformer set. However, just three days later, on July 6, the investigating officer informed him that the crane company had voluntarily returned the power pole to Thep Sathit Police Station as a gesture of good faith—but without the transformer, the essential component.
"For three months, the temple had no power. Police said they couldn't recover the equipment because it was already sold, so I had to struggle to buy new equipment. But after only three days of having the new transformer, police suddenly said the crane company brought back the pole out of good faith. If they were truly acting in good faith, why didn't they return everything from the start? Why did they let me waste money buying replacements?" Prommmasad stated, adding that he has submitted all evidence to the police for investigation into potential Section 157 violations.
Investigating officer Chakking Tangthim Saphan Mai echoed concerns about the suspicious work practices at Thep Sathit Station, questioning why there was no urgency in pursuing and recovering the seized goods over several months, yet suddenly the crane company voluntarily returned the pole just three days after the victim purchased new equipment. He also questioned the true whereabouts of the transformer allegedly sold and who benefited from the victim's additional losses.
Central Investigation Police Division investigators are currently gathering witness statements and evidence to proceed with legal action.
