BANGKOK — 4 June 2026, Police in Bangkok have arrested a security guard accused of stealing cash from donation boxes at Wat Pho after he allegedly climbed over the temple wall, covered his head with a cloth and recited what he described as a spell to conceal himself before carrying out the theft.
Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, together with Maj. Gen. Pallop Aemla, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, and Maj. Gen. Chaikrit Pho-a, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6, announced the arrest of Ratchathan, 43, on 4 June. He was apprehended at the entrance to Soi Lat Phrao 136 in Bangkok’s Bang Kapi district at about 12:30 on 3 June.
The arrest followed a complaint filed on 30 May by representatives of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram, better known as Wat Pho, regarding a night-time theft inside the temple grounds.
According to police, two wooden donation boxes inside a pavilion had been moved to the rear of the building and smashed open. Investigators found a small tripod nearby, which they believe was used to break the boxes.
The suspect allegedly stole 100 20-baht banknotes, worth a total of 2,000 baht.
CCTV footage reviewed by temple staff showed a man wearing a black T-shirt, black trousers and black trainers with white laces entering the pavilion at about 01:25 on 30 May. He had wrapped a white cloth around his head to conceal his face.
Investigators gathered CCTV footage from before and after the incident, including images showing the suspect moving the donation boxes and the damage caused to them. The evidence was used to obtain an arrest warrant from the Criminal Court on 2 June.
Police later located the suspect in the Lat Phrao area and took him into custody.
During questioning, Ratchathan allegedly confessed to the crime. Police said he admitted climbing over the wall of Wat Pho and targeting the donation boxes because he needed money to pay his rent.
The suspect, who works as a security guard in Bangkok’s Pinklao area, reportedly told investigators that he had previously visited the temple and knew there was money inside the donation boxes.
Police said he claimed that before carrying out the theft he apologised to the temple’s sacred spirits and recited what he described as a concealment spell that he believed would prevent others from noticing him.
He allegedly used the stolen money to pay his rent and cover other living expenses.
Investigators said the suspect also admitted having a previous theft conviction in another province. After serving his sentence, he moved to Bangkok and found work as a security guard.
He has been charged with night-time theft, trespassing at night, criminal damage, and concealing his identity while committing an offence. Police also alleged that he entered the temple grounds by overcoming a barrier intended to protect property. He was transferred to investigators at Phra Ratchawang Police Station for further legal proceedings.