Law
Three Arrested for Theft of Buddha Statues from Pathum Thani Temple
Police in Thanyaburi have apprehended three individuals accused of stealing four Buddha statues from Wat Khian Khet Phra Aram Luang to settle gambling debts.
On September 21, 2026, authorities from the Thanyaburi Police Station in Pathum Thani province announced the arrest of three men, aged 43 to 47, in connection with the theft of four Buddha statues from the historic Wat Khian Khet Phra Aram Luang. According to Khaosod Online, the suspects were apprehended at their residence following an investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred in the middle of the night.
During questioning, the suspects confessed to the crime, stating that they were motivated by significant gambling debts. They admitted to stealing the religious artifacts with the intention of selling them at a local flea market for approximately 4,000 baht per statue. Police confirmed that the items were recovered as evidence.
For residents and visitors, this incident highlights the ongoing security concerns regarding the protection of cultural and religious heritage sites in the region. While the immediate threat has been mitigated by the arrests, the case serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of unattended religious artifacts. At this time, it remains to be confirmed whether the suspects have prior criminal records or if they were involved in other similar thefts in the area. The investigation is ongoing as authorities process the recovered items and prepare formal charges.
