A Malaysian monk was arrested in Chiang Rai, Thailand, on Thursday for allegedly stealing valuables from Wat Chet Yot temple in Chiang Mai. Thai police launched an investigation after a report of missing items was filed by the temple.
The police investigation revealed that the suspect, who had been staying at the temple, disappeared after the theft. A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court on November 20.
On Thursday, authorities apprehended the 50-year-old monk near Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong in Chiang Rai. The suspect admitted to being the individual named in the arrest warrant.
The case is still under investigation, and the monk may face charges of residential theft under Thai law. Before legal proceedings begin, authorities stated that the monk could be disrobed and lose his monastic status.
The incident has raised concerns, with Thai police continuing to investigate the full extent of the theft and any potential accomplices.
