Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a dramatic turn of events, police today apprehended a 59-year-old Buddhist monk in Ayutthaya, known only as Chalad, tied to a high-profile robbery from 2010. Chalad, who evaded capture for nearly a decade by living as a monk, was taken into custody on March 10. This arrest follows a directive from Police Major General Witthaya Sriprasertphap, with Police Colonel Suriyasak Jirawat and Police Lieutenant Athirat Thipcharoen leading the operation.

 

Chalad was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Samut Prakan Provincial Court back in 2015. He, along with three accomplices, was accused of breaking into a wealthy homeowner's residence in Samut Prakan. There, they allegedly bound the residents and stole valuables, including gold jewellery, luxury watches, and sacred amulets, amounting to over 2 million baht.

 

Following the robbery, the group reportedly kidnapped a caretaker, whom they later abandoned by a roadside. Despite being granted bail to contest these charges in court, Chalad failed to appear and opted to evade authorities by moving across various provinces.

 

 

The police's recent discovery of Chalad's ordination as a monk in Ayutthaya culminated in his arrest at the temple. During interrogation, Chalad confessed to his role in the robbery, admitting he served as the getaway driver and lookout.

 

He has since been transferred to the Samut Prakan Provincial Court, where he will face legal proceedings. This surprising arrest highlights the lengths individuals might go to evade justice, occasionally even adopting new identities within religious sanctuaries, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-10

 

 

Another day another monk on the path to righteousness.