SA KAEO, Thailand — A former monk who was defrocked just 10 days ago has been arrested for stealing 18,000 baht (approx. US$555) from a temple donation box, claiming he was drunk and heard voices telling him to commit the crime.
The suspect, 54-year-old Daorung, was apprehended in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, on July 13. His arrest was executed under a warrant issued by Nang Rong Provincial Court for nighttime theft, said Police Colonel Wisit Buasongwong.
According to investigators, Daorung admitted to serving as a monk at Wat Don Mai Fai before recently leaving the monkhood. Following his defrocking, he began drinking heavily, which he claimed led to hallucinations. He told officers that these hallucinations compelled him to break into a donation box with a kitchen knife.
After stealing the money and storing it in a bag, he returned home and counted a total of 18,000 baht. He later fled the area by bus and spent 10,000 baht on alcohol and food. The remaining 8,000 baht was reportedly stolen while he was passed out from intoxication.
Daorung confessed to acting alone and expressed deep regret, apologizing to the abbot and the temple community.
The case is being handled by Police Lieutenant Samruay Obklang, who has charged Daorung with nighttime theft or receiving stolen goods. Legal proceedings are ongoing.
In a related case, police in Nong Suea arrested 42-year-old Piyaphan for allegedly stealing over 5,000 baht from another temple’s donation boxes. The crime was caught on CCTV, and police raided the suspect’s home in Pathum Thani on July 7.
