Bangkok: A young security guard was apprehended after attempting to use superstitious beliefs and incantations to render himself invisible while stealing from a donation box at the Wat Pho temple. Despite his efforts to conceal his identity with a cloth and a magic spell, he was caught on CCTV cameras in the Ladprao area, leading to his arrest.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, announced the capture of Mr. Ratchatharn, 43, who was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court for charges of nighttime theft in a public place, trespassing, and property damage. He was apprehended in front of Soi Ladprao 136 with the clothing used during the crime.

On May 30th, at approximately 1:25 AM, the suspect scaled the wall of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkalaram (Wat Pho) and entered the main prayer hall. With his face covered by a headscarf, he used a short camera tripod to break open two wooden donation boxes, stealing 100 banknotes of 20-baht denominations, amounting to a total of 2,000 baht, before making his escape.

Police at Phra Ratchawang Police Station reviewed CCTV footage, clearly capturing the suspect's actions. This evidence led to a court-issued warrant, and authorities tracked him down in the Ladprao area on June 3rd. During questioning, Mr. Ratchatharn admitted to working as a security guard in the Pinklao area and committing the crime due to financial difficulties, specifically his inability to pay rent. He confessed to having previously visited the temple to make merit, which gave him familiarity with the location. He also revealed that prior to the crime, he prayed to sacred spirits and recited a mantra to disguise himself. A background check showed a previous theft conviction in another province, and he had recently been released from prison. Mr. Ratchatharn has been handed over to authorities for legal proceedings.