Former Monk Accused of Stealing Golden Buddha Relic, Claims Innocence

The segment begins by discussing the disappearance of a golden Buddha relic from Wat Ha Soke in Nong Khai.

Focus shifts to 'Tid Ton,' a former monk who was located in Nakhon Ratchasima and charged with theft.

Tid Ton is charged with theft, possibly related to taking a temple vehicle without permission. He denies stealing the golden relic.

Tid Ton is returned to Nong Khai for further legal proceedings.

Tid Ton admits to taking the temple's vehicle but maintains his innocence regarding the stolen relic.

During interrogation, Tid Ton reiterates his innocence about the gold and claims he went to Korat due to illness.

Forensic teams collect DNA and fingerprints from Tid Ton as part of the ongoing investigation.

Tid Ton reveals a past involvement in operating an illegal casino and discusses financial transactions.

Tid Ton is granted bail, but the investigation into the missing relic and financial activities continues.

Police discover searches on Tid Ton's phone for gold-smelting shops in the Nong Khai area.

Tid Ton contacts authorities, wanting to clarify his position and deny involvement with the stolen relic.

Tid Ton explains that fingerprints on the relic could be from cleaning the main statue as instructed by the abbot.

Tid Ton claims he searched for gold smelters to understand the process, not because he had the stolen gold.

Tid Ton states the abbot asked him to clean the Buddha statue, including the top part.

Tid Ton explains he left the temple on May 21st due to illness and not wanting to interact with others.

Tid Ton explains he deactivated his Facebook to avoid dealing with issues related to his health.

Tid Ton clarifies his ticket purchase, stating he changed his mind about the timing and got a refund.

Tid Ton explains the 150,000 baht deposit was from online gambling winnings, intended for an iPhone purchase.

Tid Ton explains he deleted his Facebook to avoid contact with negative influences and gambling sites.

Tid Ton admits to significant online gambling, betting tens of thousands of baht regularly.

Tid Ton claims to have answers for all questions posed by the media.

Tid Ton admits to owning the civilian clothes found in his dorm, used for going out at night.

Tid Ton denies ownership of playing cards and alcohol, attributing them to other monks and novices.

Tid Ton mentions his past work at a casino in Min Buri.

Tid Ton insists he will sue anyone who provides information contrary to his statements.

Tid Ton's nervous and hurried manner during interviews is noted.

Tid Ton confirms the civilian clothes found in his dorm were his, used for night outings.

Tid Ton admits to changing into civilian clothes and going out at night, with the latest instance on May 18th.

Tid Ton claims he drove to visit a friend, Mr. Rang, in Tha Bo, Nong Khai, on May 18th.

The abbot states Tid Ton borrowed the pickup truck on May 18th, claiming it was for a novice ordination ceremony.

Reporters searched for Mr. Rang's house in Tha Bo but found no one who knew him.

The abbot confirms Tid Ton borrowed the truck for a ceremony, but Mr. Rang could not be found.

The abbot expresses surprise that Tid Ton is a suspect and denies allowing monks to clean the relic.

The abbot clarifies that cleaning is only permitted on the main Buddha statue, below the chest.

The abbot explains the relic's composition: a silver base and a golden top, weighing 9 baht.

CCTV installation was delayed due to ongoing mural painting, with plans to install it afterward.

Cleaning was restricted to the main Buddha statue below chest level due to its height.

The abbot reiterates that no monk was ever permitted to clean the golden relic.

The golden relic, weighing 9 baht, consists of a lid and the main body.

The abbot shares Tid Ton's history, including his previous affiliation with Wat Michai Wanaram and his desire to study.

Tid Ton reportedly followed monastic duties and received praise from devotees.

Devotees were surprised to learn Tid Ton was a suspect, given his previous good conduct.

The abbot plans to enhance security and supervision of monks and laypeople at the temple.

Tid Ton's daily monastic activities, such as alms rounds and temple cleaning, were reportedly normal.

The abbot had no prior suspicions about Tid Ton's behavior.

Tid Ton received praise from devotees for his diligence in temple upkeep.

Tid Ton continues to deny stealing the golden relic, despite police having suspicious evidence.

Police found searches for gold-smelting shops on Tid Ton's phone, which is unusual for someone selling gold.

A gold shop owner in Nong Khai states no one has brought in a relic of that value for melting.

Gold shops have strict procedures for verifying sellers and gold to avoid dealing in stolen goods.

The golden relic has a unique appearance, making it easily identifiable if someone tried to melt it.

Locals in Nong Khai are aware of the relic's disappearance and would likely report anyone attempting to sell it.

Tid Ton is the primary suspect due to the timing and circumstances surrounding the relic's disappearance.

A timeline is presented, showing Tid Ton leaving the temple, abandoning the truck, and traveling to Nakhon Ratchasima.

CCTV footage shows Tid Ton, still in monk's robes, traveling and arriving in Sikhiu, Nakhon Ratchasima.

Tid Ton is picked up at a gas station by another monk from Wat Sap Krasang.

Wat Sap Krasang had advertised for monks, and Tid Ton contacted them for accommodation.

Tid Ton was arrested by investigators on May 22nd and returned to Nong Khai for legal proceedings.

The community leader urges police to follow legal procedures and notes Tid Ton's theft charge for the truck.

The community leader suggests Tid Ton's accusations against the temple might be due to pressure or his alleged depression.

The abbot is recognized for his efforts in developing the temple over the years.

The temple has a clear schedule for ceremonies, including cremations, to accommodate all monks.

The community leader states the civilian clothes and alcohol found were Tid Ton's, despite his claims.

Someone reportedly saw Tid Ton driving the temple's blue pickup truck on May 18th.

During questioning, Tid Ton claimed to have a serious illness, which the temple was unaware of.

The community leader notes confusion in Tid Ton's statements and questions his claims about illness.

Long-time residents express loyalty to the abbot and the temple, questioning Tid Ton's accusations.

A villager expresses shock and concern over the theft, hoping the relic is returned.

Despite the incident, villagers maintain their faith in Buddhism and the temple.

The community is unsettled by such an incident, as it's unprecedented in their experience.

The temple is active with construction and many people coming and going, making investigation difficult.

The villager considers Tid Ton the most suspicious individual in this case.

Villagers were unaware the relic was made of gold and express surprise at Tid Ton's short tenure.