Gold Buddha Head Authenticated After 10-Year Suspicion

Introduction to the drama surrounding a gold Buddha's head relic and the initial suspicions of it being made of brass.

Details emerge about the 47 baht of gold donated and the subsequent testing that revealed only 2-3% gold, with the rest being brass.

The news team tracks down the goldsmith, Toong, who cast the relic 10 years prior, to address the growing concerns.

Toong suggests cutting open the relic, explaining that the gold might be concentrated inside, with plaster filling the rest.

The abbot and temple committee discuss the possibility of cutting open the relic, consulting with the Office of National Buddhism.

The day of the cutting ceremony arrives, with Toong present to perform the procedure after seeking forgiveness.

Toong's hands tremble as he prepares to cut the relic, facing public scrutiny and the possibility of severe consequences.

Toong starts the process with a grinder and then uses a hammer to break open the plaster, revealing the gold inside.

Upon finding the gold, Toong breaks down in tears, overwhelmed with relief as the suspicion is cleared.

The discovered gold is confirmed, and those present reassure Toong and the onlookers that the suspicion has been resolved.

Toong explains his extreme nervousness stemmed from the fear of being imprisoned if the gold was indeed missing after 10 years.

Toong elaborates on the casting process, explaining how the gold was placed at the tip of the relic and covered with plaster.

Close-up shots clearly show the gold within the relic, distinguishing it from the outer brass and plaster.

The abbot explains the decision to cut open the relic was to resolve doubts and ensure transparency, bringing peace to the temple.

Despite the relief, there's a sense of sadness and regret over the damage to the relic and the 10 years of suspicion.

The abbot and Toong acknowledge being targets of public suspicion, but the truth has now been revealed.

Discussion about potentially re-casting the Buddha's head with the recovered gold or using it for other temple purposes.

The segment concludes by emphasizing that the entire ordeal was about uncovering the truth and bringing closure to the issue.