Investigation into Alleged Replacement of Gold Buddha Relic with Brass

Introduction to the case of a gold Buddha relic suspected of being replaced with brass, with over 50 baht of gold missing.

A goldsmith examines the Buddha relic, revealing it contains only 2% gold and is primarily made of brass.

The abbot of Wat Boon Chuen Choo brings the relic for inspection, leading to the discovery of the low gold content and a subsequent police report.

The abbot recounts the process of creating the relic, including the donation of gold and the subsequent handling of the relic.

The abbot provides details about the casting ceremony in March 2016, mentioning the involvement of a contractor and an unknown team.

The abbot highlights potential points where the gold could have been swapped, noting the time the relic was taken for polishing.

The contractor, Sangkhapan shop, denies ever making gold relics, stating they only work with brass.

Police are questioning the abbot and the main donor to determine when the gold went missing and identify involved parties.

Casting technician Worapot explains that the gold was insufficient to fill the mold, leading him to create a brass replica and later add the original gold inside.

Worapot details how he created a brass replica and then melted the original gold to fill it from the inside, mixed with plaster.

Worapot expresses confusion as to why the news reported the gold was swapped for fake gold, suggesting the abbot might have forgotten his explanation.

The need for further proof and investigation, including melting down the relic to verify its contents.

Foundry owner Sakdichai confirms he did not take the gold back to the factory and has not fled, but is working out of town.

The news team decides to conceal the identities of the two individuals involved to avoid negative impacts until further proof is established.

A separate incident involving the disappearance and subsequent reappearance of sacred statues at a shrine in Buriram.

Villagers express their distress over the missing Buddha statues from the shrine.

The missing statues are found placed outside the shrine, with no signs of damage.

Theories suggest the statues may have been stolen by antique thieves and then returned, or moved for ritualistic reasons.

The statues have been moved to the temple's kuti for safekeeping due to an upcoming annual ceremony.

The motive behind the statues' movement remains unclear, with speculation ranging from theft to a desire for separate veneration.

A devotee recounts finding the statues missing and then discovering them placed neatly behind the shrine.