Fake Amulet Expert Steals Collectibles Worth Over 2 Million Baht
Authorities in Chon Buri are pursuing a man who posed as an amulet expert and stole valuable collectibles worth more than 2 million baht from a 93-year-old retired naval officer.
On October 12, Police Lieutenant Thanit Thepprakhdi of Sattahip police station received a theft report from Prachum, a retired naval veteran living in Sattahip subdistrict.
The Deception
According to initial investigations, the suspect approached Prachum at his home while he was having dinner. Pretending to be interested in renting a room, the man claimed to be an amulet enthusiast and struck up a conversation.
Gaining the elderly man’s trust, he asked to inspect the collectible amulets. Seizing the moment, he stole several pieces before quietly exiting through the front door and escaping on a motorcycle.
Stolen Amulets
The haul included nine amulets, among them:
- Luang Phor Ee, 83rd edition with gold trim – approx. 500,000 baht
- Luang Phor Sod from Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen, first edition with gold trim – approx. 700,000 baht
- Luang Phor Tong Yu, Kraben Thong edition – approx. 20,000 baht
- Somdet Luang Pu Lamphu from Wat Mai Amataros – approx. 3,000 baht
- Phichit Med Khao Mao (gold trim) – approx. 400,000 baht
- Phichit Med Khao Mao (plastic trim) – approx. 10,000 baht
- Luang Phor Ngern from Wat Bang Klan – approx. 400,000 baht
- Luang Phor Derm coin, Wat Nong Pho (2482 edition) – approx. 300,000 baht
- One additional amulet
The total value exceeded 2 million baht.
Police Response
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage showing the suspect wearing a white shirt, jeans, and sneakers. He was seen pretending to examine the amulets before slipping away.
Sattahip police are now working to identify and apprehend the suspect, warning the public to be cautious of strangers posing as amulet collectors or enthusiasts.
Amulet scams and thefts have become increasingly common in Thailand due to the high collectible and religious value of rare amulets, which can fetch significant sums among collectors.
