Authorities are hunting down the culprits behind the theft of a sword from Petchabun’s Pho Khun Pha Mueang Memorial.
Lomsak district chief Praiya Phakaratakul sought police assistance on Friday after reports that the metal sword held by the Pho Khun Pha Muang Memorial was removed from the revered statue.
Thieves apparently cut the sword from the right hand of the smaller of two statues honouring Petchabun’s prominent Pho Khun Pha Mueang. Sacred clothes wrapped around the waists of both the larger and smaller statues were also taken.
Officials said the sword was cleanly cut, leaving the handle in the statue’s hand.
The vandalism was reported by a memorial caretaker and citizens paying respects on Friday morning. It is believed the perpetrators carried out the act at night to avoid detection.
While no motive has been proposed, the district chief suggested the culprits may have been under the influence of drugs and could be seeking to sell the relics.
Authorities will investigate potential buyers.
The Lomsak district head called the act highly offensive to Petchabun citizens, emphasising that the memorial is a significant emotional and cultural landmark for the province.
Pho Khun Pha Mueang was a Thai nobleman and general from the late 12th to mid-13th century. He played a key role in the founding of the Sukhothai Kingdom.