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Bangkok Police Hide in Lion Dance Costume to Arrest Suspect in Temple Thefts

Officers infiltrated a Lunar New Year procession following weeks of surveillance to seize a 33-year-old accused of stealing over 2 million baht in religious artifacts.

Overview

  • Police released video on Thursday showing officers concealed inside a red-and-yellow lion costume approaching the target incognito.
  • The arrest occurred Wednesday during a temple procession in Nonthaburi during Lunar New Year celebrations.
  • The suspect is accused of taking more than 2 million baht in items, including two Buddha statues, according to a police communiqué.
  • Investigators said they turned to the cultural disguise after conventional leads proved insufficient despite extended monitoring.
  • Authorities noted the man had been arrested twice before and was wanted for multiple thefts, with further proceedings pending.