(Bangkok/AFP, 20th) During the Lunar New Year period, Thai police employed creative tactics as two officers disguised themselves as lion dancers, successfully capturing a thief amid the lively festivities and recovering Buddhist relics worth about 2 million baht (approximately 81,300 SGD).
According to Bangkok police on Thursday (February 19), the arrest took place on Wednesday evening (February 18) near a temple in the suburbs of Bangkok. The case stemmed from a burglary at a local residence in early February, during which several valuable Buddhist relics and two 12-inch (about 30 cm) Buddha statues were stolen. Evidence indicated the thief had attempted to break in several times.
After weeks of unsuccessful stakeouts, the police took advantage of the Lunar New Year celebrations, adopting a 'catching the thief under the guise of performance' strategy. Video footage shows that as the lion dance team performed on the street, accompanied by the sound of drums and gongs, the red-and-yellow lion head suddenly lifted and an officer leapt out, quickly pinning the 33-year-old man to the ground with the help of colleagues. Police stated that the arrest was carried out smoothly while the suspect was completely off guard.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had previously been involved in multiple drug and theft offenses. All stolen Buddhist relics have been recovered, and the man will be prosecuted on multiple charges, including burglary and possession of stolen property.
After weeks of unsuccessful stakeouts, the police took advantage of the Lunar New Year celebrations, adopting a 'catching the thief under the guise of performance' strategy. Video footage shows that as the lion dance team performed on the street, accompanied by the sound of drums and gongs, the red-and-yellow lion head suddenly lifted and an officer leapt out, quickly pinning the 33-year-old man to the ground with the help of colleagues. Police stated that the arrest was carried out smoothly while the suspect was completely off guard.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had previously been involved in multiple drug and theft offenses. All stolen Buddhist relics have been recovered, and the man will be prosecuted on multiple charges, including burglary and possession of stolen property.