In Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, a criminal secretly cut the head off an ancient Buddha statue over 100 years old but left it under a tree beside Naresuan Road behind Wat Mahathat. Locals believe a mysterious curse frightened the culprit into abandoning it. The Fine Arts Department is currently investigating which historic site the head was taken from.
On 12 April 2026, reporters reported a distressing incident where the head of an ancient Buddha statue over 100 years old was illegally cut off by a criminal and abandoned under a tree along Naresuan Road behind Wat Mahathat in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The fresh cut marks were clearly visible, and it is suspected the thief may have been scared off by a supernatural curse.
Mr. Chatchawan Muangma, 59, revealed that a friend of his was watering plants in the area when they discovered the Buddha head placed under a tree, causing great shock. They then took it to keep safe in a nearby chedi and informed him to help serve as a witness.
It is initially believed the Buddha head was stolen from some location, but the thief may have been frightened due to the artifact's sacred nature and the area's sanctity, leading them to abandon it. Mr. Chatchawan then contacted reporters, the Fine Arts Department, and police investigators from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station to examine the case.
Mr. Paitoon Phuengthong, 65, an official from the Fine Arts Department, stated that a preliminary examination found the Buddha head to be an ancient statue more than 100 years old, carved from sandstone. However, they cannot yet confirm which historic site it was taken from.
The Fine Arts Department will preserve the Buddha head, conduct a detailed investigation, and document its history to serve as archaeological evidence and assist in tracing its true origin.
Authorities are currently expediting their investigation and tracking down the suspect to bring them to justice according to the law.