The abbot of Boonchuenchu Temple reported to police to investigate the 45 baht gold used to cast sacred hair disappeared and turned into "brass"
At 20:20 on 30 Apr 2026, Phra Kru Pathum Punyo Phatphaitoon Jorabumrung, 67, abbot of Boonchuenchu Temple, Bang Phun Subdistrict, Mueang Pathum Thani District, Pathum Thani Province, filed a complaint with Lieutenant Wuttinan Somsunan, deputy investigation officer at Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station, requesting police to investigate and prosecute those involved in the disappearance of 45 baht of gold donated by a benefactor to cast sacred hair.
The incident arose after Namo Ban Chang Thong Phetthong & Jewelry shop posted a video revealing a customer's sacred hair inspection. They stated that about 7-8 years ago, the family donated 45 baht of gold to cast the sacred hair, combined with 2 baht of gold from the abbot and contributions from other devotees. However, X-ray examination showed only 2-3% gold content; the remainder was an alloy resembling brass. Further surface inspection found no gold at all.
Phra Kru Pathum Punyo Phatphaitoon detailed that in mid-March 2016, the temple held a ceremony to cast a Buddha image in the granting posture (gold) and a bell, with Mr. Nakorn Khonthaulis as the benefactor. The temple hired a company, which brought a team of about 10 foundry workers of unknown affiliation to conduct the casting. On the day, Mr. Nakorn donated 45 baht of gold specifically for casting the sacred hair.
The casting ceremony took place publicly from 14:00 to 15:00. When the mold cooled around 17:00, the sacred hair was stored in the abbot's residence for two nights to cool. Afterwards, the foundry team took the sacred hair for further finishing over more than a week before returning it to the temple.
After receiving it, the abbot wrapped the sacred hair in cloth and securely stored it in a desk drawer in his room, with only him holding the key. Over the years, the sacred hair was displayed on the Buddha image only twice: at the Buddha image celebration and the benefactor's mother's merit-making ceremony, each for about two hours before being returned to secure storage.
Mr. Nakorn Khonthaulis, the gold donor, said he purchased 30 baht of gold from Yaowarat and 15 baht from a gold shop in a shopping mall in Rangsit, totaling 45 baht. The donation amount was chosen because it represented the combined family and relatives' merit-making, and the digits 4 and 5 add up to 9, which is considered an auspicious number.
Initially, the investigation team at Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station has recorded statements from the abbot and benefactor as evidence and plans to schedule more detailed questioning to establish the timeline of the gold's disappearance. They will summon all involved parties for questioning and pursue legal action against the offenders.