A 78-year-old monk in Phayao province has found himself in trouble for stealing money donated for temple repairs.

The abbot of Boon Yuen Temple in Wiang district notified the police on Thursday (April 9) after finding the donation box broken and about Bt2,000 missing.

The elderly monk was caught on security camera breaking the box and helping himself to all the money. The abbot said this monk had come from Mahasarakham province and had asked for shelter.

When interrogated, the 78 year old confessed to stealing the money and said he needed it to return home.

He was later defrocked and will be persecuted for the theft.