Immigration superintendent Chinakorn Atsawaphum said an investigation began after Chang Phueak police received a report of missing valuables from the temple.

“Police discovered that the suspect, a Malaysian monk who had been staying at the temple, had disappeared following the theft,” he said in a statement.

An arrest warrant was issued by the Chiang Mai provincial court on Nov 20 and the 50-year-old monk was apprehended near Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong in Chiang Rai at about noon on Thursday.

“The suspect admitted to being the individual named in the arrest warrant. Investigations into the case is ongoing,” Chinakorn added.

Before Thai authorities proceed with legal action, Chinakorn said the suspect could first be disrobed, stripping him of his monastic status.