'Apology ritual' blamed for historic castle vandalism

Quoting police, Dusit Thummaphorn says a group of five that conducted a socalled "apology ritual" at the site on the Visakha Bucha Day is the mostly likely suspect.

Police now think the vandalism resulted from disputes between park staff and three groups - sellers of Jatukam Ramathep amulets, owners of two shops and those affected by strict park rules.

Dusit says 19 items were destroyed - four are original artefacts and the others replicas. He cannot tell what type of ritual was conducted, but what was left at the scene indicated a possible "apology ritual". He did not go into detail.

Buri Ram police are looking at a "number of superstitiousminded groups".

Governor Santhad Jattuchai says police should have a better idea this week. Security at the Phra Viharn park in Si Sa Ket has been beefed up following the Phanom Rung castle incident.