Two Bangkok monks charged with abusing novices; seven victims identified and over 100 explicit videos seized

BANGKOK — Two monks at a prominent temple in Bangkok’s Charoen Krung area have been arrested on charges of sexually abusing novice monks, with police identifying seven victims and seizing more than 100 explicit video clips as evidence.

The arrests took place Thursday at the temple in Sathon district, Pol Maj Gen Wittaya Sriprasertphap, commander of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATP), said at a news conference Friday.

The suspects, both 24 years old, were identified as Phra Khru Sangkarak Chondaen, known as “Phra Toon,” and Phra Maha Siwabutr, or “Phra Ta.”

Phra Toon was sought under a warrant issued by the Bangkok South Criminal Court on March 17 on charges including rape, committing indecent acts against a child under 15, and sexual offenses against a minor under his care.

Phra Ta was wanted under a warrant issued on Nov. 17, 2025, on charges of rape and indecent acts against a minor, producing and possessing child sexual abuse material for personal gain, and coercing or encouraging a child to engage in inappropriate behavior.

Both monks reportedly confessed during questioning and voluntarily disrobed before being handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.

The arrests followed a complaint filed with police by the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, which reported that three novice monks at the temple had been victims of sexual misconduct by monks, raising serious concerns over child safety within the religious institution.

Pol Maj Gen Wittaya said an investigation found the two suspects held positions of authority over novice monks and were responsible for supervising them. Exploiting their roles and the vulnerability of the young novices, they allegedly lured victims to their quarters by offering access to mobile phones to play games—devices prohibited under temple rules—or by promising them 500 baht.

Once inside the monks’ quarters, the novices were sexually assaulted on at least 30 occasions, police said. Investigators also found that the suspects had secretly taken photos and videos of the novices, including while they were asleep and unaware.

During the search of the premises, officers found gambling equipment, condoms, lubricants, and a large quantity of alcoholic beverages stored in a refrigerator. They also seized three mobile phones and three electronic devices containing more than 100 explicit images and video clips involving novice monks.

During the inspection, four additional novices came forward and told police they had been subjected to similar abuse, prompting officers to provide protection for the victims and expand the investigation.

Authorities said the case has highlighted vulnerabilities within some religious institutions and underscored the need for stronger safeguards to protect minors entrusted to monastic care.

Resource:Crime Asia