PHAYAO – Two 13-year-old novice monks in Phayao have reportedly been victims of both physical and emotional abuse at a local temple. The disturbing claims have sparked renewed attention on the welfare of young novices within Thailand’s Buddhist temples.
Relatives have gathered evidence and filed a complaint against a well-known abbot in Chiang Kham, Phayao, following claims that two novice monks, both 13 years old, suffered physical injuries.
A police report reveals the abbot hit and kicked the boys with bamboo sticks and his own hands and feet, often in front of their mothers.
It’s also alleged they were confined for seven days, preventing them from getting proper medical attention. One novice left monkhood after the incident, and the other transferred to a different temple.
A relative of one of the two novice monks, both novices at a temple in Ban Yuan, Chiang Kham, brought forward evidence that they had been beaten on the head and body by a senior monk, with some of the violence taking place in front of one boy’s mother.
This complaint was filed with Pol. Lt. Pasit Thaowanaya, deputy investigator at Chiang Kham Police Station, in Phayao.
Novice Monks Beaten
The relative said the assaults happened on 30 July and 2 August 2025. The boys said the monk used a bamboo stick, a piece of PVC pipe, his hands, and his feet to hit, kick, and stamp on them, leaving visible bruises all over. Despite their severe pain, the boys did not receive timely medical help.
On 8 August 2025, one novice monk was taken to Chiang Kham Hospital, where doctors found clear signs of injury and muscle inflammation in his right arm. The boy had not been questioned properly according to normal procedures. He was then ordered to remain in his room for seven days, even though he was injured and in need of care.
When the family later asked to see the boy, their request was refused, and they began to suspect something was wrong. It was only after bringing senior relatives to the temple for talks that they were allowed to see him. They saw clear wounds across his body. After moving the novice out of the temple, they found blood stains on his bedding and pillow, which deeply upset the family.
The family decided to take the boy home and sought advice from village elders about quietly moving him to another temple, as they didn’t want trouble. Still, they said, “this punishment went too far.” Even if the boys had broken temple rules, punishment should follow proper steps rather than becoming violent. The second novice could not bear it and has left monkhood entirely.
Wounds on Arms and Legs
The boy’s parents were clear: they do not want to spoil their child but demand a fair and proper investigation. They worry that such violence causes real physical and emotional harm. They also asked society to consider how they would feel if this happened to their own children.
Pol. Lt. Pasit Thaowanaya confirmed that a report had been filed, with details logged at 7:19 pm on 10 August 2025. The case involves allegations of physical assault by Phra Kru Kittichai Chote, supported by added evidence from relatives. Police are now looking into the matter under criminal law for causing harm likely to affect the boys’ physical and mental health. The investigation is ongoing.
This case adds to a series of troubling incidents in recent years involving monks and young novices. These reports have damaged the reputation of an institution, followed by 93 percent of Thailand’s population.
Back in 2014, the International Justice Mission (IJM) helped local authorities convict “Pra Chai,” a monk found guilty of trafficking and sexually abusing teenage boys, including novices, in a temple in central Thailand.
Senior Monk Investigated
Pra Chai received a 124-year sentence, although Thai law limits actual jail time to 50 years. He was part of a group that targeted boys from struggling families, using gifts to keep them quiet. The case drew attention to a lack of accountability for some monks due to their respected status.
Another high-profile incident came in 2020, when Phra Pongsakorn Papassaro (Luang Pi Kato), aged 23, faced a scandal after his affair with a woman became public. While this did not involve child abuse, it exposed how senior monks can misuse their power and highlighted weak oversight across temple communities.
These repeated scandals have worn away public trust in the Sangha, Thailand’s network of around 200,000 monks and 85,000 novices. The Phayao case has hit a nerve by involving children, who many see as needing special care and protection in temples.
The National Office of Buddhism, the main body responsible for overseeing Buddhist monks, has been criticized for reacting slowly to past cases involving novice monks. It has now committed to strong, immediate steps.
On 25 August 2025, the office formed a special group to review current rules and improve checks at temples throughout the country. A key change will require strict background checks for all monks and abbots, to catch any history of abuse or other problems before they take charge.
NOB Colaborating with Police
The National Office of Buddhism is also working with the Royal Thai Police’s Central Investigation Bureau to create a detailed database using the 13-digit ID numbers assigned to all monks.
This new project, announced in July, will help track monks’ histories and record previous offences, aiming to correct the National Office of Buddhism’s earlier failures to follow up on complaints.
Deputy Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew has said, “We cannot let this become an issue that destroys Buddhism.”
There’s also a push to revive a law that would set criminal penalties for monks whose actions damage Buddhism’s reputation, including abuse cases. In July 2025, King Maha Vajiralongkorn removed titles from dozens of senior monks involved in unrelated scandals, showing a clear stand against wrongdoing in the clergy.
Public response after the Phayao case has ranged from loyal support to deep disappointment. For example, Camphun Parimiphut, a 52-year-old security guard, stressed, “Buddhism is about the teachings, not about those who break the rules.”
Others, like Buddhism scholar Danai Preechapermprasit, say the repeated scandals have shaken people’s confidence, pointing out that many now question if their donations truly go towards good causes.
Social Workers for Novice Monks
To increase trust, the National Office of Buddhism is now looking into making temple finances more open, as large sums from donations have often been at the centre of controversy. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has ordered a review of financial rules to prevent misuse of temple funds.
This recent case has shown how vulnerable boys from less privileged families can be in the monastic system. Experts such as Jaturong Jongarsa have said that some communities use temples as a last resort for troubled children, which can leave them open to harm.
The NOB’s updated plans include training for abbots to spot abuse, along with new support from social workers for young novice monks.
As the country deals with these serious issues, the NOB’s moves to reform temple life will be watched closely. For the two novice monks at the centre of the Phayao case, recovery will take time, but they are now receiving help and counselling.
Their story highlights the need for urgent changes, so other children can find safety and respect in Thailand’s sacred spaces.
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