BANGKOK – Police from Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) arrested two 24-year-old monks accused of sexually abusing seven novice monks and secretly recording the attacks at a temple in Bangkok’s Sathon district.
The suspects, Phra Khru Sangkarak Chondaen, also known as Phra Toon, and Phra Maha Siwabutr, also known as Phra Ta, allegedly used their rank and authority to prey on boys placed in their care.
Police said the pair now face several serious charges, including rape through coercion, sexual assault of children under 15, recording indecent acts for profit, possessing child sexual abuse material, and encouraging misconduct.
The case began after the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women filed a complaint involving three boys. After that, investigators said they found a wider pattern of grooming and repeated abuse, with at least 30 reported incidents.
How police say the suspects targeted the novices
According to investigators, the monks drew the boys into their private rooms by offering things the novices were not allowed to have under temple rules. In some cases, they gave the children access to mobile phones so they could play games. In others, police said they offered small sums of money, around 500 baht.
Once the novice monks entered the rooms, the abuse took place, police said. Investigators also found that the suspects had secretly taken photos and videos of the victims, including footage recorded while some of them were asleep. During a Thursday raid at the temple in the Charoen Krung area of Sathon, officers said they collected evidence linked to the case.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Wittaya Sriprasertphap, commander of the ATPD, said the case involved a severe abuse of power and trust. He said the suspects held authority over the novice monks and used that position to harm them.
During the search, officers seized several items, including:
- gambling equipment
- condoms and lubricants
- a large stock of alcoholic drinks kept in a refrigerator
- three mobile phones
- three electronic devices containing more than 100 explicit photos and video clips involving novice monks
Police said both suspects admitted to the crimes during questioning. They then agreed to disrobe and face prosecution as civilians. In Thailand, monks accused of major criminal offenses are commonly defrocked before legal proceedings move forward.
As officers searched the living quarters, four more novice monks came forward with similar claims. Police have now confirmed seven victims, while the investigation remains active. Authorities said the boys are receiving protection and support.
Similar abuse cases have shaken Thai temples before
This case is not the first of its kind. Reports of sexual abuse involving novice monks have surfaced in Thai temples for years, and each case has further damaged public trust in the Buddhist clergy.
In October 2025, a monk in Bueng Kan province turned himself in after police accused him of abusing four novices, ages 13 to 16, over a period of seven months.
Investigators said the boys were forced into oral sex and other acts, beaten when they resisted, and pressured to bring in more victims. Police also said the suspect offered 300,000 baht to keep families quiet.
Earlier, in 2019, an abbot in Kanchanburi was charged after allegedly holding a 13-year-old novice and sexually abusing him for several days. That case included claims of forced massages and oral sex.
The boy later managed to contact relatives, who helped secure his rescue. Other past cases have involved monks trafficking teenage boys for sex. One of the most infamous cases centered on a man known as Pra Chai, who received a decades-long prison sentence in 2015 for running a child exploitation network.
These repeated scandals have kept temple misconduct in the public eye. Besides financial crimes and drug offenses, sexual abuse allegations have become a major source of concern. Experts have long warned that novice monks, many of whom come from poor rural families, face a higher risk because they live under close supervision with limited outside checks.
Thailand steps up pressure on monk misconduct
Thai authorities have recently increased efforts to tackle crime inside the monkhood and restore confidence in Buddhism.
In 2025, the Central Investigation Bureau set up the Centre to Combat Threats Against Buddhism. Police also launched nationwide Temple Grounds Sweep operations. During that crackdown, authorities issued warrants for 154 monks and 27 former monks. The accusations ranged from embezzlement and money laundering to drug trafficking and sexual offenses.
At the same time, officials have been working on a new Monastic Act. Current laws do not clearly punish monks for breaking celibacy vows or engaging in other serious misconduct. The proposed law would add prison terms and large fines, giving prosecutors stronger tools to act and giving victims more protection.
The National Office of Buddhism and senior clergy have also called for tougher background checks before ordination. Children’s advocacy groups now work more closely with police, and this case is one example of that cooperation in action.
Prime Minister’s Office Minister Suchart Tancharoen has said the government wants to remove criminals who hide behind monk robes and protect the religion from further harm. As a result, defrocking now happens quickly in serious criminal cases.
Victims receive support as public anger grows
Authorities said all seven confirmed victims, along with the four additional boys who later came forward, are receiving counseling and safe shelter. Police believe more victims could still be identified.
The case has triggered strong reaction online and among Buddhist leaders. Many people in Thailand fear that repeated scandals are weakening trust in temples, which remain important places for worship, community life, and moral guidance.
Buddhism still plays a central role in Thai society, with more than 90 percent of the population identifying as Buddhist. Still, cases like this one have increased calls for stronger oversight and real accountability.
Police said the investigation will continue and that the suspects remain in custody. Both men are expected to appear in court soon.
The case has become another painful reminder that criminal acts can happen even inside respected religious institutions. Thai authorities now say they are determined to protect children, punish offenders, and defend the integrity of the monkhood.
