Seven novice monks allege sexual abuse by former Bangkok temple monks

2026-03-21 - 09:01

PATHUM THANI — 21 March 2026, Seven novice monks have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against two former senior monks from a prominent Bangkok temple, with their parents seeking assistance from the Paweena Foundation for Children and Women. The group requested support in filing complaints with the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD) on behalf of four additional novices, forming a second group of complainants. Three novices had previously filed complaints. The case follows an earlier development from 26 February 2026, when Ms. Paweena, president of the foundation, accompanied three novices and their guardians to provide information to senior officers at the Central Investigation Bureau, before filing complaints with AHTD. The allegations involve two senior monks acting as mentors who are accused of sexual assault. On 21 March, parents brought four more novices to the foundation, stating they were victims of the same two suspects, who were arrested by AHTD officers the previous day. They also alleged that other monks, both within the same temple and from other temples, had committed similar offences. The families are seeking legal action to the fullest extent. A guardian of a 15-year-old former novice said the boy entered the monkhood during the 2023 summer term and stayed in the same kuti (living quarters) as a 47-year-old mentor monk. The guardian alleged that the abuse began within the first week. Five novices shared the kuti, and all were subjected to inappropriate physical contact. Some were afraid to resist due to fears of harm or reprisal. The guardian said the alleged abuse escalated and continued over a prolonged period, lasting approximately two years and eight months. In November 2025, the boy informed his mother and subsequently left the monkhood. The family initially did not pursue legal action but later came forward after learning of similar cases being assisted by the foundation. Ms. Paweena expressed appreciation to officers of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division for their work in gathering evidence, securing arrest warrants, and obtaining confessions from the suspects. She described the case as a significant example of law enforcement action against abuse. Authorities are preparing further interviews with the four additional novices, who were identified during the operation. Ms. Paweena added that three former novices who have already received assistance visited the foundation to discuss their education. The foundation will coordinate with the Ministry of Education to place them in appropriate schools. For the remaining four novices — some of whom have already left the monkhood — parents have requested assistance in filing complaints as a second group, with appointments already scheduled with AHTD. She added that the foundation will coordinate with relevant agencies to support those affected, including educational placement, psychological support through the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and compensation through the Ministry of Justice. The case will be pursued with investigators until the legal process is complete.