Thailand: two Bangkok monks charged with raping and filming at least seven novices after luring them with phones, cash and alcohol

Proceedings

1. 2026-03-21 · charged; both defendants confessed and voluntarily disrobed

   Thai police investigation following complaint by the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, Bangkok. Following a complaint from the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, police charged Phra Khru Sangkarak Chondaen ('Phra Toon') and Phra Maha Siwabutr ('Phra Ta'), both 24, with rape through coercion, sexual assault of children under 15, recording indecent acts for profit, possessing child sexual abuse material, and encouraging misconduct. Seven novices initially came forward, with four more subsequently reporting abuse, for at least 11 alleged victims across at least 30 documented incidents. Both monks confessed, voluntarily disrobed, and were handed to investigators for legal proceedings. As of the sources consulted, formal court proceedings/trial had not yet concluded; entered at charged tier.

Documented coercion mechanisms

• their standing as senior monks over novices under monastic discipline and supervision at the temple
• luring novices into private rooms with items forbidden under monastic rule — mobile phones for gaming, cash (roughly 500 baht), and alcohol — to obtain access and secure compliance
• covert filming and photography of the abuse, including of victims while asleep, adding a further coercive/exploitative dimension beyond the initial access