Buddhist monk abbot from a Samut Songkram temple arrested for alleged child sexual abuse

Samut Songkram –

A Buddhist monk abbot, Phra Khru Kitti Phacharakhun, was arrested today, December 14th, over four charges related to alleged child sexual abuse, Samut Songkram police reported.

The 53-year-old abbot of a famous local temple Wat Bang Cha Kreng and his female alleged accomplice, La-ied Saroprat, were captured and taken to the Muang Samut Songkhram Police Station for investigation this morning.

The monk, who had been arrested previously for a similar indecent behavior charge in 2017, was facing four charges including the abduction of children less than 15 years old for sexual exploitation; the abduction of children between 15-18 years old for sexual exploitation; sexual abuse against children under 15 years old; and human trafficking.

The 52-year-old alleged associate was charged for supporting gratification of the lust of others; procuring children under 15 years old for sexual exploitation; and being involved in human trafficking.

Phra Khru Kitti Phacharakhun was forced to leave the monkhood immediately and was detained at the police station. Meanwhile, more than 50 villagers and alleged victims also arrived at the station to demand the court deny bail for both suspects. It was not immediately clear how the abbot had remained in the monkhood and avoided previous charges in 2017, notes TPN media.

As the case was still under investigation the exact details of the alleged charges were not released in full to the press by law enforcement.

Photo Courtesy: Matichon

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Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.