Chiang Mai—
On December 8th, 2023, Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakparn, the Deputy National Police Chief, held a press conference on the arrest of an abbot who allegedly sexually harrassed novice monks and orphans at a temple in Mae Wang, Chiang Mai. There were eight victims reported.
Relevant agencies interrogated novice monks and orphans who allegedly were sexually harassed, they reportedly testified that the unidentified abbot called them to his cubicle before committing an indecent act or the abbot went to see them at their dormitory.
Furthermore, during the investigation, the Mae Wang police officers spotted an unidentified monk who was taking illicit substances and confiscated amphetamine pills before escorting him for legal processing.
Initially, the police would investigate further the behaviors of the abbot and the monk and persuade novice monks and orphans to interrogate the temple as they are still afraid of the abbot.
As for the abbot, investigative officers opposed bail and would take him further into custody at the Chiang Mai Provincial Court on December 9, 2023.
The names of the temple, suspects and victims were withheld to protect the victims, added Hakparn.
