Police Probe Abuse of 13-Year-Old Novice Monks in Phayao
PHAYAO – Authorities in northern Thailand are investigating shocking claims that two 13-year-old novice monks were physically and emotionally abused at a temple in Chiang Kham district, Phayao province. The allegations, filed by relatives, have intensified scrutiny of how young novices are treated within Thailand’s Buddhist institutions.
Allegations Against the Abbot
Relatives of the boys reported that the temple’s abbot, identified as Phra Kru Kittichai Chote, repeatedly beat the novices with bamboo sticks, PVC pipes, hands, and feet. Some of the violence allegedly took place in front of the boys’ mothers.
According to a police report, the two novices were also confined for seven days, blocking them from receiving medical attention. One novice has since left monkhood altogether, while the other was quietly transferred to another temple after relatives intervened.
Evidence and Medical Findings
The assaults were said to have occurred on 30 July and 2 August 2025. One boy was taken to Chiang Kham Hospital on 8 August, where doctors confirmed injuries including muscle inflammation in his right arm. Family members said they were initially refused permission to see him and only gained access after senior relatives pressured temple leaders.
Once inside, they discovered bloodstains on the boy’s bedding and pillow. Shocked by the extent of the wounds, the family removed him from the temple. “Even if the boys broke temple rules, punishment should never become violent,” one elder relative told local media.
Police Investigation
On 10 August, relatives filed a complaint with Pol. Lt. Pasit Thaowanaya, deputy investigator at Chiang Kham Police Station. Officers recorded the case at 7:19 pm and confirmed they are investigating possible charges of assault causing physical and mental harm.
The parents of one victim stressed that they do not wish to “spoil” their child but demand a proper investigation. “If this happened to someone else’s child, how would they feel?” they asked, urging authorities to act.
Broader Pattern of Abuse Cases
The Phayao case is the latest in a series of troubling incidents that have tarnished the image of Thailand’s monkhood. With more than 200,000 monks and 85,000 novices across the country, temples are regarded as places of safety, learning, and discipline. Yet scandals involving abuse, corruption, and misconduct have raised doubts about oversight.
One notorious case occurred in 2014, when a monk known as Pra Chai was convicted of sexually abusing novices and trafficking boys. He received a 124-year sentence, although Thai law capped his jail time at 50 years.
Another high-profile scandal emerged in 2020, when 23-year-old monk Phra Pongsakorn Papassaro (Luang Pi Kato) faced expulsion after an affair with a woman came to light, underscoring how some monks misuse their respected positions.
Sangha Under Pressure
These repeated scandals have eroded public confidence in the Sangha, the governing body of monks in Thailand. Critics argue that senior monks often escape accountability due to their revered status in society.
Following the Phayao revelations, the National Office of Buddhism announced new reforms on 25 August 2025, including stricter background checks for monks and abbots. Officials also pledged to create monitoring mechanisms to prevent future cases of abuse and to respond more quickly when allegations arise.
Protecting Thailand’s Novices
The plight of the two novices has resonated deeply with the Thai public, as children are expected to receive care, moral guidance, and education while serving as novices. Instead, this case revealed disturbing lapses in protection.
As the police investigation continues, families and child rights groups are demanding justice and stronger safeguards. For many, the Phayao scandal is not just about two boys but about restoring trust in an institution followed by 93 percent of Thailand’s population.
