Kalasin: Central Investigation Police arrested a monk who had sexually abused a 13-year-old girl and had been hiding in a forest temple for 15 years.
According to Thai News Agency, the Central Investigation Police, led by the Human Trafficking Suppression Police, apprehended Phra Charoon, also known as Mr. Charoon, aged 59, at a forest temple in Kuchinarai District, Kalasin Province. The arrest was made under a warrant for the crime of having sex with a girl under the age of fifteen who is not his wife, regardless of her consent, and taking a girl under the age of fifteen away from her parents, guardians, or caregivers for indecent purposes. The suspect has denied all charges during questioning.
The case dates back to 2010 when Phra Charoon resided at a temple in Nong Ruea District, Khon Kaen Province. He developed a close relationship with a 13-year-old girl who frequently visited the temple and attended a nearby school. Phra Charoon often gave her money and snacks, fostering a sense of intimacy and trust. On September 2, 2010, he called the girl to the temple, offering her money and snacks as usual. However, this time, he deceived her into retrieving snacks from the temple's bathroom, where he used force to sexually assault her. He threatened the girl, warning her not to disclose the incident to her parents or anyone else, promising to withhold snacks and money if she did.
The girl's mother noticed changes in her daughter's behavior, observing signs of depression and withdrawal. After probing, she discovered the truth about the assault and reported it to the police. Upon learning of the report, Phra Charoon fled to a forest temple in Kalasin. Recently, investigation officers located and arrested him, taking him to Nong Ruea Police Station in Khon Kaen Province to proceed with legal action.