Bueng kan: A renowned monk from a temple in Bueng Kan Province is facing allegations of sexually abusing several novice monks, with reports of threats of physical harm if they resisted. Relatives of the victims are now demanding legal action after rejecting a proposed settlement of 300,000 baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident came to light following an expose posted on the "Ton Or Pen Nueng" page, which detailed the sexual assault of four novice monks by a senior monk at the temple. Despite an offer of a monetary settlement, the parents of the affected novices have refused the deal, opting instead to seek justice through legal channels.
The Be One Foundation has been actively involved, assisting a 13-year-old novice monk, referred to as Boy A, and his family in discussions with the Bueng Kan Provincial Office of Buddhism, the Office of Social Development and Human Security, the Children and Family Shelter, and the Bueng Kan City Police Station. Concerns have been raised about the case's progress due to the monk's previous position as secretary to the abbot of the Bueng Kan City District.
A conversation with the father of Samanera A, another pseudonym for one of the abused novices, revealed that Samanera B, also a victim, had left the monastic life after being unable to endure the abuse. Fearing for the safety of Samanera A, his grandmother was contacted by Samanera B to retrieve him from the temple. Upon his return home, Samanera A disclosed the abuse and threats he had faced since March. A complaint was subsequently filed with the Bueng Kan City Police Station on October 20.
The monk implicated in the abuse has since secretly disrobed and issued an apology on social media, acknowledging his misconduct and seeking forgiveness from the Sangha, his family, and the lay community. Despite this, Novice A and his family remain resolute in their pursuit of legal recourse.