Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

Police in Chanthaburi arrested a 29-year-old monk on 2 October after uncovering his role as an administrator of online groups distributing child sexual abuse material. The raid revealed extensive evidence, including videos of novice monks being abused, prompting immediate dismissal from the monastic order and multiple criminal charges.

 

The operation, codenamed “Temple Sweep,” was led by Pol Maj Gen Phadungsak Raksasuk, Commander of Chanthaburi Provincial Police, along with Pol Col Peerapol Selarat, chief of investigations, and a special taskforce. Acting on intelligence from the The Internet Crimes Against Children (TICAC) unit, officers obtained a court warrant to search a monk’s quarters at a temple in Pong Nam Ron district.

 

The monk, identified as Phra Pracha, admitted to managing secret 18+ groups on Telegram and X, for the past two to three years. Members reportedly paid 100 baht each to join the groups, with payments transferred directly to his personal bank account. In exchange, subscribers gained access to large collections of child sexual abuse material in both photo and video format.

 

During the search, police seized laptops, mobile phones and digital storage devices containing extensive illegal content. Officers were particularly shocked to discover numerous videos depicting the abuse of novice monks. These files are now being treated as critical evidence in the case.

 

Authorities immediately required the monk to leave the monastic order before placing him under custody. He has been charged with several serious offences, including possession, production, distribution, or sale of child pornography in electronic media, profiting from or participating in child exploitation networks and importing child sexual abuse material into computer systems.

 

Investigators stated that the case would be pursued rigorously, with evidence sent for forensic analysis to strengthen prosecution. Police also indicated they would expand the inquiry to identify group members and potential accomplices involved in the network.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A 29-year-old monk in Chanthaburi was arrested for running online groups distributing child sexual abuse material.

• Police seized extensive evidence, including videos of novice monks being abused, from his temple quarters.

• He was defrocked immediately and faces multiple serious charges under child protection and cybercrime laws.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-10-03

 

 

 

 

 

On 10/3/2025 at 10:02 AM, Georgealbert said:

subscribers gained access to large collections of child sexual abuse material in both photo and video format.

Track the subscribers down

Hope they lock him up for good and he gets what he deserves. Sickening. Temples need more strict monitoring. 

 

A rare backhand point, albeit a bit flimsy.

 

He needs taking off the streets and Internet for life.

On 10/3/2025 at 10:02 AM, Georgealbert said:

The operation, codenamed “Temple Sweep,” was led by Pol Maj Gen Phadungsak Raksasuk

 

So the monk had a brush with the law!!

If not drugs...pornographic video's and abuse ! And they get free rides, food, money from local people who are often poor ! When do they finally get a job instead of hanging around and watch Porn !

I wonder if he followed the "one meal a day " code ?

Wow man! Just case after case of serious criminal activity by monks and temples... clearly they are way out of control and completely corrupt. I wouldn't donate 1 baht to these monsters.

This is beyond disgusting . I feel sorry for the true monks who have dedicated their life to what they believe in. Only to be undermined by individual monks who should be locked up for a long, long time. Such so called monks that fly their jets around the world, take drugs and or sell it, and now child pornography! What next?

Lock him up and throw away the key.  

9 minutes ago, cynic1 said:

This is beyond disgusting . I feel sorry for the true monks who have dedicated their life to what they believe in. Only to be undermined by individual monks who should be locked up for a long, long time. Such so called monks that fly their jets around the world, take drugs and or sell it, and now child pornography! What next?

I know a few monks who are doing good things,i just wonder percentage wise how the good would compare to the bad.

Of course no one can be all bad or all good at the same time.

59 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

I wonder if he followed the "one meal a day " code ?

That would depend on his believes,does not look like it but being allowed one meal

does allow them to drink calorie rich drinks all day.

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Track the subscribers down

 

   No, that's not  good idea .

Some people may have signed up unaware of the content . They may have expected info on Buddhism  because he was  Monk and they may not be able to read Thai too good and they might have accidently signed up to the wrong site  .

   As its only 100 Baht to join, they may have not bothered leaving and trying to get their money back 

A former monk involved in child pornography is likely to face a harsh reality in prison—that much is certain and deserves him well..

P.O.S.

 

43 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   No, that's not  good idea .

Some people may have signed up unaware of the content . They may have expected info on Buddhism  because he was  Monk and they may not be able to read Thai too good and they might have accidently signed up to the wrong site  .

   As its only 100 Baht to join, they may have not bothered leaving and trying to get their money back 

They can explain all that to the cops....

42 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   No, that's not  good idea .

Some people may have signed up unaware of the content . They may have expected info on Buddhism  because he was  Monk and they may not be able to read Thai too good and they might have accidently signed up to the wrong site  .

   As its only 100 Baht to join, they may have not bothered leaving and trying to get their money back 

 

Anyone who may have to those excuses you made up can be let go then. The rest who are guilty should be held to account. 

 

Most people in those groups would have sought out such a group.