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Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
National
PIYARAT CHONGCHAROEN

Abbot accused of abusing boy, 13

Phra Khru Sangkharakwinai Inthawinyo (centre), 51, abbot of Wat Intharam in Tha Muang district of Kanchanaburi at a meeting on Tuesday with local monks, residents and officials, where he was accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old novice. Phra Natthee Sirijantho, who reportedly rescued the young victim, sits beside him to his right. (Photo by Piyarat Chongcharoen)

KANCHANABURI: A 51-year-old abbot is accused of detaining a 13-year-old for several days, forcing the boy to give him massages with a "happy ending".

The father took his boy to the police station on Tuesday.

They alleged that Phra Khru Sangkharakwinai Inthawinyo, abbot of Wat Intharam, at one stage detained the novice inside his residence for five days and forced the boy to fellate him every day.

The man said his son was ordained in July and had since stayed at the temple. The boy informed his  family of the sexual abuse early last month.

The novice first phoned his aunt for help in getting a transfer to another temple. After questioning, the boy told her what happened. The father said he told his son to be patient and gather evidence to support a legal complaint. The evidence included messages the abbot allegedly sent to the boy.

The novice, identifying himself only as Nat, said the abbot had often called him to his residence and ordered him to massage and then fellate him. At one stage he was detained in the residence for five days. The abbot allegedly intimidated the boy into staying, saying he had a gun.

After the phone calls for help, a local monk rescued him from the abbot's residence, and was then assaulted by the abbot, the novice said.

The abbot denied the accusations.


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