Monk arrested following alleged inappropriate behavior at Pattaya Temple | Pattaya One - Pattaya News, Thailand News, World News, updated 24 hours a day
Monk arrested following alleged inappropriate behavior at Pattaya Temple
Posted on February 19, 2013 at 12:48 am
On Monday Night a 22 Year old Golf Caddy reported allegations of inappropriate behavior by a Monk at a Temple in the Huay Yai area.
Khun Tippawan aged 22 works as a Golf Caddy at a Pattaya Golf Course and decided to spend a few days at a local Temple with her Mother, where the pair would meditate and contemplate their lives. The pair chose the Tunkgla Temple in Huay Yai and as part of their daily duties they worked in the Temple Kitchen.
On Monday Night as they cleaned bowls and glasses, Khun Tippawan claimed she was approached by one of the monks, Pra Mahatongchai aged 37, who invited her to his room to take part in a ceremony which would reportedly cleanse her soul and bring good luck to her life. She accepted the invitation and informed her mother where she was going. Khun Tippawan returned first to her room and showered and then went to the Monks room where the ceremony began.
The Monk informed her that as a part of the ceremony he would have to touch her. Monks are not permitted to touch a female in any way after they are ordained, but he claimed that for the ceremony this would be okay as long as the pair pray for forgiveness at the conclusion. He also insisted that both of them should be blindfolded.
Khun Tippawan agreed to proceed and was first touched on her back while the Monk chanted. He then asked her to remove her bra which she did and the ceremony continued. She alleges he moved his hands to the front of her body and touched her breasts. The ceremony came to an abrupt conclusion when the monk requested she remove her underwear so the ceremony could continue.
At this point she ran out and informed the Chief Abbot and also reported the incident at Huay Yai Police Station where the monk denied allegations of conducting a lewd act with Khun Tippawan.
Due to the seriousness of the allegations, the Monk was arrested and charged but paid 50,000 Baht Bail to avoid incarceration. The case will now go to Court.