Monk charged with rape at Buriram meditation retreat
Rape charges have been filed against a 59 year old monk, Wichai, following allegations of sexual assault on a woman attending a meditation retreat at his monastery in Buriram. The charges were lodged yesterday, January 18, at the Nong Song Hong police station by Chalida Palamat, chair of the Be One Foundation, who accompanied the 38 year old foreign woman, referred to as A.
The incident reportedly took place on the night of January 15 during a retreat at the Saeng Tham Garden monastery in Mueang district. The woman had travelled to the monastery after viewing social media clips that depicted participants achieving enlightenment.
She had been in contact with Wichai, who invited her to stay at the monastery free of charge to overcome her suffering. Arriving in Buriram on January 13, to stay for two months, she was without her husband, who remained in Pattaya.
According to the woman, Wichai entered her sleeping quarters on the night of January 15 and assaulted her. She stated that she did not resist, fearing he might be armed.
The following day, she confided in a nun about the incident and recorded a conversation in which Wichai allegedly offered her 8,000 baht (US$230) to stay, urging her to stay because of love.
Chalida revealed that an investigation into Wichai’s Facebook account showed pictures of him with luxury cars and inviting people to join his retreats. This raised concerns that the monastery was a front for luring women into assault or financial fraud, reported Bangkok Post.
In response to the allegations, senior members of the Buddhist clergy in Buri Ram have expelled Wichai from the monkhood. Police have also ordered the closure of the meditation centre, halting all religious teachings and fundraising activities. Investigations into further allegations related to the case are ongoing.
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