Monk arrested for sexually assulting seven year old niece

Thai police today arrested a monk in his monastic residence in Buriram for allegedly raping his seven year old niece and subsequently fleeing to the northeastern region of Thailand.

Police Lieutenant General Titi Saengsawang ordered the arrest of a 57 year old monk, Nookun, today, July 12, who was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Sisaket Provincial Court on May 28. The charges included rape of a minor under 13 years old, threats of violence and inappropriate behaviour towards a child under 15 years old.

The victim’s relatives reported the incident to the police on December 19, last year. They detailed that Nookun, the new husband of the child’s grandmother, lured the young girl with snacks and mobile games before raping her around 12.30pm on November 23.

The assault occurred in a bedroom, and Nookun recorded the act. The victim’s guardian discovered the footage, which prompted them to file a complaint.

Investigations revealed that after committing the crime, Nookun fled and became a monk, adopting the name “Phra Nookun” and travelling through northeastern Thailand. Following a thorough investigation, the police tracked him to a monastic residence in Krasang, Satuek district, Buriram, where he was subsequently arrested.

Upon his arrest, the monk confessed to the allegations. He admitted to raping his niece, claiming that he was intoxicated at the time. He acknowledged his habitual drinking, which he said led to sexual urges. Realising that the victim had reported the crime, he decided to become a monk to evade arrest.

Following his confession, Nookun was transferred to Prang Ku Police Station in Sisaket province to face legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.

In similar news, a 65 year old man was arrested for the molestation of a mentally impaired woman, he denied any wrongdoing, claiming he didn’t know about her condition despite living nearby. However, the suspect admitted to inappropriate contact.