The Crime Suppression Division has arrested "Uncle Sanom," the mortician of a famous Ang Thong temple, after tracking him down while he was hiding at a disciple's home in Phrae Province. He faces 7 arrest warrants and admits to the acts but denies coercion.
On 2 Mar 2024 GMT+7, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phatthanasak Bubphasuwan, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, ordered Pol. Col. Netiwit Thanasitnitikul, Superintendent of Division 2, to lead officers from the Division 2 task force to arrest Mr. Sanom Piobang, 82, under seven Criminal Court warrants for charges including "indecent acts in public, mental harassment causing another to act or refrain from acting, and using objects or items to violate genitalia." Officers also seized ritual rattles and a ritual knife used in the offenses. The arrest took place at his residence in Song District, Phrae Province.
Previously, several female victims filed complaints with Pol. Maj. Gen. Jarunkiat Pangkaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Crime Suppression Division, alleging that Mr. Sanom, a mortician at a temple in Wiset Chai Chan District, Ang Thong Province, molested them during a sacred water bathing ceremony to remove black magic, using a ritual knife, rattles, and hands to touch and fondle their bodies and genitalia.
After receiving the complaints, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jarunkiat ordered Crime Suppression officers to investigate and interview the female victims. They gathered credible evidence supporting the allegations and obtained arrest warrants from the court. Upon learning of the imminent arrest, Mr. Sanom fled and hid with relatives and disciples in Song District, Phrae Province. Officers from Division 2 promptly apprehended him and seized the ritual rattles and knife used in the offenses.
During interrogation, Mr. Sanom admitted to committing the indecent acts but denied using weapons or the ritual knife to threaten or force the victims to comply or refrain from resisting. Authorities remain skeptical and have forwarded him to the Division 2 prosecutor to proceed with legal action.
