Police Colonel Pathak Khwanna, Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, revealed that after questioning "Saphera Sonom," the suspect denied the charges, claiming the victims consented. Seven victims have filed complaints so far. Police believe many more victims exist but have not yet dared to report.
The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) arrested Mr. Sonom Piwbang, known as "Saphera Sonom," an 81-year-old famous coffin bearer from Ang Thong province, after he fled to Phrae province on 2 March. He was accused by a group of victims of molestation during ritual holy water bathing ceremonies intended to break black magic spells.
At 10:00 a.m. on 3 March 2026 at the Central Investigation Bureau reporting center, Police Colonel Pathak Khwanna, Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, stated that initially, during questioning, Saphera Sonom continues to deny the charges. He admits to the acts against the victims but claims the victims consented. During the interrogation, Sonom showed signs of stress.
Upon arrest at a disciple's house in Phrae province, police seized ritual knives and rattles used by Saphera Sonom in ceremonies. He allegedly used these items to physically violate victims, causing fear of harm and preventing resistance. Currently, seven victims have filed complaints, and seven arrest warrants have been issued. Charges include molestation of persons over 15 years old in public, using force, and employing objects to violate others' genitalia on separate occasions. Police believe many more victims exist but have not come forward. Authorities encourage any other victims to report, assuring confidentiality.
The Deputy Commander acknowledged that the ritual knives and rattles seized may have been cleaned, as the incidents are not recent. This might prevent DNA testing to match victims. However, police remain confident in the evidence, supported by victims' testimonies and multiple witnesses. Additional questioning is scheduled, and preparations are underway to present the suspect for detention at the Criminal Court on 4 March, opposing bail.
Regarding whether Saphera Sonom's wife is involved, this depends on evidence and victim testimonies indicating whether she participated or merely lived with him as a spouse. Should evidence connect any individuals, police will prosecute them all.
The Deputy Commander also stated that regarding the infant bodies used in rituals and buried at a cemetery in Ang Thong province, it is believed many infant bodies exist, as the establishment has operated for 46 years. The Crime Suppression Division will coordinate with Wiset Chai Chan Police Station in Ang Thong province to proceed. If investigators find any evidence useful for an ongoing molestation case involving a reporter at Wiset Chai Chan Police Station, the CSD is ready to provide supporting evidence.
Regarding progress at Wiset Chai Chan Police Station, Police Colonel Patthanan Songsomthawin, Chief of Wiset Chai Chan Police Station, said they are coordinating with relatives of the infants used in rituals to collect DNA samples for comparison with the bodies. The process is expected to take 15 days, from 1 to 15 March 2026. So far, three relatives have contacted police, with two infant bodies already identified and returned. If no further relatives come forward to reclaim bodies for religious ceremonies, police and the Ang Thong Provincial Buddhist Office plan to clear the cemetery, conduct a major merit-making ceremony to dedicate merit to the infants buried there, tentatively scheduled for late March.