Beating at the temple – husband and wife set to face serious child abuse charges

A husband and wife in Panat Nikhom, Chonburi are set to face assault and child abuse charges following the beating incident at Wat Thung Hiang at the weekend.

Two boys were beaten in front of other children then tied to a tree in the temple grounds after they were allegedly caught stealing 200 baht from some elders. The boys suffered bruising in the sustained assault, reported Daily News.

Yesterday 60 locals marched and gathered at the temple to call for action from the police for excessive punishment against the boys.

Sangwal Wanphirun, 64, told the gathering that she intervened and stopped the assault after seeing “Ta Yong” and his wife “Nang Nee” attack the boys.

The couple told those watching that this is a warning to others of what would happen if you steal.

Local mayor Nopalit Sermsaksasithorn spoke on behalf of the abbot Phra Mongkhon Moli who didn’t want to get involved. Nopalit advised the angry crowd to go to the police and watchdog Damrongtham.

But Chonburi social services soon swung into action and took the two boys to the Panat Nikom cops to make a complaint.

Police have summonsed the couple to face charges of assault, child abuse and illegal detention. If they don’t appear they will be arrested.

The children have been temporarily taken into care at a Bang Lamung children’s home.

Thai Visa / Daily News

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