Top Child Rights Activist Ton Ao Rescues Two Disabled Brothers Allegedly Abused by Temple Abbot

On February 13th, Chalidа Phalamаt, president of the One Foundation (Ton Ao), was alerted about two brothers with disabilities being mistreated at a temple in Sank Buri District, Chai Nat Province. The younger brother, 8 years old, has developmental issues with weakening limbs, while the 11-year-old older brother has muscle weakness and developmental problems, previously assessed as disabled. Their mother had entrusted them to the temple abbot, who is a relative, due to financial and health challenges. The children's grandmother discovered physical injuries during a visit, with temple children reporting frequent abuse. The abbot allegedly chained the younger child outside the monks' quarters overnight and would beat him in the middle of the night, particularly after the child stole 8 baht to go to school. At 3:30 PM, Ton Ao arrived with local authorities, finding the children in a depleted state with multiple wounds. The abbot was away in Nakhon Sawan Province. Local authorities will investigate the case, ensuring fairness and providing care through child protection services.