Ex-Monk Charged With Animal Cruelty After Beating Temple Puppy
A 38-year-old former monk in Nakhon Sawan has been charged with animal cruelty after admitting to beating a four-month-old puppy with a bamboo stick at a temple, with police investigating multiple incidents captured on surveillance video.
NAKHON SAWAN — 11 July 2026, Police have charged a former monk in Nakhon Sawan after he admitted striking a four-month-old Bangkaew puppy at a temple, following public outrage over surveillance footage that allegedly showed repeated incidents of animal abuse.
The case began after videos circulated widely on social media showing a monk using a stick to beat a dog at Wat Khao Kaeo in Phayuha Khiri district. The footage sparked widespread criticism and prompted the Watchdog Thailand Foundation to work with police and local authorities to investigate.
On 10 July, the acting abbot ordered the monk to leave the monkhood within 24 hours and vacate the temple.
Police, administrative officials and representatives from Watchdog Thailand returned to the temple on 11 July to question the suspect, who has since been identified as former monk Kanchanasin, 38.
The suspect admitted hitting the puppy, named Hong, with a small bamboo stick but insisted he was disciplining the animal after it defecated on his bedding and denied intending to abuse it.
Despite the explanation, the Watchdog Thailand Foundation filed a complaint alleging animal cruelty. The foundation removed Hong, along with several other dogs and cats from the temple, so veterinarians could examine them for injuries. The examination results will be submitted as evidence in the case.
Investigators said the suspect also admitted having previous convictions for assault and drug-related offences.
Several monks at the temple told reporters that the former monk had lived at the temple for more than a year and allegedly displayed aggressive and unpredictable behaviour. They claimed he often rescued stray dogs and cats but later abused them.
They also alleged that surveillance cameras captured multiple incidents of animal abuse, including one video showing a dog allegedly beaten to death. Police said they are examining nine video clips as part of the investigation.
Watchdog Thailand said Hong appeared extremely fearful of people and was showing signs of an injury to its right hind leg, leading volunteers to believe the puppy may have been abused repeatedly.
The foundation said it plans to assume ownership of the rescued animals and arrange permanent homes for them after legal procedures are completed.
Police said they are continuing to gather veterinary reports, video evidence and witness statements before proceeding under Thailand's Animal Cruelty Prevention and Animal Welfare Act and other relevant laws.
