Singer Keng Anucha Opens Up About Shocking Experience at Famous Temple Ritual Where He Was Ordered to Remove All Clothes
Singer Keng Anucha disclosed a decade-old experience where a temple ritual master ordered him to remove his clothes and marked his body, revealing a pattern of controversial practices at Thai temples. He called for dialogue over judgment re
Following intense public scrutiny over a controversial 'karma-clearing' ritual in Pa Sang district, Lamphun province, where a victim reported being subjected to inappropriate conduct by a well-known ritual master, singer Keng Anucha shared his personal account at the Bangkok Pride Festival 2026 press conference at The Sukosol Hotel in Bangkok. Approximately 10 years ago, he participated in a similar ritual at a different temple where he was instructed to remove all his clothes. He described how the experience happened quickly, and due to his faith at the time, he didn't question it, though he now recognizes he may have been victimized.
Addressing the broader controversy involving the Muslim LGBTQ+ man who had his head shaved, Keng emphasized that both perspectives have valid reasons and emotions behind them. He advocated for society to engage in understanding-based dialogue rather than judgment, noting that both religion and sexual identity are globally sensitive issues. He stressed the importance of approaching such matters from multiple perspectives, as they could be viewed through either a gender lens or a religious lens, with both being sensitive topics that require the most clarification possible.
Keng recounted his own experience in detail, explaining how he was called into a room at a temple during a visit to pay respects to a Buddha image. He was told to undress completely, and the ritual master used a writing pen—not an ordinary pen but one with a special wooden handle—to mark his body with written characters. He acknowledged feeling embarrassed and shocked, noting that when he exited, the ritual master acted as if nothing had happened. Despite his discomfort, he chose to move past it since it had already occurred.
Regarding the recent Muslim man incident, Keng expressed understanding for all parties involved, emphasizing that different perspectives don't necessarily represent broader conflicts between LGBTQ+ communities and religion. He stressed this was an individual case requiring dialogue and resolution, urging that both religion and gender identity being global issues necessitates the utmost clarity and understanding to prevent the situation from escalating further.
