Police in Thailand have arrested a cult leader whose followers allegedly worshipped corpses and consumed bodily fluids after 11 bodies were found during a raid.
Supporters of Thawee Nanra screamed and jostled with officers as the bearded, shirtless white-haired man was led to a police vehicle at his home deep in a jungle in Chaiyaphum province.
Police said they found 11 corpses on the 75-year-old's premises and local media said they were believed to be the bodies of his followers.
Provincial Governor Kraisorn Kongchalad said Thawee had at least a dozen followers living with him and that coffins containing bodies were scattered around the house.
Devotees are said to have told authorities that the leader's urine and phlegm were believed to be cures for diseases.
Mr Kraisorn said he was shocked to learn such practices still went on in the modern age.
"It's quite disturbing to see that there are people who believe in such superstition," he said.
"But this is not only about a personal belief anymore. We have dead bodies, and we will have to work with all agencies to establish facts surrounding these individuals."
While Thailand's population is overwhelmingly Buddhist, many people hold beliefs outside the religion, including the worship of local spirits and fear of ghosts.
Authorities believe the group existed for more than four years without anyone noticing because the location of the leader's house was in a remote forest area, far from other communities.
But their anonymity ended swiftly after a daughter of one of the followers complained to a social media celebrity who seeks to expose unscrupulous religious figures.
Thawee was initially charged with encroaching on a forest area - as his house is allegedly on public land - and illegal gatherings prohibited under COVID laws.
Police say they are looking into other charges, including the unlawful disposal of bodies.
He was denied bail on Monday, according to local media.
Latest Stories
-
George Twum-Barimah-Adu pledges inclusive cabinet with Minority and Majority leaders
23 mins -
Labourer jailed 5 years for inflicting cutlass wounds on businessman
24 mins -
Parliament urged to fast-track passage of Road Traffic Amendment Bill
25 mins -
Mr Daniel Kofi Asante aka Electrician
25 mins -
Minerals Commission, Solidaridad unveils forum to tackle child labour in mining sector
30 mins -
Election 2024: Engagement with security services productive – NDC
32 mins -
Retain NPP for the good of Ghana – Rebecca Akufo-Addo
32 mins -
‘Let’s work together to improve sanitation, promote health outcome’ – Sector Minister urges
33 mins -
Ellembelle MP cuts sod for six-unit classroom block at Nkroful Agric SHS
36 mins -
‘I’ll beat the hell out of you if you misbehave on December 7’ – Achiase Commanding Officer
39 mins -
AFPNC leads the charge on World Prematurity Day 2024
44 mins -
Court remands unemployed man over theft of ECG property
51 mins -
Election security rests solely with the police – Central Regional Police Command
53 mins -
NCCE engages political youth activists at Kumbungu on tolerance
53 mins -
‘In Mahama’s era students lacked chalk, but are now receiving tablets’ – Bawumia
1 hour