BANGKOK - For a long time in 2010, Mr Supote Leangbamrong had to endure a stench at Wat Phai Ngern temple in Bangkok where he built pagodas.
The smell wafted from the temple's mortuary, just metres away from his rest area, whenever the door was open.
One day, he decided to take a closer look.
"I saw something spill out (in the mortuary). I went over to check, and that's when I saw many plastic bags full of swollen and rotten remains. Some bags had burst, resulting in the foul smell," said the 68-year-old.
He knew instantly that the plastic bags contained dead foetuses.
He later saw one of the workers putting more of such bags into the containers used to store bodies before cremation.
"I didn't say anything because I was afraid that the temple worker would lose his job, and it would become a criminal case," he told The Straits Times in the second episode of the True Crimes of Asia podcast series.
Mr Supote, who has worked at the temple for over three decades, also did not want to tarnish its name.
But the gruesome secret could not be contained.
One day in November 2010, a stray dog wandered into the temple's marketplace with a plastic bag in its mouth. The foul smell caught the attention of some devotees who discovered the bag's gruesome contents and called the police.
Investigations exposed shocking details of the "foetus mortuary" and the underground industry for abortions in Thailand, where the procedure was illegal, with few exceptions such as in the case of rape.
The discovery marked a turning point for Thai society, where the authorities could no longer ignore the fact that women were turning to illegal and unsafe abortions as a result of the strict laws.
この記事は The Straits Times の May 23, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Straits Times の May 23, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Ong Ye Kung calls for more Malay participation in Healthier SG
Healthier SG has been a success since the preventive care initiative was launched in July 2023, with close to 890,000 participants to date, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung as he encouraged greater involvement by the Malay community.
Fire insurance for some US homes soars to $270k due to climate change
Mr Peter Mac was closing the sale of a home in the Hollywood Hills, a four-bedroom, five-bath estate with an infinity pool perched above the lights of Los Angeles.
SIA launching foundation to help students in need, grow aviation industry
To help people and communities in need and spur growth in Singapore's aviation industry, national carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be launching the Singapore Airlines Foundation.
FROM CELL TO A SWELL 66
After arrest for felony assault, Scheffler calmly shoots to T4 at PGA C’ship
CITY ON THE BRINK OF NEW DOMINANCE
Guardiola’s men will seal a historic fourth straight EPL title with win over Hammers
Golfers back 'Free Scottie' movement after 'wild' arrest
Long described as a level-headed, wholesome family man whose dominance in golf bordered on boring, Scottie Scheffler now has a mugshot in an orange jumpsuit and a scheduled arraignment on his resume.
KLOPP EXIT TO CAP 'MOST INTENSE WEEK'
He leads Reds out for the last time against Wolves with his Liverpool legacy secured
Pacers force Game 7 as hosts prevail again
The Indiana Pacers produced another big win on their home court on May 17, routing the New York Knicks 116-103 to force a decisive Game 7 in their National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference semi-final, play-off series.
A FESTIVAL FOR URBAN SPORTS
SportSG hopes inaugural 10-day event will rally the masses and become an Asian fixture
LIM'S KOSCIUSZKO THE BEST BY TWO MILES
Nothing can stop Meagher’s champion as he equals Rocket Man’s 20-win record