A fake spirit medium was arrested for allegedly molesting dozens of young boys in Thailand.

Chindanai Jomeswand, 25, reportedly posed as an upstanding religious volunteer frequently seen during Buddhist ceremonies in Pattani province.

He was said to have taken advantage of the male youths who looked up to him, inviting them for one-on-one meditation lessons 'to enhance their charisma' before then sexually assaulting them. He also allegedly bought them gifts, then made video calls asking them to show their private parts.

The suspected paedophile was detained by police after furious parents lodged a complaint at the Mueang Pattani Police Station on Wednesday afternoon.

Police Colonel Jeffrey Saimankun, superintendent of Pattani Police Station, said: ‘Currently, the inquiry officer is questioning the victims and witnesses, as well as collecting evidence.

‘We will provide strict protection to the witnesses and victims in accordance with legal procedures.

‘The provincial authorities have arranged compensation and will pursue legal action to the fullest extent.'

Authorities said 13 boys have come forward so far, but believe Chindanai had molested more than 30 victims aged 12 to 15 years old.

The bogus shaman reportedly gained the trust of the locals, including parents, because he appeared 'mature' and was often seen participating in religious events in the community.

Wilai Chaprasan, the guardian of two of the boys, said: 'The incident occurred last month while the children were participating in a meditation training program in Pattani City District.

'The perpetrator used his position as a 'senior' at the camp and his status as a spirit medium to gain credibility. He then tricked the boys into entering a room and separating them from the group, claiming he would train them in advanced meditation and perform individual ceremonies.'

Chindanai was said to have performed oral sex on one boy, who later fled the scene still in shock. The youngster refused to return to the camp but kept silent about the incident.

Wilai added: 'Some children know the story but are afraid to tell anyone for fear of being harmed or accused of lying.'

Napachkamol Sangkaew of the Be One Foundation said the case came to light when a parent approached the organisation to seek help.

She said: 'Some parents didn't even know it had happened. The families are devastated. None of them expected their children to be harmed.'

Police urged parents who suspect their sons have been molested to call the authorities to give a statement.