Foetuses found at temple

THAI police investigating a strong smell emanating from a Buddhist temple have found more than 2,000 foetuses hidden in the complex’s morgue that appear to have come from illegal abortion clinics.

During an initial investigation at the temple in Bangkok on Tuesday, police discovered piles of plastic bags containing more than 300 foetuses. Police Lt Col. Kanathud Musiganont said workers pulled more bodies from the temple’s morgue yesterday.

More than 2,000 have been unearthed from vaults where bodies are traditionally interred pending cremation, which under some circumstances can take place years after death.

Abortion is illegal in Thailand except under three conditions.

Several people have already been arrested in the case: two undertakers for hiding bodies to conceal the cause of death and an abortion clinic employee on charges of operating an unlicensed medical clinic and performing abortions.