In a scandal that has rocked Thailand's revered Buddhist institution, police arrested a woman known as "Ms. Golf" for allegedly engaging in sexual relations with at least nine monks, followed by extorting substantial sums from them. The woman reportedly amassed around 385 million baht ($11.9 million) over the span of three years, leveraging a collection of over 80,000 photos and videos to blackmail her victims, according to a police press conference on Tuesday.
Authorities first became aware of Ms. Golf's activities in mid-June, following the abrupt departure of a Bangkok abbot from the monkhood due to her extortion. Police revealed that Ms. Golf encountered the monk in May 2024, later claiming to have his child and demanding over seven million baht in child support. This modus operandi, they noted, had led to similar allegations from other monks who had also transferred money to her.
Upon investigating Ms. Golf's residence earlier this month, officials confiscated her mobile devices, uncovering a massive cache of manipulable material. Denounced under multiple charges, including extortion and money laundering, her case has ignited renewed scrutiny over the integrity of the monastic community.
In light of these events, the Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body for Thai Buddhism, announced plans to form a committee aimed at reviewing monastic regulations. Additionally, the Thai government is advocating for stricter penalties for monks who breach their sacred codes of conduct. This week, King Vajiralongkorn formally revoked honorary titles from 81 monks, citing the distress caused to the faithful by these scandals.
In a country where over 90% of the population practice Buddhism, the actions of monks—typically viewed with deep respect—have come under fire due to a string of scandals, including past cases of sexual misconduct and drug trafficking. Critics argue that despite ongoing scandals, significant reforms within the centuries-old institution remain elusive, hampered by a hierarchical system that discourages accountability.
Experts suggest that the current investigations could foster the necessary changes to fortify the integrity of the Sangha. "Verifying the truth is essential to restore public confidence in the institution," said Prakirati Satasut, a sociology scholar at Thammasat University in Bangkok, underscoring the importance of transparent reform.
Authorities first became aware of Ms. Golf's activities in mid-June, following the abrupt departure of a Bangkok abbot from the monkhood due to her extortion. Police revealed that Ms. Golf encountered the monk in May 2024, later claiming to have his child and demanding over seven million baht in child support. This modus operandi, they noted, had led to similar allegations from other monks who had also transferred money to her.
Upon investigating Ms. Golf's residence earlier this month, officials confiscated her mobile devices, uncovering a massive cache of manipulable material. Denounced under multiple charges, including extortion and money laundering, her case has ignited renewed scrutiny over the integrity of the monastic community.
In light of these events, the Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body for Thai Buddhism, announced plans to form a committee aimed at reviewing monastic regulations. Additionally, the Thai government is advocating for stricter penalties for monks who breach their sacred codes of conduct. This week, King Vajiralongkorn formally revoked honorary titles from 81 monks, citing the distress caused to the faithful by these scandals.
In a country where over 90% of the population practice Buddhism, the actions of monks—typically viewed with deep respect—have come under fire due to a string of scandals, including past cases of sexual misconduct and drug trafficking. Critics argue that despite ongoing scandals, significant reforms within the centuries-old institution remain elusive, hampered by a hierarchical system that discourages accountability.
Experts suggest that the current investigations could foster the necessary changes to fortify the integrity of the Sangha. "Verifying the truth is essential to restore public confidence in the institution," said Prakirati Satasut, a sociology scholar at Thammasat University in Bangkok, underscoring the importance of transparent reform.
