Thai police have apprehended a woman identified as "Ms Golf" for allegedly engaging in sexual acts with monks and subsequently blackmailing them with explicit photos and videos. Reports state that she extorted around 385 million baht (approximately $11.9 million; £8.8 million) from at least nine monks over a span of three years. During a press briefing on Tuesday, police revealed that when they searched her residence, they uncovered more than 80,000 incriminating photos and videos employed for her extortion schemes.
This situation adds to the recent controversies surrounding Thailand's cherished Buddhist institution, which has faced accusations of monk misconduct, including sex offenses and drug trafficking. The scandal first came to light in mid-June when an abbot in Bangkok left the monastic life after becoming a target of Ms Golf's extortion.
According to investigators, Ms Golf claimed she had a child with one of the monks and demanded child support exceeding seven million baht. It was later discovered that numerous other monks also fell victim to her scheme, which primarily involved transferring money to her, now identified as her "modus operandi." Authorities have noted that almost all of the funds had been withdrawn, with some reportedly being utilized for online gambling activities.
Charges against Ms Golf include extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen property. The police have initiated a hotline to receive reports about monk misconduct, indicating an ongoing concern regarding the integrity of the monastic community.
In response to this debacle, the Sangha Supreme Council—a governing body within Thai Buddhism—has announced plans to establish a special committee aimed at re-evaluating monastic regulations. Additionally, the Thai government is advocating for more stringent punishments, including severe fines and jail time, for monks who violate monastic codes.
This week, King Vajiralongkorn rescinded a royal decree that had awarded elevated titles to 81 monks due to the spate of misconduct instances, emphasizing the detrimental impact these cases have had on the Buddhist community's sentiments.
Buddhism is practiced by over 90% of Thailand's population, and its monks are held in high esteem. Traditionally, many Thai men choose to temporarily ordain as monks for spiritual merit. However, the institution has been marred by past scandals, including high-profile cases of monks engaging in fraud and drug offenses. Critics argue that little reform has occurred despite persistent issues of accountability and discipline within the Thai Sangha.
Religious scholar Suraphot Thaweesak pointed to the authoritarian structure of the monastic hierarchy as a barrier to addressing misconduct. "Junior monks fear losing their place if they voice concerns about senior monks," he stated.
Yet some scholars anticipate that the ongoing investigations may herald necessary institutional reform. Sociologist Prakirati Satasut noted that "uncovering the truth is imperative for restoring public trust in the Sangha," suggesting that the Supreme Sangha Council may need to take significant action to salvage the organization.
