Thai police have arrested a woman accused of having sexual relations with monks and extorting them using explicit photos and videos. Identified only as “Ms Golf,” she allegedly targeted at least nine monks and collected nearly 385 million baht ($11.9 million) over three years.
Authorities revealed the scandal during a Tuesday press conference. They said the woman filmed her encounters and later demanded money to prevent the content from leaking. Officers who searched her home discovered over 80,000 digital files used for blackmail.
The case surfaced in mid-June when an abbot in Bangkok abruptly left the monkhood. Police later found that Ms Golf had claimed to be pregnant after their May 2024 relationship and demanded over seven million baht in child support.
Further investigations showed other monks had also sent her large sums. Officials noted that she repeated this extortion strategy multiple times. Financial records revealed that she withdrew most of the funds and spent a significant portion on online gambling.
Ms Golf now faces several charges, including extortion, money laundering, and possession of stolen property. Authorities also opened a hotline for citizens to report monk misconduct.
The scandal has triggered urgent reforms within Thailand’s Buddhist institution. The Sangha Supreme Council, which oversees the clergy, announced a special committee to review monastic regulations. Meanwhile, government officials are pushing for harsher penalties for monks who violate the code of conduct.
Reacting to recent misconduct cases, King Vajiralongkorn revoked a royal order granting higher titles to 81 monks. He said the scandals had “caused Buddhists to suffer greatly in their minds.”
Buddhism remains deeply rooted in Thai culture, with over 90% of the population practicing the faith. Many Thai men choose to temporarily ordain as monks to gain merit. However, the institution has faced a series of scandals in recent years.
Notably, Wirapol Sukphol made headlines in 2017 for sex crimes, fraud, and lavish spending. In 2022, a northern temple lost all its monks after police arrested them in a drug raid.
Experts blame the lack of accountability on the Sangha’s rigid hierarchy. Junior monks rarely challenge senior figures, fearing retaliation. Religious scholar Suraphot Thaweesak compared the structure to Thailand’s civil service, where authority goes unquestioned.
Still, some scholars believe the ongoing investigations signal progress. Prakirati Satasut from Thammasat University emphasized the need for transparency.
“We must expose the truth,” he said. “Only then can the public regain trust in the Sangha. The Council must act boldly to preserve the institution’s integrity.”
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