Thai authorities have arrested a woman for extorting money from monks using sexual videos, resulting in scrutiny over the Buddhist institution's governance. The investigation revealed over 80,000 compromising materials and prompted calls for reform within the monastic community.
Thai Woman Accused of Extorting Monks in Controversial Scandal
Thai Woman Accused of Extorting Monks in Controversial Scandal
A woman, referred to as "Ms Golf," has been arrested for allegedly blackmailing Thai monks with explicit content, leading to a significant financial scandal within the Buddhist community.
In a shocking development, Thai police arrested a woman implicated in the extortion of numerous monks, a case that has raised concerns about misconduct within the esteemed Buddhist community. Identified only as "Ms Golf," she has allegedly been involved in sexual relations with at least nine monks, subsequently using explicit photos and videos to demand large sums of money.
Authorities disclosed during a press briefing that Ms Golf aimed to extract around 385 million baht ($11.9 million) from her victims over the past three years. The case first emerged in mid-June when suspicions arose surrounding an abbot in Bangkok who abruptly departs from his monastic role after being extorted. Police later found that Ms Golf not only pursued financial gain but also claimed to have a child with one monk, demanding more than seven million baht in child support.
Investigative measures led police to discover that a significant portion of the money transferred to Ms Golf had been withdrawn and allegedly funneled into online gambling. A house search yielded over 80,000 incriminating photos and videos stored on her devices, pointing to her systematic efforts to pressure the monks into giving her money. Ms Golf faces a slew of criminal charges, including extortion and money laundering.
This incident has further exacerbated the ongoing issues within the Thai Buddhist institution, which has faced allegations of sexual misconduct, drug dealing, and corruption. In response, the Sangha Supreme Council, the authority governing Thai Buddhism, announced plans to create a committee to reevaluate the rules governing monks’ behavior.
Adding to the turmoil, Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn rescinded a royal command that had previously awarded higher titles to 81 monks, citing their misconduct as damaging to the Buddhist community. With over 90% of the population identifying as Buddhist, the implications of this scandal resonate deeply, prompting calls from reform advocates for structural changes within the monastic hierarchy.
Scholars noted that the strict hierarchical nature of the Buddhist institution often stifles dissent, making it challenging for junior monks to report wrongdoing. The current investigations serve as a pivotal opportunity for reformers who hope to restore public confidence in the integrity of the Sangha and its practices.
As the situation develops, the Thai public awaits the outcomes of the police investigation and the Sangha Council's actions, hoping for restoration of integrity within a revered institution currently clouded by controversy.
