Authorities arrest a woman in Thailand who reportedly blackmailed monks after sexual encounters, sparking heated discussions on the need for reform within the Buddhist institution amidst ongoing misconduct allegations.
Monastic Scandal: Thai Woman Arrested for Blackmailing Buddhist Monks
Monastic Scandal: Thai Woman Arrested for Blackmailing Buddhist Monks
A shocking scandal unfolds in Thailand as a woman allegedly extorts millions from monks using compromising materials.
Thai police have taken action against a woman involved in a scandal that underscores a wider issue of misconduct within Thailand's revered Buddhist monks. The woman, identified as "Ms Golf," allegedly engaged in sexual relationships with at least nine monks and subsequently blackmailed them with photographs and videos, demanding money to keep the incidents under wraps. Investigations suggest she extorted a staggering 385 million baht (approximately $11.9 million or £8.8 million) over three years.
The case first surfaced when an abbot vacated his monastic duties after falling victim to Ms Golf's extortion tactics. Police reported that she claimed to have had the monk's child, demanding over seven million baht in child support, illuminating a pattern of manipulation that was replicated across several cases involving different monks.
During a recent raid at Ms Golf’s residence, investigators uncovered an alarming 80,000 explicit materials she allegedly used for blackmail. Charges against her include extortion, money laundering, and possession of stolen property. In response, the police have launched a hotline for reporting monks involved in misbehaviors.
In the wake of the scandal, the Sangha Supreme Council announced plans to form a dedicated committee tasked with reassessing monastic disciplines. The Thai government is advocating for more severe legal repercussions for monks in violation of their spiritual codes as public sentiment swells against these transgressions.
Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn also acted to revoke honors previously conferred upon 81 monks due to these disgraceful allegations that he characterized as causing significant distress to the Buddhist community.
With over 90% of the Thai population identifying as Buddhist, the misconduct of monks resonates emotionally across the country. Historical instances of scandal, such as the arrest of monk Wirapol Sukphol for various crimes in 2017 and the disrobed monks from Phetchabun in 2022 due to drug offenses, have sparked discussions on the urgent need for reform within the centuries-old monastic institution.
Experts highlight an authoritarian structure within the monastic hierarchy that impedes accountability, suggesting these recent investigations could catalyze essential reforms. As scholar Prakirati Satasut poignantly noted, the pursuit of truth in these matters could be crucial for restoring public trust in the Sangha. “It remains to be seen if the Supreme Sangha Council is willing to make substantial changes to protect their institution,” she stated.
