By Emmy Tundez
Thai authorities have arrested a woman accused of engaging in sexual activities with Buddhist monks and then using explicit photos and videos to extort money from them.
Identified by police as “Ms Golf,” the woman allegedly had sexual relations with at least nine monks over the past three years. According to a police press conference held on Tuesday, she collected approximately 385 million baht (about $11.9 million USD) through blackmail.
During a recent search of her residence, investigators discovered over 80,000 photos and videos, which police say were used as leverage in her extortion scheme.
The scandal adds to a growing list of controversies shaking Thailand’s Buddhist community, which has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years over allegations involving sex, drugs, and financial misconduct.
The case first came to light in June when a senior monk in Bangkok suddenly left the monkhood, reportedly after being blackmailed by the suspect. Police say Ms Golf had a relationship with the abbot in May 2024 and later claimed she was pregnant, demanding over seven million baht in child support.
Further investigation revealed a pattern: several monks had transferred large sums of money to her under similar circumstances. Police said much of the extorted money had already been withdrawn and partially spent on online gambling.
Ms Golf now faces charges including extortion, money laundering, and possession of stolen property.
In response, authorities have launched a hotline for reporting misconduct by monks. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand’s top Buddhist authority, announced plans to form a special committee to review regulations governing monastic behavior.
Thailand’s government has also proposed tougher penalties—including fines and imprisonment—for monks who violate the religious code.
The scandal prompted King Vajiralongkorn to revoke royal titles previously granted to 81 monks, citing misconduct that has “deeply disturbed” the Buddhist faithful.
With over 90% of Thailand’s population identifying as Buddhist, monks are held in high regard. Many Thai men temporarily ordain as monks to earn spiritual merit.
However, the Buddhist institution has faced repeated scandals in recent years. In 2017, high-profile monk Wirapol Sukphol was charged with sex crimes, fraud, and money laundering. In 2022, a temple in northern Thailand was left empty after all its monks were arrested in a drug raid.
Despite years of public criticism, reform within the monastic community has been slow. Experts point to the hierarchical nature of the Sangha, which discourages whistleblowing and fosters a culture of silence.
“It’s an authoritarian system where senior monks act like high-ranking officials,” said religious scholar Suraphot Thaweesak. “Junior monks often fear repercussions if they speak out.”
Nonetheless, some scholars see the current investigation and increased oversight as a possible turning point.
“What matters is transparency,” said Prakirati Satasut, a sociology lecturer at Thammasat University. “The public needs to see that the Sangha is willing to hold its own accountable—even if that means making painful cuts to preserve the institution’s integrity.”
