Thai Woman Arrested for Extortion of Monks Using Explicit Videos

The scandal has reignited discussions on misconduct within Thailand's revered Buddhist monastic community.

Thai police have arrested a woman known as "Ms Golf," who stands accused of engaging in sexual relations with monks and subsequently using photographs and videos from these encounters to demand money from them. Authorities report that she managed to extort at least nine monks, garnering around 385 million baht (approximately $11.9 million) over three years. According to police, a search of her residence revealed over 80,000 explicit images and videos that were reportedly used to blackmail the monks.

The case came to light in mid-June when an abbot in Bangkok left the monkhood abruptly, prompting suspicion. Police revealed that Ms Golf allegedly had a relationship with this monk in May 2024 and later claimed she bore his child, demanding more than seven million baht in child support. Investigations indicated she had adopted a similar approach with multiple monks, transferring large sums of money to her as part of her alleged scheme.

Authorities discovered that nearly all of the extorted funds had been withdrawn, with some allegedly used for online gambling. The police have charged Ms Golf with multiple offenses, including extortion, money laundering, and receipt of stolen goods. In response to the growing concern, the police have established a hotline to facilitate reports of inappropriate monk behavior.

The incident has prompted the Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body of Thai Buddhism, to announce the formation of a special committee aimed at reviewing current monastic regulations. In addition, the government is advocating for stricter penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for monks who violate monastic codes.

King Vajiralongkorn has also taken action by revoking royal titles conferred to 81 monks in June due to these scandals, stating they have deeply affected the Buddhist community. Given that over 90% of Thais identify as Buddhist, these developments have raised alarm among the populace.

Despite historical and repeated scandals within the monastic institution, many argue that real reform remains largely unaddressed. Experts suggest that the strict hierarchy within Buddhist monasticism makes it difficult for junior monks to report inappropriate behavior, as they risk expulsion. Nevertheless, some observers view ongoing police and Sangha investigations as potential catalysts for significant reform within the centuries-old institution.