Thai Woman Arrested for Extorting Monks with Explicit Videos
A scandal involving a woman blackmailing monks with compromising footage has erupted in Thailand, raising serious concerns over the behavior of Buddhist clergy.
Thai police have apprehended a woman known as "Ms Golf," accused of engaging in sexual relationships with multiple monks and using explicit photos and videos to extort substantial amounts of money from them. Authorities claim she extorted approximately 385 million baht (around $11.9 million) over three years. Following a tip-off regarding the misconduct of an abbot, investigators uncovered her alleged operations, which included maintaining a substantial collection of 80,000 incriminating images on her devices. As investigations progressed, it was revealed that Ms. Golf's tactics involved claiming to have given birth to a monk's child and demanding exorbitant child support payments. The ongoing investigations have spurred the Sangha Supreme Council to initiate a review of monastic regulations, responding to widespread public outrage over the behavior of some members of the clergy.
With the Buddhist community in Thailand, where over 90% of the population identifies as Buddhist, demanding accountability, this incident has amplified discussions on the need for reform within the centuries-old institution, which has encountered various scandals in recent years.
The new focus on oversight aims to restore public trust in Thailand’s revered Buddhist monks, while examination of the strict hierarchical structure may expose further misbehaviors within the ranks.
