Thai Woman Accused of Extorting Monks with Sexual Videos

The arrest of a woman accused of blackmailing monks with sexual videos has sparked renewed scrutiny of Thailand's Buddhist institution. Dubbed "Ms Golf," she reportedly extorted around 385 million baht ($11.9 million) using over 80,000 explicit materials. This scandal follows a series of misconduct issues within the clergy and has led authorities to push for tighter regulations and reform.

Thai police have arrested a woman named "Ms Golf" who is accused of extorting significant sums of money from monks after engaging in sexual relations with them. According to police reports unveiled in a press conference, Ms Golf is suspected of having sexual encounters with at least nine monks, accumulating approximately 385 million baht (around $11.9 million) over a three-year period.

During a search of her residence, authorities discovered over 80,000 explicit photos and videos purportedly used to blackmail the monks, shedding light on her alleged modus operandi. The scandal surfaced in mid-June when police were informed that an abbot in Bangkok had abruptly stepped down from his position after being extorted by Ms Golf.

Police revealed that she initially claimed to be the mother of his child, subsequently demanding child support exceeding seven million baht. Investigations disclosed that a pattern emerged, indicating that numerous monks had fallen victim to similar extortion tactics, with funds being withdrawn extensively and some being utilized for online gambling.

Charges against Ms Golf include extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen property. In response to the emerging crisis, officials have established a hotline for reporting misconduct among monks. The scandal has prompted the Sangha Supreme Council—the governing body overseeing Thai Buddhism—to initiate a special committee aimed at reviewing monastic regulations.

In light of these allegations, the Thai government is advocating for stricter penalties, including fines and incarceration, for monks who violate monastic codes of conduct. Recently, King Vajiralongkorn revoked titles from 81 monks due to misconduct issues that, according to him, have caused considerable distress among Buddhists.

Monks hold a high position in Thai society, with over 90% of the population identifying as Buddhist. However, the clergy has faced numerous scandals over recent years. The case of Wirapol Sukphol, a monk charged with sex offences and fraud in 2017, and the arrests of several monks in a drug raid in 2022 exemplify ongoing issues within the monastic community.

Despite historical criticisms of accountability within the Thai Sangha, some individuals see the current investigations as a potential pathway for essential reforms. Religious scholar Suraphot Thaweesak highlights the challenges posed by an authoritarian hierarchy within the monastic system that discourages open dialogue about misconduct. Meanwhile, scholars like Prakirati Satasut underline the importance of revealing truths to restore public trust in the institution.