Thailand’s Buddhist community has been rocked by a shocking scandal after a woman, identified by police as “Ms Golf,” was arrested for blackmailing monks with sexually explicit videos. Authorities say she extorted an estimated 385 million baht ($11.9 million) over the past three years from at least nine monks.
During a press briefing, Thai police revealed that Ms Golf had engaged in sexual relationships with monks and later used intimate videos and photos to demand money. A raid on her residence uncovered over 80,000 images and videos used for blackmail. Her arrest follows an investigation that began in June, after an abbot in Bangkok abruptly left the monkhood following extortion threats from her.
According to police, Ms Golf’s method was to establish a sexual relationship with a monk, then claim she was pregnant and demand large sums of money. One monk reportedly paid more than seven million baht under pressure. Authorities say many of the extorted funds were later spent on online gambling.
Ms Golf is now facing multiple charges including extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods. In response, the Royal Thai Police have opened a hotline for citizens to report monks behaving inappropriately.
This scandal is the latest in a series of controversies that have tainted the reputation of Thailand’s monastic order. In recent years, the Sangha the governing Buddhist body has faced allegations of sexual misconduct, financial fraud, and drug abuse among monks. Notably, in 2022, an entire temple in Phetchabun province was left without monks after they were arrested in a drug raid.
In light of the current case, Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn has revoked royal titles for 81 monks, citing misconduct that has caused widespread public disillusionment. The Sangha Supreme Council has also announced plans to review monastic regulations and discipline, as the public calls for greater accountability within the religious institution.
Experts say reform is long overdue. “The system is authoritarian,” noted scholar Suraphot Thaweesak, adding that lower-ranking monks often fear retaliation if they speak out. However, many hope that this scandal might finally prompt meaningful change in Thailand’s revered but troubled Buddhist institution.
