Thai Woman Arrested for Extorting Monks with Explicit Material

A Thai woman, known as "Ms Golf," was arrested after allegedly manipulating and extorting money from multiple monks using explicit photos and videos. The case highlights growing concerns about misconduct within Thailand's revered Buddhist institution.

Thai police have made a significant arrest in a scandal involving a woman who allegedly engaged in sexual acts with Buddhist monks and subsequently blackmailed them for money. Identified only as "Ms Golf," the 29-year-old is facing multiple charges, including extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods. Reports indicate that she had sexual relationships with at least nine monks and managed to extort approximately 385 million baht (around $11.9 million) over three years.

Authorities became aware of the situation in mid-June after an abbot in Bangkok left the monkhood, claiming he was being extorted by the woman. Police revealed that Ms Golf had approached him in May 2024 and later demanded child support of over seven million baht, claiming she had his child. Investigations revealed that this was a repeated method of operation, as several other monks also reported having sent large sums of money to her.

During a search of Ms Golf's residence, officials confiscated her phones, discovering over 80,000 explicit videos and photos used as leverage against the monks. Authorities noted that much of the money she received had been withdrawn, with some reportedly funneled into online gambling activities.

This development has prompted critical scrutiny of Thailand's Buddhist community, which has been rocked recently by allegations of misconduct, including sex offences and drug trafficking among clergy. The Sangha Supreme Council, which oversees Thailand's Buddhism, announced plans to establish a special committee aimed at reviewing and strengthening monastic regulations. Furthermore, the Thai government is advocating for stricter penalties against monks who violate their monastic codes of conduct.

Reacting to the growing number of scandals, Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn recently revoked higher titles previously conferred on 81 monks, citing the distress caused to the Buddhist community. With 90% of Thailand’s population identifying as Buddhist, the reverence for monks has been challenged by these unfolding events.

Despite longstanding criticism regarding accountability, many scholars believe that ongoing investigations by both law enforcement and the Sangha Council represent critical steps toward potential reform. Religious scholars emphasize the need for transparency within the monastic community to restore public trust and tackle the deep-rooted issues tied to the hierarchical nature of the organization.