Thai Buddhist Clergy Scandal: Woman Arrested for Extorting Monks with Compromising Videos
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Thai police arrested a woman, known as "Ms Golf", for allegedly blackmailing monks with compromising videos, extorting approximately 385 million baht.
- The scandal has led to the defrocking of at least nine senior monks and sparked a review of monastic regulations by the Sangha Supreme Council.
- The case highlights ongoing issues within Thailand's Buddhist institution, which has faced previous scandals involving sex offences and drug trafficking.
- King Vajiralongkorn revoked royal titles for 81 monks, citing misconduct that has deeply affected the Buddhist community.
- The investigation revealed connections between the woman and multiple temples, raising questions about the misuse of temple funds.
A scandal involving Thailand's revered Buddhist clergy has emerged, following the arrest of a woman accused of blackmailing monks with explicit videos. The woman, identified by police as "Ms Golf", allegedly engaged in sexual relationships with at least nine monks, subsequently using the footage to extort approximately 385 million baht ($11.9 million) over three years.
Arrest and Investigation
Thai police apprehended Ms Golf after discovering her alleged scheme, which involved threatening monks with the release of compromising material unless they paid substantial sums. A search of her residence uncovered over 80,000 photos and videos used in the extortion. The investigation began in June when an abbot in Bangkok abruptly left the monkhood after being blackmailed.
Impact on the Buddhist Institution
The scandal has rocked Thailand's Buddhist community, leading to the defrocking of at least nine senior monks. The Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body for Thai Buddhism, announced plans to review monastic regulations in response to the scandal. This incident is the latest in a series of controversies that have plagued the institution, including previous cases of sex offences and drug trafficking among monks.
Royal and Government Response
In a significant move, King Vajiralongkorn revoked royal titles for 81 monks, citing recent misconduct that has deeply affected the Buddhist faithful. The government is also advocating for stricter penalties for monks who violate the monastic code, including fines and imprisonment.
Financial and Legal Ramifications
The investigation revealed financial links between Ms Golf and several temples, raising concerns about the misuse of temple funds. One monk admitted to embezzling temple money to support Ms Golf's business ventures. The woman faces multiple charges, including extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The unfolding scandal could lead to significant reforms within Thailand's Buddhist institution, as public pressure mounts for greater accountability and transparency. The Sangha Supreme Council's review of monastic regulations may result in stricter guidelines and enforcement measures to prevent future misconduct. Additionally, the government's push for harsher penalties could deter monks from engaging in illicit activities.
Experts suggest that the scandal may prompt a broader societal discussion about the role and influence of the Buddhist clergy in Thailand. As the investigation continues, further revelations could emerge, potentially implicating more individuals and deepening the crisis within the religious community.
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Thai Buddhist Clergy Scandal: Woman Arrested for Extorting Monks with Compromising Videos
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Thai police arrested a woman, known as "Ms Golf", for allegedly blackmailing monks with compromising videos, extorting approximately 385 million baht.
- The scandal has led to the defrocking of at least nine senior monks and sparked a review of monastic regulations by the Sangha Supreme Council.
- The case highlights ongoing issues within Thailand's Buddhist institution, which has faced previous scandals involving sex offences and drug trafficking.
- King Vajiralongkorn revoked royal titles for 81 monks, citing misconduct that has deeply affected the Buddhist community.
- The investigation revealed connections between the woman and multiple temples, raising questions about the misuse of temple funds.
A scandal involving Thailand's revered Buddhist clergy has emerged, following the arrest of a woman accused of blackmailing monks with explicit videos. The woman, identified by police as "Ms Golf", allegedly engaged in sexual relationships with at least nine monks, subsequently using the footage to extort approximately 385 million baht ($11.9 million) over three years.
Arrest and Investigation
Thai police apprehended Ms Golf after discovering her alleged scheme, which involved threatening monks with the release of compromising material unless they paid substantial sums. A search of her residence uncovered over 80,000 photos and videos used in the extortion. The investigation began in June when an abbot in Bangkok abruptly left the monkhood after being blackmailed.
Impact on the Buddhist Institution
The scandal has rocked Thailand's Buddhist community, leading to the defrocking of at least nine senior monks. The Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body for Thai Buddhism, announced plans to review monastic regulations in response to the scandal. This incident is the latest in a series of controversies that have plagued the institution, including previous cases of sex offences and drug trafficking among monks.
Royal and Government Response
In a significant move, King Vajiralongkorn revoked royal titles for 81 monks, citing recent misconduct that has deeply affected the Buddhist faithful. The government is also advocating for stricter penalties for monks who violate the monastic code, including fines and imprisonment.
Financial and Legal Ramifications
The investigation revealed financial links between Ms Golf and several temples, raising concerns about the misuse of temple funds. One monk admitted to embezzling temple money to support Ms Golf's business ventures. The woman faces multiple charges, including extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The unfolding scandal could lead to significant reforms within Thailand's Buddhist institution, as public pressure mounts for greater accountability and transparency. The Sangha Supreme Council's review of monastic regulations may result in stricter guidelines and enforcement measures to prevent future misconduct. Additionally, the government's push for harsher penalties could deter monks from engaging in illicit activities.
Experts suggest that the scandal may prompt a broader societal discussion about the role and influence of the Buddhist clergy in Thailand. As the investigation continues, further revelations could emerge, potentially implicating more individuals and deepening the crisis within the religious community.
Images from the Web
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