Why the Thai King Revoked the Royal Decree for 81 Senior Monks Amid Buddhist Scandal

[Financial News] A Thai woman has been revealed to have extorted a huge amount of money by using photos and videos taken after having sexual relations with senior Buddhist monks, including the head of major temples, known as 'Great Monks'.
On the 16th (local time), according to the BBC, Thai police announced at a press conference the previous day that they had arrested a woman known as 'Ms. Golf'. Ms. A is accused of extorting a total of 385 million baht (approximately 12.8 billion won) over three years by threatening with tens of thousands of photos and videos taken after having sexual relations with at least nine monks.
The investigation authorities found more than 80,000 related photos and videos on various electronic devices, including mobile phones, during a search and seizure of Ms. A's residence. She used these to threaten the monks and demand money.
Rama X Maha Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand, said, "The Buddhist scandal has caused great spiritual pain to the people," and revoked the royal decree awarded to 81 senior monks last month. It is estimated that there are many more key monks involved in the scandal than currently known.
The Supreme Sangha Council, the highest authority in Thai Buddhism, announced that it plans to form a special investigation committee and conduct a comprehensive review of monk discipline in light of this incident.
The Thai government is also pushing to strengthen criminal penalties and fines for misconduct by monks, and the police have announced the establishment of a dedicated hotline for reporting 'deviant monks'. The government is pursuing harsh punishments, including imprisonment, for monks who violate temple norms, according to the BBC.
The incident began last month when a senior monk in Bangkok suddenly took off his monk's robe and resigned. Police confirmed that the monk had been threatened with pregnancy by Ms. A and had transferred a large sum of money before giving up his monk position. Subsequently, Ms. A's transaction details and the victimized monks were revealed one after another, uncovering the full story.
This incident is shocking Thai society, where Buddhists make up 90% of the population and monks are highly respected.
Ms. Golf stated in a police investigation that she had her first relationship with a monk in May 2023 and claimed to have become pregnant, demanding money.
She added, "Most complied with the demands for money, and it was easy to seduce them."



june@fnnews.com Lee Seok-woo Reporter