Thai Monks Blackmail Scandal: Woman Accused Of Extorting ₹100 Crore Using Thousands of ‘Intimate’ Videos

A woman, identified by police as "Ms Golf," has been accused of extorting nine Thai monks out of 385 million baht (₹102.14 crore) over three years. She allegedly engaged in sexual activities with the monks and used photos and videos to blackmail them. The case surfaced when an abbot in Bangkok left monkhood unexpectedly, prompting an investigation.

During the investigation, authorities discovered over 80,000 images and videos at Ms Golf's residence. These materials were reportedly used to coerce the monks into paying large sums of money. The police revealed that Ms Golf's tactics involved forming relationships with monks and then demanding money under false pretenses.

Monks' Scandal Unveiled

In May 2024, Ms Golf claimed to have a child with one monk, demanding over 7 million baht for child support. However, investigations showed this was part of her usual strategy to extort money from multiple monks. Nearly all the extorted funds have been withdrawn, with some reportedly spent on online gambling.

The scandal has shaken Thailand's Buddhist community, which holds monks in high regard. Over 90% of Thais identify as Buddhist, and many men temporarily become monks to earn merit. This incident has led to increased scrutiny of monastic conduct within the country.

Legal Repercussions and Institutional Response

Ms Golf faces several charges including extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods. In response to this scandal, Thai authorities have introduced a hotline for reporting "misbehaving monks." This move aims to address misconduct within the revered Buddhist institution.

The Sangha Supreme Council is considering forming a special committee to review monastic regulations. Meanwhile, the government is pushing for stricter penalties for monks who violate their code of conduct. This includes potential fines and imprisonment for those found guilty.