What happens when a sacred institution is rocked by a scandal so shocking it sounds like a crime thriller?
In Thailand, police have arrested a woman dubbed “Ms Golf” who allegedly seduced and blackmailed at least nine monks.
She collected nearly $12 million over three years.
Police found over 80,000 photos and videos in her possession during a recent raid.
The scandal exploded when an abbot mysteriously left the monkhood in June, allegedly after Ms Golf demanded child support.
As more monks came forward, it became clear: this wasn’t a one-time event—it was a pattern.
Thailand’s Buddhist Faith Shaken
The case has triggered soul-searching in a country where over 90% of people are Buddhist and monks are deeply respected.
“It’s an authoritarian system,” said religious scholar Suraphot Thaweesak. “Junior monks rarely speak out.”
Now, the Sangha Supreme Council vows reform, and even Thailand’s king has revoked honors previously given to monks.
A hotline has been launched to report misbehaving clergy.
As sociology expert Prakirati Satasut puts it: “The truth must come out if the Sangha is to regain public trust.”
The question remains—will this be the reckoning Thai Buddhism has long needed?
