Thai woman arrested for blackmailing buddhist monks

A 35-year-old Thai woman has been arrested for blackmailing Buddhist monks with explicit photos and videos, creating what local media call the country’s biggest religious scandal.

The woman, known by the nickname Sika Golf, is accused of seducing high-ranking monks who have taken vows of celibacy, then using compromising material to extort money from them and their temples.

Police say they found 80,000 photos and videos on her phones. Over three years, she allegedly received 385 million baht ($10.6 million) from the monks, most of it taken from temple donations.

Multiple monks involved

Several monks have left their positions since the investigation began. Others fled to neighboring countries.

One 67-year-old temple leader transferred 380,000 baht ($10,500) from his temple’s bank account to the woman. He has since left the monastery.

Another monk was told by the woman that she was pregnant with his child. She demanded monthly payments of about $800 for 20 years. That monk also gave up his robes and fled to Laos.

Despite receiving millions of dollars, the woman spent nearly all of it gambling online, police said. Only about $210 remained in her account when she was arrested.

Public outrage

The scandal has shocked Thailand, where Buddhist monks are highly respected religious leaders. Most Thais practice Buddhism and see monks as moral guides who should live simple lives without money or relationships.

The Bangkok Post newspaper called it the greatest sex scandal of all time in the country.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn has canceled plans to give new titles to monks this year. He also revoked 81 titles already given to other monks, saying their actions caused widespread dismay among Buddhists.

The government promises to review laws about temple finances and investigate monks across the country.

Thailand has over 40,000 Buddhist temples. High-ranking monks receive government salaries between $65 and $900 per month, but temples also collect billions in donations from worshippers each year.

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