Thai Woman Arrested for Extorting Monks with Explicit Material
A shocking case of blackmail has emerged in Thailand involving a woman accused of exploiting monks for financial gain.
Thai police have apprehended a woman, nicknamed "Ms Golf," who has been charged with extorting at least nine monks by using explicit photos and videos from their sexual encounters. The authorities report that she has collected approximately 385 million baht (around $11.9 million) over three years through these illicit means. During a search of her residence, officials discovered over 80,000 images and videos that were used to coerce the monks for money, which included a claim for child support stemming from one monk she had a relationship with. This incident has intensified scrutiny on Thailand's Buddhist institution, which has already faced numerous scandals involving sexual misconduct and drug crimes among its members. In response, the Sangha Supreme Council plans to reevaluate monastic regulations and the government is advocating for stricter penalties for monks who violate ethical codes. Despite the turmoil, some experts are hopeful that ongoing investigations could lead to necessary reforms within the centuries-old institution.
A shocking case of blackmail has emerged in Thailand involving a woman accused of exploiting monks for financial gain.
Thai police have apprehended a woman, nicknamed "Ms Golf," who has been charged with extorting at least nine monks by using explicit photos and videos from their sexual encounters. The authorities report that she has collected approximately 385 million baht (around $11.9 million) over three years through these illicit means. During a search of her residence, officials discovered over 80,000 images and videos that were used to coerce the monks for money, which included a claim for child support stemming from one monk she had a relationship with. This incident has intensified scrutiny on Thailand's Buddhist institution, which has already faced numerous scandals involving sexual misconduct and drug crimes among its members. In response, the Sangha Supreme Council plans to reevaluate monastic regulations and the government is advocating for stricter penalties for monks who violate ethical codes. Despite the turmoil, some experts are hopeful that ongoing investigations could lead to necessary reforms within the centuries-old institution.
