BANGKOK, Thailand: Thailand’s revered monkhood is facing a deepening crisis of public trust following a shocking sex extortion scandal that has sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny over temple corruption.
This week, Thai police arrested a woman accused of seducing at least 11 Buddhist monks, violating their vows of celibacy, and blackmailing them with thousands of secretly taken photos.
The monks reportedly paid nearly USD12 million in hush money; money siphoned from temple donations traditionally meant for spiritual merit-making.
The case has shaken the public, prompting soul-searching across Thai society.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn has withdrawn invitations for over 80 monks scheduled to attend his upcoming 73rd birthday celebrations, citing “inappropriate behaviour”.
The National Office of Buddhism has vowed a full police investigation to “restore public trust”, while all 11 monks involved have been defrocked.
Theravada Buddhism, the spiritual foundation of Thai identity for centuries, binds monks to 227 strict rules — including celibacy and avoiding contact with women.
Yet this scandal is just the latest in a series of high-profile misconduct cases.
In 2017, a temple abbot was arrested for laundering USD33 million in donations. Just this May, another monk was held for allegedly embezzling nearly USD10 million linked to online gambling.
Buddhist scholars and activists warn that repeated scandals, particularly among senior monks, are eroding public confidence.
Donations to temples are now increasingly seen as funding personal indulgence rather than spiritual purposes.
“People question whether donations are used for spiritual significance or personal desire,” said scholar Danai Preechapermprasit.
Monkhood enrollment has dropped significantly post-pandemic, reflecting a broader societal shift.
Temples are also being misused as a place to send troubled youth, LGBTQ individuals, or drug addicts in hopes of “correcting” them, according to experts.
In response, lawmakers are proposing new rules within three months – including transparent donation reporting and treating monk misconduct as a criminal offence.
Despite this, many remain skeptical that institutional change will be swift or deep enough.
Still, some cling to their spiritual beliefs.
“You can lose faith in monks,” said Camphun Parimiphut, a devout layperson. “But never lose trust in Buddhist teachings. They still teach us how to live a good life.” – AFP
