Key Facts
• July 15, 2025: Thai police arrested a woman for blackmailing monks.
• Accused had sexual relations with at least 9 monks over 3 years.
• Extorted approximately 385 million baht ($17.6 million) using explicit videos.
• Over 80,000 photos and videos found on her phone during a home search.
• One monk left the clergy after being blackmailed in mid-June 2025.
• Woman claimed to have a child with a monk, demanding over 7 million baht in child support.
• Funds were largely withdrawn and partially used for online gambling.
• Charges include extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen property.
• Thai authorities launched a hotline to report misconduct by monks.
• Supreme Sangha Council formed a special committee to review monk regulations.
• Thai King Vajiralongkorn revoked honorary titles for 81 monks due to scandals.
• Buddhism, respected by over 90% of Thais, faces increasing misconduct cases.
• Past scandals include monks involved in drug trafficking and luxury lifestyles.
Summary
Thai police arrested a woman on July 15, 2025, for blackmailing monks using explicit videos. Over three years, she extorted approximately 385 million baht ($17.6 million) from at least nine monks. Authorities discovered over 80,000 incriminating photos and videos on her phone. The investigation began after a monk left the clergy in June 2025 due to blackmail. The woman also claimed to have a child with one monk, demanding over 7 million baht in child support. Funds were reportedly used for online gambling. The scandal has prompted Thai authorities to tighten regulations on monks, with the Supreme Sangha Council forming a special committee. King Vajiralongkorn revoked honorary titles for 81 monks, citing recent misconduct. Buddhism, respected by over 90% of Thais, faces growing scrutiny due to repeated scandals, including past cases of drug trafficking and luxury lifestyles among monks.
