**Thai Woman Arrested for Extorting Monks with Video Blackmail**

In a significant legal case, a Thai woman has been arrested after allegedly engaging in sexual relations with monks and using incriminating videos to extort them for money, prompting widespread scrutiny of the Buddhist institution's conduct amidst ongoing scandals.

Thai police recently apprehended a woman known as "Ms Golf" for reportedly using sexual encounters with at least nine monks to extort approximately 385 million baht (around $11.9 million) over three years. Despite the reverence for Buddhism in Thailand, this case sheds light on serious misconduct within its monastic community.

According to a police press conference, investigators uncovered a trove of over 80,000 photos and videos linked to these extortion schemes when they searched her residence. The scandal began gaining public attention in June when an abbot in Bangkok resigned, purportedly due to blackmail threats from Ms. Golf, who allegedly claimed to have had a child with him and sought financial support exceeding seven million baht.

Further investigations revealed a pattern wherein multiple monks had sent her money, suggesting a predefined method of manipulation employed by the woman. Much of the funds had reportedly been withdrawn or funneled into online gambling, indicating the potential for severe financial issues. Ms. Golf faces multiple charges, including extortion and money laundering. In response to the scandal, Thai authorities have also initiated a hotline aimed at addressing monk misconduct, reflecting a growing societal concern over integrity within religious practices.

The incident has provoked a strong response from the Sangha Supreme Council, representing the governing body of Thai Buddhism, which announced plans to create a special committee to reassess monastic regulations. Additionally, the Thai government calls for stricter penalties for monks violating ethical standards. Notably, King Vajiralongkorn recently revoked royal accolades granted to numerous monks due to misconduct scandals that have adversely affected public perception of Buddhism.

Despite being a faith followed by over 90% of Thais, the Buddhist monastic institution has faced repeated controversy in previous years. High-profile cases such as those involving the jet-setting monk Wirapol Sukphol and drug-related arrests of monks have showcased systemic issues. Critics argue that traditional hierarchical structures inhibit accountability, as subordinates may fear repercussions for reporting misconduct.

Experts believe that ongoing investigations signal the potential for significant institutional reform. As scholar Prakirati Satasut emphasized, revealing the truth behind allegations could clear doubts concerning the integrity of the Sangha, but tangible change depends on whether the leadership takes decisive actions to rectify internal failings.