Sex Scandal Rocks Thai Buddhism, Legal Reforms Planned
BANGKOK — The National Office of Buddhism (NOB) is considering criminal charges against former senior monks embroiled in a major sex and embezzlement scandal that has shaken the Thai Buddhist community and triggered calls for sweeping legal reforms.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Friday, the NOB confirmed that all ex-monks found to have had sexual relations with a woman known publicly only as “Golf” could face legal consequences if evidence shows they misappropriated temple funds to finance their affairs.
So far, the office has verified that four prominent monks have voluntarily left the monkhood in connection with the scandal. They include:
- Thep Wachiratheeraporn, former abbot of Wat Phra Phutthachai in Saraburi province
- Thep Wachiratheerakhun, assistant to the abbot of Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen in Bangkok
- Boonlert Inthapanyo, former monk at Wat Mai Yai Paen in Bangkok
- Siriwiriyathada, ex-assistant to the abbot of Wat Sothornwararam in Chachoengsao province
The latest to disrobe was Phra Khru Siriwiriyathada, who stepped down at Charoen Dhamma Forest Monastery in Chaiyaphum province on Thursday.
“Please respect the privacy of those who have left the monkhood,” the NOB urged. “Those who are found to have embezzled money from the temples [and given it] to the woman will face legal action from authorities.”
Police believe at least seven or eight current and former monks were romantically involved with the 35-year-old Ms. Golf. Several monks reportedly vanished from their temples after news of the scandal emerged. Temples in Phichit, Phetchabun, Khon Kaen, and Samut Sakhon provinces are now under investigation, according to local media reports.
The scandal came to light after police traced suspicious money transfers from Wat Tritossathep in Bangkok to Ms. Golf. The transactions were linked to then-Phra Thepwachirapamok, 54, who quietly resigned from his duties at Wat Chan Samakkhi in Nong Khai province and reportedly fled to neighboring Laos.
A raid on Ms. Golf’s home in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province, on July 4 yielded a trove of more than 80,000 images and videos on five mobile phones, documenting her intimate relationships with multiple senior monks.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, police say they are unable to charge the monks directly because no official complaints have been filed by affected parties. Current laws regulating religious conduct lack provisions for criminal penalties, leaving wayward monks subject only to ecclesiastical discipline, such as expulsion from the monastic order.
Seeking to close that legal gap, NOB director Ittiporn Chan-iam vowed to “turn this crisis into an opportunity.” He plans to revive a long-stalled bill designed to impose tougher penalties on monks and laypeople who damage the reputation of Buddhism.
The proposed legislation would introduce prison terms ranging from one to seven years and fines of 20,000 to 140,000 baht for monks expelled due to severe breaches of the monastic code. It would also penalize laypersons, regardless of gender, who knowingly engage in sexual acts with monks or novices. Additionally, monks who falsely claim supernatural powers to deceive followers would face similar punishments.
Ittiporn said the NOB will consult with Suchart Tancharoen, the minister overseeing religious affairs, and the Sangha Supreme Council to advance the legislation.
Nipit Intarasombat, a former Democrat MP and culture minister, expressed support for the proposed reforms. He argued that mere expulsion is inadequate to protect Buddhism’s integrity and called for legal sanctions, including jail time, for monks guilty of sexual misconduct.
“Without legal consequences, such misconduct will continue unchecked,” Nipit warned. “It’s time to legislate clear penalties, for both monks and laypeople involved.”
He further urged any monk unable to uphold the Vinaya, Buddhism’s monastic code, to voluntarily leave the monkhood to avoid further tarnishing the religion’s image.
As investigations continue, the scandal has sparked heated debates across Thailand, underscoring the need to reconcile ancient religious traditions with modern legal accountability.
