Thailand’s monkhood, or Sangha, has long held a place of deep respect in Thai society. Yet recent scandals involving senior monks and a 35-year-old woman have caused widespread concern, with many calling for urgent reforms to restore trust in religious institutions.
The latest case involves a senior monk accused of stealing hundreds of millions of baht in temple funds while allegedly having a secret affair. The revelations have left many Thai Buddhists disillusioned and questioning the direction of the country’s religious leadership.
Public discontent is growing over repeated sex and money scandals linked to temples. As a result, there is strong support for new laws that hold not only misbehaving monks but also their enablers accountable for misconduct.
Kijmanoch “Kru Lilly” Rojanasupya, a respected transgender language tutor and founder of the Baan Pootmontha meditation center, supports legislative reform. She believes a clear legal framework is essential to promote transparency and uphold Buddhist values. Despite her sorrow over the scandals, she insists faith in the core teachings of the Buddha remains strong—even if trust in the clergy has weakened.
Kru Lilly expressed concern that repeated scandals could discourage people from visiting temples or participating in traditional merit-making. “The image of Buddhism is being damaged,” she said. “But we must separate the teachings from the individuals who misuse them.”
NIDA Survey Reflects Public Sentiment
A recent “Crisis in Buddhism” survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) highlights the public’s growing frustration. The survey, conducted in mid-July, polled 1,310 Thai Buddhists aged 18 and older across all regions.
Key findings include:
- 75% believe some monks prioritize comfort and pleasure over their religious duties.
- Many respondents linked monk misconduct to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sexual relationships.
- Almost half felt that monks are increasingly distracted by material wealth, fame, and social media attention.
- 4 in 10 believe some men join the monkhood purely for financial gain.
One respondent, Pattama, a 45-year-old civil servant, noted that becoming a monk offers numerous material benefits—tax-free income, free meals, and financial gifts for rituals. She speculated that the ease of access to money may attract the wrong type of people to the monkhood.
Trust in Monkhood Declining
Confidence in temple management is also faltering. Nearly a third of survey participants believe temples focus too much on financial matters, while over a quarter cited a lack of accounting transparency.
Pattama said she now prefers to donate to hospitals or charities instead of temples. “I once donated for a pavilion that was never built. I don’t trust where temple money goes anymore,” she said.
The survey also revealed disappointment in religious institutions charged with overseeing monk conduct. Many respondents felt these bodies are too weak to hold monks accountable or to prevent recurring problems.
While trust in the monkhood has taken a hit, general faith in Buddhism remains resilient. Two-thirds of respondents said their religious belief was unaffected, though over half admitted their trust in monks had declined.
Tarada, a 72-year-old devotee, urged fellow Buddhists not to lose sight of true teachings. “Good and bad monks exist, just like good and bad people. Don’t let their mistakes turn you away from doing what’s right,” she said.
She also criticized monks who make false claims about supernatural powers or lottery predictions for profit, calling such behavior “deeply damaging.”
Strong Public Support for Reform
In light of recent events, calls for reform are intensifying. The NIDA survey revealed overwhelming support for legal consequences:
- 94% support punishing monks who break monastic rules.
- 93% agree that laypeople who engage in sexual relations with monks should also face penalties.
Kru Lilly emphasized that any new law must be fair and protect both religious freedom and spiritual dignity. “Punishment should uphold the moral authority of Buddhism, not simply serve as public shaming,” she said.
Mental health professionals have also weighed in, urging people not to lose faith. Dr. Kittisak Aksornwong of the Department of Mental Health reminded the public that religion plays a crucial role in moral development and emotional resilience.
He advised readers to approach the news with caution and reflection, encouraging them to view Buddhism as a source of inner peace, not scandal.
Dr. Chumphot Phromsida, deputy director general of the Department of Mental Health, added that religious faith can reduce stress and depression, and is especially vital in uncertain times.
Moving Forward
Despite these troubling events, many Thais continue to hold fast to their faith. The future of the monkhood may depend on meaningful reform—strengthened rules, transparent temple management, and public accountability.
As Thailand grapples with this moral crisis, one message rings clear: while the actions of a few may tarnish the image of the monkhood, the core of Buddhism remains untouchable in the hearts of many.
