Recently, after a shocking sex scandal was exposed in the Thai Buddhist community, the incident continues to ferment. Two more senior monks suddenly announced their departure from the monkhood on Monday (15th). The incident involves a woman known as "Golf," and includes disputes over both relationships with several monks and financial matters, causing public outrage.
One of the monks is Phra Thepatcharaporn, the abbot of Wat Chujit Thammaram in Wang Noi district, Ayutthaya Province. He announced his resignation from all monastic positions in front of fellow monks. Thai police and personnel from the Anti-Corruption Commission witnessed the event, and then took him to the Central Investigation Bureau's Anti-Corruption Division in Bangkok for questioning.
In addition, Phra Prariyatthada, the assistant to the abbot of the famous Wat Kalayanamitr in Thonburi district, also announced his departure from the monkhood at Wat Ban Khai in Ban Khai district, Rayong Province. Reports indicate that he had not returned to his temple for several days, and his name is also linked to the "Golf" woman.
According to the Bangkok Post, at least eight monks up to now have chosen to leave the monkhood due to being involved in sexual relationships or financial dealings with Golf. The media describe Golf as an "upper-class imposter" who is suspected of extorting money from monks to maintain her online gambling habits, and she even claims to have had children with some monks and political figures.
The Thai Buddhist community is facing an unprecedented crisis of trust. The National Office of Buddhism recently stated that if it is confirmed that monks embezzled temple funds for Golf’s spending, those involved will face criminal charges. The Office is also pushing for legal reforms to allow imprisonment and fines for corrupt monks.
The incident has prompted the Supreme Sangha Council to establish a special committee to undertake a comprehensive review of monastic discipline and management regulations. Senior figures in the Buddhist community have frankly admitted, "There is a need to patch loopholes in the system and rebuild public trust in Buddhism."