【Scandal of Thai Monks】King of Thailand Outraged! Royal Decree Revokes Titles of 81 Monks

The website of Thailand's Government Gazette announced on Tuesday (15th) that His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand has officially revoked two royal decrees previously signed on June 22. The original decrees bestowed titles on 81 monks as part of the king’s birthday celebration activities.

However, it recently came to light that some of the monks who received titles were involved in misconduct, seriously violating monastic precepts and their identities, thus shaking the faith of Buddhist followers. To uphold the dignity of Buddhism, the king has ordered all related monastic titles to be fully revoked as of July 14.

The scandal first broke out on June 29, when a former senior monk, Phra Thep Wachirathiraphon, abruptly announced his return to lay life. An explicit video of him and a woman named “Golf” went viral online, igniting public outcry. Thai police then launched an investigation, searching “Golf’s” residence in Nonthaburi province, and discovered tens of thousands of images and evidence involving several monks.

Police pointed out that “Golf,” about 35 years old, specifically sought out high-status monks, some of whom even had children with her. Her residence contained a large number of monk robes and items; investigations showed she had improper relations with at least eight monks, including several senior abbots.

In addition, Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau and the Anti-Corruption Commission held a joint press conference on Tuesday, announcing that "Golf" had been arrested in Nonthaburi province. She faces multiple charges, including abetting official misconduct, conspiring to launder money, and receiving stolen property.

According to police, “Golf” and the involved former monk Acharn have been closely associated since May 2024, but later fell out over a dispute regarding alimony of 7.2 million baht (about 936,000 ringgit). The large amount of evidence she possessed regarding the sex scandal became tools to blackmail the monks. Police have confirmed that over three years, her activities involved as much as 385 million baht (around 50.1 million ringgit), most of which was spent on online gambling, and only about 8,000 baht (about 1,040 ringgit) remains.

The case has currently identified three categories of involved monks:
1. Those who had relations with Golf and were involved in financial transactions: 9 in total, almost all have already returned to lay life, with involved sums ranging from thousands to millions of baht (about hundreds to several hundred thousand ringgit).
2. Those who violated monastic precepts: 3 people, currently undergoing further action.
3. Those with suspicious behavior: currently being identified by the Buddhist Affairs Department.