Report Thai Monastic Scandal: Ex-Abbot Admits to Love Affair

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Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a developing scandal shaking Thailand's monastic community, a former abbot of Wat Phra Phutthachai in Saraburi has confessed to a romantic relationship with a woman known as "Sika Golf." The ex-abbot, Thep Wachirathiraporn, planned to leave the monkhood to marry her, only to discover she was involved with other senior monks.

 

Authorities uncovered Ms Golf's involvement with at least 15 monks, who transferred money to her over several years. The investigation confirmed inappropriate relationships with at least eight monks through evidence such as photographs, videos, and chat logs.

 

The scandal surfaced after a police raid on Ms Golf's Bangkok residence on July 4, led by the Anti-Corruption Division. Investigators retrieved over 80,000 images and video clips from her devices. Initially, the raid aimed to uncover temple corruption, but instead revealed explicit material implicating several senior monks. Ms Golf has three children, aged 13, 10, and 6, reportedly fathered by former high-ranking monks.

 

Deputy Central Investigation Bureau commissioner, Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew, revealed that more than a dozen temples are now under scrutiny, including prominent ones like Wat Tri Thotsathep in Bangkok and Wat Sothonwararam in Chachoengsao. So far, eight monks have been identified, with three found in breach of monastic codes, warranting defrocking.

 

Investigations are also looking into potential financial misconduct, such as misuse of temple funds or extortion by Ms Golf. Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat emphasised the importance of maintaining moral discipline within the monastic community, urging caution when monks engage with laywomen. He noted, "These individuals may present as generous benefactors but could be fraudsters seeking to compromise monks’ integrity."

 

The police encourage any blackmailed monks to come forward, though no complaints have been filed yet.

 

Thep Wachirathiraporn, the former abbot, stated he met Ms Golf on Facebook in 2019. Initially an expression of devotion, their contact turned romantic. Ms Golf even gave him a Toyota Alphard for monastic use. Discovering her relationships with other monks, Thep claimed he faced extortion, which left him distressed and considering leaving the monkhood to expose her. However, he was disrobed before he could act.

 

Amid public concern, the Senate Committee on Religion plans to summon relevant agencies to clarify the scandal. Senator Atcharaphan Homrot acknowledged its potential to damage public trust in Buddhism and called for deliberate action from the Sangha Supreme Council to restore faith. The scandal continues to unfold, capturing widespread attention and concern across Thailand.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-11