Six more senior Buddhist monks in Thailand suspected of having relationships with ‘femme fatale' called, Golf
The monks are suspected of having intimate relationships with a woman known as Golf, who allegedly lured them into sexual encounters and blackmailed them afterward.
Investigation of senior monks involved with Golf
A source from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) revealed that five more senior monks, some as high-ranking as Phra Thep (angelic level), are suspected of having relationships with Golf and transferring money to her.
These monks are now under investigation. Meanwhile, the Phitsanulok provincial administration held an urgent meeting to verify rumours that the Phitsanulok monastic chief had gone into hiding due to ties with Golf.
Phra Phayom Kalayano, the abbot of Wat Suan Kaew in Nonthaburi, referred to Golf as a 'femme fatale' targeting senior monks, particularly those who have graduated from the highest level of monastic studies, Parien 9.
Blackmail and exploitation allegations
Phra Phayom explained that Golf allegedly targeted very senior monks by enticing them into sex, then using photos and videos to blackmail them.
Investigators uncovered over 80,000 photos of naked senior monks on Golf's mobile phone.
Police were reportedly shocked at the high success rate of her luring tactics, considering her appearance was reportedly different from her social media profile.
- Photo: The Nation/ANN
The Case of Phra Thep Wachirapamok
The femme fatale gained significant attention after Phra Thep Wachirapamok, better known as Chaokhun Arj, the abbot of the respected Wat Tri Thotsathep Worawihan in Bangkok, mysteriously left monkhood in late June and allegedly fled to Laos.
Golf, initially identified as Miss K, reportedly developed a secret romantic relationship with the abbot.
She later claimed to be pregnant and demanded 7.68 million baht in child support, which caused the monk to flee.
The CIB investigation later found that at least 10 senior monks had been involved with Golf, and many left monkhood after Arj's scandal made headlines.
- Photo: The Nation/ANN
More victims and investigations
On Thursday (July 10), Phitsanulok governor Thawee Sermphakdeekul confirmed that it was still unclear whether Phra Rat Ratanasutee, the deputy abbot of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok, had left monkhood due to a relationship with Golf.
The provincial Buddhism office is still investigating the matter.
A CIB source indicated that investigators had found transaction records linking 10 to 20 senior monks to Golf, with amounts ranging from small sums to seven-digit figures.
The monks involved are from various temples across Thailand, including locations in Phichit, Phetchabun, Khon Kaen, and Samut Sakhon.
Fear of exposure and further investigations
Investigators believe some monks left monkhood voluntarily, fearing exposure even though Golf might not have incriminating photos or videos of them.
The monks are being classified into two groups:
Group 1: Involved with video clips, photos, and transaction records
Group 2: Involved with transaction records, but no photos or video clips
The investigation team is continuing to summon ex-senior monks for questioning regarding their relationships with Golf.
Other developments
The investigation cleared the name of the abbot of Wat Samma Chanywas in Bangkok after it was found that he did not have sexual relations with Golf but gave her money out of mercy after she begged for help.
Another senior monk from Wat Chujit Thammaram in Ayutthaya was found to have engaged in inappropriate conversations with her, but there was no evidence of a sexual encounter.
The CIB team also cleared Phra Thamma Wachiranuwat (Yaem Intrangkrungkao), the former abbot of Wat Rai Khing in Nakhon Pathom, stating that he had no ties to Golf despite his involvement in a separate sexual scandal.
Meanwhile, an assistant abbot of Wat Sothorn Wararam Worawiharn in Chachoengsao has gone into hiding following the scandal. - The Nation/ANN
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