Nationwide background checks on all monks to be carried out by police forces
In the aftermath of a major scandal involving several senior monks and a woman known as "Sika Golf," the Thai police have launched a critical and extensive investigation to restore faith in the Buddhist clergy. The focus of this operation is to root out misconduct, enhance legal frameworks, and ensure accountability within the monastic community.
The ongoing background checks aim to identify miscreants and felons among the approximately 300,000 Buddhist monks nationwide. The deputy commissioner has stated that the police are conducting these checks in the interests of protecting Buddhism, and the disciplinary authority for the monks rests with the National Office of Buddhism (NOB), according to the deputy CIB chief.
The scandal, which exposed several senior monks engaging in sexual activities and improper behaviour, significantly damaged public trust in Buddhism. Allegations also cover financial crimes, including embezzlement and suspicious financial transfers linked to temples. Police noted past inaction or dismissal by the NOB on complaints against monks, prompting law enforcement to take a more active role.
Evidence such as monk robes, bank books, mobile phones, and video clips have been seized for analysis. Some implicated monks are reportedly in hiding, complicating the investigation. The police have requested the 13-digit ID numbers of all monks from the NOB to conduct comprehensive background checks.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), are now involved to ensure a thorough probe due to the case's serious religious and social implications. Past cases that the NOB had dismissed are being reopened and investigated by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).
The Supreme Patriarch has urged the government to take decisive action against monks violating rules, particularly celibacy, and has proposed legal reforms, including criminalizing sexual relationships between monks and women, to strengthen the Sangha Act. Authorities emphasize caution to avoid further undermining Buddhism while addressing these issues.
Police will collect evidence and forward cases of misconduct to the NOB, which retains authority over disciplinary actions like defrocking, while law enforcement focuses on national security and protecting Buddhism’s integrity. Public assurance has been voiced that no leniency will be granted to monks found guilty of wrongdoing, reflecting the urgency of cleansing the monastic order of corruption and moral decay.
Ms. Golf, who was arrested for supporting a senior monk's embezzlement of temple funds, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods, is also suspected of having sexual relations with approximately 10 monks, some of them elderly and revered. The police intend to lay more charges against her. The Royal Thai Police Office has recently opened a center dedicated to addressing misconduct among Buddhist monks.
The deputy commissioner expressed a desire for the problems to no longer remain a persistent issue within Buddhism. He also expressed concern about the NOB's lack of seriousness in addressing the problems and stressed that ongoing action would not be lenient in dealing with the issues. The center has been overwhelmed with misconduct complaints, including cases of senior monks having sexual relations with women.
In summary, these background checks and investigations represent a significant effort to restore faith in Thailand’s Buddhist clergy by addressing widespread accusations of misconduct, enhancing legal frameworks, and ensuring accountability with strong cooperation between police and Buddhist authorities.
The background checks aim to identify potential individuals involved in unlawful activities such as sexual misconduct and financial crimes within the Buddhist monastic community, a move intended to protect the overall health-and-wellness and image of Buddhism. The police are collaborating with the National Office of Buddhism in this endeavor, with a focus on science-based evidence collection to ensure proper investigation and justice for the general-news case.
After seizing evidence and analyzing the collected data, law enforcement is planning to forward cases of misconduct to the National Office of Buddhism for appropriate disciplinary action, while maintaining a focus on upholding national security and the integrity of Buddhism, including measures to prevent crime-and-justice issues within the monastic community.
