BANGKOK — Thailand’s religious and law enforcement agencies have launched a sweeping investigation into financial irregularities and breaches of monastic vows linked to a woman at the center of a growing clergy scandal. The case, involving a figure widely referred to in media as “Sika Kor,” has exposed alleged embezzlement of temple funds and inappropriate relationships with senior monks, prompting unprecedented disciplinary action from Buddhist authorities.

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The Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body for Thailand’s monastic community, convened an emergency session and ruled that any monk found guilty of violating fundamental celibacy vows (Parajika) would face immediate defrocking and loss of ecclesiastical titles. This decision comes as police prepare to audit financial records at four major temples suspected of funneling donations to Sika Kor, including one where an abbot reportedly transferred over 11 million baht before resigning.

Of the 11 high-ranking monks implicated, six have already been disrobed. Investigators are now working with the National Office of Buddhism to gather concrete evidence—including documents, videos, and images—to build cases against the remaining five. While some allegations involve physical relationships, preliminary findings indicate other monks may have engaged in inappropriate video calls rather than direct sexual contact.

Thailand’s monkhood faces a crisis as a massive sex scandal erupts involving high-ranking monks and a woman known as Sika Golf. Damning video clips reveal intimate relationships, corruption, and hypocrisy among revered clergy. With 15 temples implicated and more evidence… pic.twitter.com/HwqUxhO5xL

— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) July 14, 2025

The scandal took a darker turn when a former monk came forward, claiming Sika Kor systematically cultivated relationships with clergy members and even manipulated him into filing false complaints against another monk. In response, the National Office of Buddhism has issued a formal advisory warning monks about individuals who may seek to exploit them through emotional manipulation or financial schemes.

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Authorities stress that the probe remains ongoing, with temple audits expected to reveal the full extent of potential fund mismanagement. The case has sparked public outrage in the predominantly Buddhist nation, where monastic integrity is held in high regard.

-Thailand News (TN)