Thai police arrest woman in monastic extortion scandal
Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiet Pankaew, said the investigation began following a case on June 18 involving a senior monk and former abbot of Wat Tri Thotsathep in Bangkok, who was allegedly blackmailed.
According to Jaroonkiet, the suspect, a 35-year-old woman, was apprehended at her residence in a luxury estate in Nonthaburi, after police uncovered evidence of a 380,000 Baht transfer from another senior monk's Ayutthaya temple bank account to her personal account.
'This woman is considered a dangerous individual who needs to be apprehended without delay. The evidence led directly to her arrest today,' he told a press conference on Tuesday.
He added that preliminary investigations had revealed that the woman had a personal relationship with the monk, which began in May 2024.
Jaroonkiet said a financial probe also uncovered links to multiple temples, as well as video footage and other materials suggesting acts of extortion and blackmail.
He emphasised that the authorities had no intention of tarnishing the reputation of the Buddhist institution, but the operation was necessary to curb misconduct and maintain the sanctity of the religion.
'We will take firm and impartial action against all individuals found to be involved,' he added.
He further revealed that nine out of thirteen monks implicated in the scandal had already disrobed. The investigation remains ongoing, with more individuals expected to be named.
The scandal surfaced publicly late last month after the sudden disappearance of the abbot of Wat Tri Thotsathep. It was later confirmed that he had left the monkhood.
Police believe his disappearance was prompted by an attempt to extort him. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Analyst: Cambodian actions aimed at protecting social order, Thai actions aimed at provocation
Foreigners suspected of being involved in online scam operations were detained in Kampong Speu province on July 16, 2025. - Photo: Information ministry PHNOM PENH: Since June 27, almost 1,500 suspects linked to online scam operations have been apprehended by Cambodian authorities. As the campaign continues, one prominent analyst described the crackdown as being aimed at protecting social order, even as Thailand's actions appear to be intended to exploit and antagonize Cambodia. According to the secretariat of the Committee to Combat Online Scams, as of Friday (July 18), nationwide operations targeting online scam activities had resulted in the arrest of 1,371 suspects in Phnom Penh, Kandal, Preah Sihanouk, Kampong Speu, Banteay Meanchey, Kratie, Stung Treng and Pursat provinces. The latest raid took place today, with nine Chinese suspects apprehended in Stung Treng province, according to the Ministry of Information. In the course of their operations, authorities seized computers, laptops, mobile phones, narcotics, weapons and ammunition as evidence. The secretariat reported that after the raids, the crime scenes were sealed off to prevent access. Criminal ringleaders have been sent to court for legal proceedings, while most of the foreign nationals involved are in the process of being deported. Several international organisations have accused both Cambodia and neighbouring Thailand being the base for high levels of online scam activities, with Thailand singling out Cambodia as a major target, even as border tensions rise. Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that although the government launched its latest campaign earlier this week, it has been tackling these crimes for years, although recent efforts were conducted on a larger scale. 'I have observed that Cambodia has been cracking down on these crimes for more than five years, not as a reaction to Thailand's accusations. Cambodia continues these efforts for security, safety and social order,' he said. Recently, Thai authorities announced a case allegedly involving Cambodian businessman and senator Kok An, issuing arrest warrants for him and three of his children. Peou believed this action, targeting Cambodian citizens, appeared to be an attempt to provoke Cambodia. 'I don't know how Thailand operates, but it seems they target cases with political implications, like the one involving Kok An. Unlike Cambodia, which conducts regular crackdowns for societal stability, Thailand's actions seem aimed at provocation or political manoeuvring against Cambodia,' he said. 'Thus, the difference is that Thailand acts with political motives, while Cambodia does so consistently, for social stability,' added Peou. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
New taskforce to target 'Grey Chinese' labour exploitation and illegality in Thailand
BANGKOK: A new government committee has been established to clamp down on "Grey Chinese" groups and other foreign nationals suspected of engaging in illegal labour practices within Thailand. The Ministry of Labour announced the formation of the committee following alarming discoveries of numerous foreign workers occupying professions specifically reserved for Thai citizens. Labour Minister Phongkawin Juangroongruangkit revealed on Friday (July 18) that the newly formed committee will investigate employment conditions, instances of forced labour, and the exploitation of child labour among foreign workers. This initiative is a direct response to a surge in illegal employment across various sectors. "Current circumstances indicate the continued use of illegal labour in many areas, especially involving child labourers and foreign workers," stated Minister Phongkawin. He highlighted the impact of certain foreign capital groups, particularly from China and neighbouring countries, who are reportedly exploiting labour unlawfully. This trend, he noted, directly undermines employment opportunities for Thai workers, compromises fairness in the labour market, and poses a long-term threat to workers' rights. In line with the government's "Urgent Regulation of Foreign Workers in Thailand" policy, the Ministry of Labour is intensifying cooperation with all relevant agencies. The aim is to rigorously monitor, inspect, and enforce legal measures to rectify illegal employment issues and create more job prospects for Thai citizens across all industries. Thailand has stringent laws protecting its workforce, with 27 specific occupations strictly prohibited for foreign nationals. These include skilled trades such as wood carving, diamond and gem cutting, and the production of traditional Thai crafts like lacquerware and musical instruments. Other restricted roles encompass service-based professions like hairdressing, Thai massage, tour guiding, and legal services. Disturbingly, investigations have uncovered evidence of foreign nationals, including Chinese individuals working as tour guides, and Myanmarese or Cambodians engaging in local market trade, directly infringing upon these reserved occupations. Myanmarese individuals have also been found working in Thai traditional massage parlours and street vending. This widespread violation poses a significant threat to job security and the economic stability of Thai workers. Therefore, the comprehensive regulation of foreign labour is deemed crucial. The objective is to ensure that foreign workers are employed legally and within the specific job categories permitted by Thai law, without impinging on the rights of Thai workers. The newly formed advisory and inspection committee will consist of 15 members. It will include advisors to the Minister of Labour, the Minister's Secretary, representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, and the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Furthermore, various agencies under the Ministry of Labour's purview will participate, ensuring an integrated and highly effective operational plan. - The Nation/ANN
Barnama
15 hours ago
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand And Vietnam: July 19, 2025
Three people, including an eight-year-old girl, were killed in a stampede during a public celebration in Garut, West Java, marking the wedding of Deputy Regent Luthfianisa Putri Karlina and Maula Akbar, the oldest son of West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, on Friday. Despite Indonesia's recent success at scoring a significantly lower tariff rate with the United States and finalising a long-awaited free trade pact with the European Union, experts have warned that the strategic implications behind these rushed decisions made under pressure may lead to future instability. 2. INDONESIA NOT OUT OF WOODS DESPITE US, EU DEALS -- THE JAKARTA POST 1. MAKING HEALTHCARE MORE PEOPLE-FRIENDLY --THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Authorities are trying to make public healthcare more accessible to the masses by upgrading around-the-clock emergency patient care and minimising medical costs. It wants to ensure that the public can receive quality medical treatment in a peaceful environment. 2. AFFORDABLE LOANS FOR OIL MILLERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government is offering low-interest working capital to oil millers. The move is to assist millers in expanding their business and upgrading facilities with new equipment. An interest rate of five per cent will be charged for the loans. SINGAPORE 1. A DEADLY COCKTAIL: EASY ACCESS, LAX ATTITUDES DRIVING KPOD SCOURGE IN S'PORE -- THE STRAITS TIMES When Joe (not his real name) wanted a vaping fix, the 15-year-old would whip out his phone, scan through a series of Telegram groups and pick a seller based on price. 2. AS SHOPPING CENTRES IN BANGKOK AND KL MORPH INTO LIFESTYLE DESTINATIONS, CAN SINGAPORE'S MALLS KEEP UP? -- CNA On a recent trip to Bangkok, Ms Yinn Ong, a Singaporean, was captivated by something she would not expect to see in a mall – an indoor floating market. THAILAND 1. POLICE TO PROBE SENIOR MONKS INVOLVED IN LARGE-SCALE FRAUD, EXTORTING FUNDS FOR TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION -- THE NATION Thai police investigate senior monks in connection with extorting hundreds of millions for temple projects. The case is unrelated to the 'Femme Fatale Golf' scandal but raises concerns over corruption. 2. NATION EDGY AS DECISION DAY LOOMS -- BANGKOK POST The new US tariffs are set to have global repercussions and impact various countries unless negotiations for more favourable rates can be achieved prior to Aug 1. VIETNAM 1. TYPHOON WIPHA TO HIT NORTHERN VIETNAM SOON -- VIETNAM NEWS Local authorities have warned that Typhoon Wipha could arrive in northern Vietnam by July 22, which may trigger heavy rain and strong winds. This typhoon could be the third tropical cyclone to enter Vietnamese waters this year. 2. SHAPING NATION'S FRUIT BASKET -- VIETNAMPLUS The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will focus on developing the northern and mountainous region of Vietnam as the nation's fruit basket. Key production clusters include lychee, orange, pomelo, plum and custard apple -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
