Monks Lose Their Titles, Arrest in Golf Incident
**Thai Monks Stripped of Titles Amidst Scandal of Misconduct**
His Majesty the King of Thailand has taken an unprecedented step in revoking the royal appointments and ecclesiastical titles of 81 monks, following reports of monastic misconduct that have deeply affected public sentiment. The revocation, published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday and effective from Monday, July 14, 2025, specifically pertains to four monks who had recently been elevated to higher ranks and 77 others who had received ecclesiastical titles under two Royal Decrees dated June 22, 2025.
The misconduct reportedly involves serious breaches of the Buddhist monastic code (Vinaya), with media reports indicating the involvement of senior monks in financial improprieties, including the alleged misuse and embezzlement of temple funds. The former abbot of Wat Chujit Dhammaram, Phra Theppatcharaporn, is believed to be at the centre of the financial transactions.
A woman named "Sika Golf" was apprehended on Tuesday in relation to a financial transaction of 380,000 baht from Wat Chujit Dhammaram's account. The emotional and spiritual distress of the Buddhist faithful has been caused by the reported monastic misconduct, highlighting a crisis of confidence within the Sangha (the monastic community) and the determination of the monarchy and religious authorities to address misconduct decisively.
The Supreme Patriarch of Thailand has publicly urged the government to take action against monks—especially senior ones—who violate their celibacy vows, emphasizing that no leniency should be shown for such grave offenses. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has assured that strict measures will be taken against any monks found guilty of serious offenses, reflecting a coordinated response from both religious and governmental authorities.
The revocation has deeply affected the Thai Buddhist community and drawn significant public and media attention. The scandal has also prompted calls for collective action from the government and society to "protect Buddhism" and restore ethical standards and public trust.
| Action Taken | Number Affected | Reason for Action | Impact | Authority Involved | |--------------------------------------|-----------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------------| | Revocation of royal/ecclesiastical titles | 81 monks | Monastic misconduct (Vinaya breaches, financial impropriety) | Emotional/spiritual distress in community; public scandal | His Majesty the King, Supreme Patriarch, Government |
The current situation represents a significant moment of reckoning for Thai Buddhism, with the monarchy and religious leadership taking decisive action to address misconduct. The outcomes will likely shape the future governance of the Sangha and influence public perceptions of monastic integrity in Thailand for years to come. Strict enforcement of monastic rules and continued transparency will be critical to regaining the confidence of the Buddhist community and the general public.
The Thai Chairman of a golf association, fondly known as "Sika Golf", was implicated in a financial transaction related to Wat Chujit Dhammaram's account, the misconduct causing a stir in the Thai Buddhist community. In stark contrast to the monastic misconduct, the King, the Supreme Patriarch, and the government are taking decisive action against such breaches, with sports figures facing accountability just as the monks do.
Despite the ongoing crisis of confidence within the Sangha and the deeply affecting monastic misconduct, an avid golfer might find solace in the emerging emphasis on strict adherence to rules and ethical conduct across all spheres of Thai life, be it sports or spirituality.
