Thailand’s Monk Scandals Unravel Tradition Will Corruption’s Cure Destroy Faith?
The downfall of a monk is always a story of individual failing. But it’s also, invariably, a story of systems. And often, a story of unintended consequences. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, nicknamed “Big Tao,” is now the face of Thailand’s latest reckoning with corruption within its Buddhist monastic order, the Sangha — the one tasked with rooting out senior monks accused of embezzlement and sexual misconduct. The impetus? A raid uncovering compromising videos and photos featuring monks and a civilian named Wilawan “Sika Golf” Emsawat. Eleven monks disrobed, more under investigation. Bangkok Post reports this is happening at a time of significant pressure on the government to clean up the monasteries. But will enforcement truly fix the rot, or will it further destabilize an institution already struggling to adapt to modernity?
The core problem isn’t just individual depravity, though there’s clearly enough of that to go around. It’s a cocktail of factors, brewed in the crucible of a rapidly changing Thailand. Thailand is a deeply religious society; Buddhism isn’t just a faith, it’s interwoven with the national identity itself. The Sangha is thus woven into the national identity. As such, the monasteries have immense social and economic power. Temples are central to daily life, providing everything from spiritual guidance to education. This close bond has unfortunately also allowed for exploitation. The concentration of wealth within these institutions, often untracked and fueled by traditional merit-making practices, is simply too tempting to ignore, especially given the absence of robust internal oversight and the increasing monetization of religious rituals. This creates a perverse incentive: the more lavish the offerings, the greater the perceived merit, which then increases the wealth ripe for corruption.
“If they violated monastic principles but didn’t break any law, they will be asked to leave monkhood. Some of those who were arrested and defrocked posted obscene photos on social media and engaged in sexual acts,”
This isn’t new, but the scale and visibility are. Scholars like Justin McDaniel, in his book “Gathering Leaves and Lifting Words,” explore the complicated and shifting relationship between the Sangha and secular authority throughout Thai history. He points to instances in the 19th century where King Mongkut, himself a former monk, attempted to standardize monastic practices and centralize authority, meeting with considerable resistance. Periods of reform and crackdown have punctuated centuries. Historically, efforts at reform from the central government have been met with resistance. Monasteries, enjoying strong local support and traditions, have long viewed themselves as outside state interference. Consider, too, the impact of globalization and the rise of social media. Monks, once insulated from outside influence, are now exposed to — and implicated in — the same temptations and controversies that plague the secular world, often with disastrous consequences for their vows and the reputation of the Sangha.
Beyond the wealth, consider the immense prestige granted to senior monks. Such authority is earned through devotion, scholarship, and perceived spiritual attainment. But absolute power corrupts. The scandals erode public trust in the entire institution. That has deep implications. The faith plays a huge role in shaping values and behaviors, providing a moral compass for many Thais. Loss of faith then results in profound societal consequences. It raises questions about the very foundations upon which the nation is built, prompting a crisis of meaning in a rapidly modernizing world.
The creation of the “Centre for the Promotion and Preservation of Buddhist Discipline and Ethics” indicates the government is finally willing to acknowledge this systemic issue. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat, who started cracking down on “rogue monks” in 2017, seems like the right man to spearhead this cleanup. However, relying solely on law enforcement is like treating a symptom without addressing the disease. A broader structural reform that encourages transparency, financial accountability and ethical leadership within the Sangha itself is required. But even that might not be enough. Perhaps the deeper question is whether the traditional monastic structure can even survive in the face of 21st-century pressures. The challenge lies not just in cleaning up corruption, but in reimagining the role of the Sangha in a society that is both deeply spiritual and increasingly secular. Otherwise, this will simply be a temporary fix. The question is: will that transformation occur or will the cycle of scandal, crackdown, and decay simply continue, ultimately undermining one of Thailand’s most defining institutions?
