Chiang Mai Buddhist Monks Accused of Extortion, Sex Parties
A Chiang Mai monk has allegedly extorted money from fellow monks by threatening to block their ecclesiastical promotions and demanding fees of 10,000 to 100,000 baht for temple appointments, according to a former district chief who confirme
On August 2, 2025, reporters followed up on the unfolding scandal involving Chiang Mai monks, after senior religious figures warned of secret parties held during Buddhist Lent. Multiple prominent temple monks have allegedly hired male entertainers to provide services at their quarters, invited fellow monks to parties, and driven luxury private vehicles while coordinating meetups across temples. Officials have called for an end to the behavior, with some entertainers fearing HIV infection and requesting monks undergo blood tests before intimate contact, with parties requiring proof of negative test results.
A former Chiang Mai district chief has now revealed that one monk has been collecting secrets about monastic misconduct—including wrongdoings by district abbot leaders and temple abbots across Chiang Mai. This monk has repeatedly abused his position and claims to have played a role in securing important ecclesiastical appointments. The former chief stated: "I can confirm that apart from hoarding secrets about monks' various wrongdoings across Chiang Mai, this monk has demanded money from an abbot, receiving as much as 100,000 baht recently."
The monk allegedly offers various justifications: payment can secure promotion from abbot to sub-district ecclesiastical leader or district leader. Some monks are appointed to temples lacking resident monks, while inviting the monk to events commands fees ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 baht depending on temple size. Without payment, he allegedly threatens to have positions reassigned to other monks.
Before collecting money, the monk's team scouts temples by size—small, medium, or large. Larger, ornate temples are charged higher amounts. However, even medium or small temples with wealthy, prominent patrons or well-known political donors can be charged 10,000 to 100,000 baht or more. Chiang Mai's monastic community has long been aware of these problems, which have persisted for months, with additional issues still being documented. The former chief said.
Reporters have gathered extensive evidence regarding the Chiang Mai monastic misconduct, including monks hiring entertainers for temple parties. Authorities are expected to pursue charges. Regarding the extortion monk collecting money for maintaining ecclesiastical positions, key figures such as the former Chiang Mai district chief have come forward confirming misconduct has occurred.
