LAMPANG – Police are investigating a recent scandal after someone tried to exploit and blackmail a monk in Ko Kha District of Lampang. A scammer claimed to have secret information linking the monk to drug use and sexual acts with a dog. They demanded 5,000 baht to keep things quiet, prompting the abbot to file a complaint with the police.
A Facebook user going by the name “Natasha Romanof”, who said they investigate various issues, sent messages and video clips to a temple’s page in Ko Kha. They claimed to have evidence of a monk involved in sexual activity with a dog. The clips showed a man with a shaved head who looked like a monk. The messages also included graphic sexual chat.
Photos and screenshots were sent as well. These showed explicit conversations and images, including some of the men exposing themselves to each other. The shocking part was the claim of sexual conduct with a dog, covered by both videos and images. The person said they had tried to contact the temple about this but got no response, so they brought it to the media.
On Sunday, reporters from Manager Onlice went to the temple and met the abbot, who called in the 28-year-old monk in question. The monk denied any involvement, saying the images and clips did not show him.
He noted the locations did not match the temple’s grounds, and the dog did not belong to them either. He said he was willing to cooperate with any checks by the authorities or the Sangha.
Later, the abbot replied to the original Facebook message, asking for more information. The person soon messaged back, demanding 5,000 baht and claiming to have proof of the monk’s drug use and sexual encounters. The scammer sent more chat samples and claimed there were even more explicit materials.
The abbot asked to see some evidence and what to do next. The scammer insisted there was only one option: pay, then the issue would go away. A bank account QR code was sent for payment.
The abbot collected all the evidence and reported the incident to the Ko Kha police. Authorities are now investigating both the suspected blackmailer and the monk who has been accused, with officials set to review all the claims.
On Monday, police investigators, the district chief, and village security volunteers from Koh Kha gathered at Wat Tham Khum Sap Chamthewi, the site of the incident. They met with Phra Baitika Chanameth Attathipo, the abbot, to discuss the case, with the village headman also present.
Officers requested more details and planned to question the monk further. Their goal is to track down and prosecute those responsible as quickly as possible. The district chief addressed recent media reports alleging drug use. He confirmed that every monk at the temple will undergo drug testing. The abbot agreed, stating his willingness for both himself and other monks to be tested to prove their innocence.
Phra Baitika Chanameth Attathipo responded that he recognized the video clip and images circulating online. He said they show monks from Wat Tham Khum Sap Chamthewi, but clarified that the individual in question is not a member of their temple.
He explained that this monk usually keeps to himself but may be recognizable due to his appearance. In the past, people have misused the abbot’s photos for false claims, which he has already reported to the police. That case went quiet. For this incident, the monks remain unfazed, confident they have done nothing wrong. He pointed out that such news only harms the temple’s reputation.
“If this had happened at a temple led by an elderly senior monk, who may not use social media, perhaps it would be ignored. Since it happened at our temple, we cannot overlook it. We need to be clear.
I urge authorities to protect Buddhism and take action against those who spread false accusations against monks. This case should serve as an example for dealing with people like this. What happened is blackmail and intimidation, not only here but at other temples too,” he insisted.
He noted that society now faces many problems. This weakens faith and could further erode trust in Buddhism. When reputation suffers, the religion is at risk. People in the shadows often spread lies, and although media outlets share positive stories, many readers only glance at headlines and post negative comments without looking into the details.
“I have seen that many posts and articles present the temple and Buddhism in a good light, but the comments are mostly negative because people do not read the full story,” he said.
He asked supporters and the public to use care when reading or posting online. An initial review suggests the monk in question has been targeted and defamed. A few years ago, someone used his photos for dating sites and other online platforms, which led him to file a police report. The officers dropped the case then. This time, he expects the police to use the law to bring those responsible to justice.
