Pushing Legislation to Protect Buddhism: Criminalizing Sexual Misconduct by Monks with Up to Seven Years in Prison

Wallop Phumra
Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University

Over the past week, the Buddhist clergy in Thailand has been rocked by a series of high-profile scandals involving senior monks resigning from the monkhood. These include monks of high ecclesiastical rank such as provincial chief monks, abbots, and assistant abbots, all accused of engaging in sexual relations with women—actions considered grave violations of monastic discipline, specifically the parajika offenses, which automatically result in expulsion from monkhood. In one case, a provincial chief monk had technically ceased being a monk since 2016 (Khaosod Online, 2025), yet continued to wear robes until he recently resigned.

Sexual relations (methuna) constitute a parajika offense, the most serious breach of the Vinaya (monastic code). Although defrocking typically ends the disciplinary process, the most recent scandal involving a woman allegedly involved with multiple high-ranking monks has sparked a national outcry. Public pressure has mounted for legal measures to punish such misconduct more seriously, prompting the Office of National Buddhism (B.E…) to dust off and reintroduce an old legislative draft to the Sangha Supreme Council (SSC).

The draft legislation is titled “The Promotion of Buddhist Devotees in Supporting and Protecting Buddhism Act B.E. ….” Key provisions include:

 Anyone ordered to leave the monkhood due to a parajika offense or repetitive violations of similar monastic rules shall face imprisonment of 1 to 7 years, a fine of 20,000 to 140,000 THB, or both.
 Individuals Becoming Monks While Facing Criminal Charges:
 Anyone under criminal investigation or prosecution who ordains as a monk—or takes similar actions that damage the reputation of Buddhism—will face the same penalties as above.
 Any person, regardless of gender, who willingly engages in sexual activity with a monk or novice shall be liable to imprisonment for 1 to 7 years, a fine of 20,000 to 140,000 THB, or both.
 Acts that tarnish the reputation of Buddhism can be divided into two scenarios:

Monks misusing donation funds or deceiving the public (e.g., giving money to cover up misconduct).
Accusations against innocent monks, with no valid evidence or legal authority to investigate. In both cases, offenders may face the same penalties (Matichon Online, 2025).

Historically, laws punishing monks are not a new phenomenon. During the reigns of Thai Kings Rama I to V, severe penalties were imposed, including imprisonment, flogging, or branding the word “Samī” (layman) on a monk’s forehead. In the era of the Three Seals Law, it was declared: “A monk who engages in sexual intercourse shall be defrocked and fined…” [3] and “A monk who behaves immorally with women, even if not as a husband, shall be punished with whipping (25–50 lashes), defrocked, and banished…” [4] (Himwang, 2025).

Other Buddhist-majority countries also impose penalties. Laos imprisons monks involved in sexual relations. Sri Lanka punishes monks who distort Buddhist teachings. Myanmar has a special court for disciplining monks who misinterpret Dhamma teachings (ThaiPBS, 2025).

However, many scholars and legal experts express concern that legislation alone may not address the root causes. Mr. Anan Boonsawang, a legal expert in Buddhist law, highlights structural issues within the Sangha’s governing hierarchy. He argues that internal oversight is weak and opaque. If a supervising monk fails to act on known misconduct, should they also be held criminally liable for neglecting their duties as public officials under Thai criminal law? Professor Dr. Soraj Hongladarom of Chulalongkorn University adds another layer of concern that
punishing women who engage in sexual acts with monks may allow monks to intimidate or blackmail them into silence, since the women themselves would face legal consequences (Hongladarom, 2025).

At present, it is unclear how many more senior monks will resign. Police claim to have more than 80,000 images and video clips as evidence, suggesting that additional resignations may follow.

References :
Khaosod Online. (2025, July). Scandal: Phichit Provincial Monk Previously Accused of Sexual Misconduct and Embezzlement Since 2016. Retrieved from: https://www.khaosod.co.th/breaking-news/news_9848289
Matichon Online. (2025, July). Proposed Law to Penalize Monks Violating Monastic Discipline with 1–7 Years in Jail. Retrieved from: https://www.matichon.co.th/local/religious/news_5271486
ThaiPBS. (2025, July). Faith Diminished, but Not Illegal? Public Demands for Monastic Accountability. Retrieved from: https://www.thaipbs.or.th/news/content/354155
PPTV HD 36. (2025, July). Lawyer Critiques New Sangha Bill as Insufficient | Prime Evening News | July 15, 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJvzL8x73CM
Soraj Hongladarom. (2025, July). Opposing Penalization of Women in Monastic Scandals. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/soraj
Himwang. (2025, July). Parajika Offenses in the Reign of Rama IV. Retrieved from: https://www.silpa-mag.com/history/article_70807