Upon tracing her financial records, investigators uncovered links to various temples.
Sex Scandal Shakes Thailand as Senior Monk Goes Missing
A shocking sex scandal has emerged in Thailand after a respected monk from a Buddhist temple in central Bangkok went missing, The Guardian reported.
It is unclear when the senior monk, Phra Thep Wachirapamok, disappeared. However, his absence has led police to investigate a woman suspected of having had intimate relationships with several senior monks and then allegedly blackmailing them to keep the liaisons secret.
Police reportedly searched her home earlier this month and discovered mobile phones filled with numerous compromising photos and videos of the missing monk and other senior Buddhist figures.
Upon tracing her financial records, investigators uncovered links to various temples.
“We checked her financial trail and found that it involves many temples,” said Jaroonkiat Pankaew of the Thai Police’s Central Investigation Bureau at a press briefing on Tuesday. “After we seized her mobile phone, we found that there are several monks involved, and several video clips and Line chats,” he added, referring to the popular messaging app.
The woman in question, identified as Wilawan Emsawat, was arrested on Tuesday and has been charged with extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods, according to the report.
In an interview aired on Thai media on Wednesday, Wilawan admitted to having relationships with two monks and a religious professor. She also confessed to receiving extravagant gifts, including a Mercedes-Benz SLK200 and “millions” of baht via bank transfers and a personal bank card.
Police sources further revealed that approximately 385 million baht (about $11.9 million) had been deposited into Wilawan’s bank accounts over the past three years.
Authorities Respond Amid Ongoing Investigation
Investigations into the case are ongoing.
According to reports, monks in Thailand receive monthly food allowances ranging between 2,500 and 34,200 baht (£57–785), depending on their rank. However, temples and monks also receive additional donations, some of which are not strictly monitored.
In response to the scandal, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has directed authorities to consider tightening existing laws related to monks and temple finances. Temples are required to disclose their earnings, but enforcement has been inconsistent.
The National Office of Buddhism stated that all monks—regardless of their rank—will be investigated. The agency also suggested reviving a draft law that would impose criminal penalties on those damaging the reputation of Buddhism, including via sexual misconduct.
In a significant move, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn issued a royal command on Tuesday revoking previously granted ecclesiastical titles to dozens of senior monks.
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