Thailand Police Arrest Woman for Allegedly Seducing and Blackmailing Buddhist Monks

Authorities in Thailand arrested a woman on Tuesday for allegedly seducing several Buddhist monks into sexual relationships and subsequently extorting them for money to conceal their affairs. This situation has raised significant concerns regarding the violation of celibacy rules among monks and has captured public attention throughout the country.

According to the Royal Thai Police Central Investigation Bureau, at least nine abbots and senior monks have been disrobed and expelled from the monkhood due to their involvement in this scandal. The accused, Wilawan Emsawat, in her mid-30s, was taken into custody at her residence in Nonthaburi province, located north of Bangkok.

She faces charges of extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods. Authorities noted that they traced funds transferred to her from a senior monk’s bank account associated with his temple in northern Thailand.

Since her arrest, Wilawan has not publicly commented on the allegations, and it remains unclear whether she has legal representation. Prior to her arrest, she did admit to having one relationship and acknowledged providing money to that monk.

While scandals involving monks are not uncommon in Thailand, they rarely implicate senior clergy members. The case highlights the significant contributions to temples overseen by abbots, which contrasts sharply with the ascetic lifestyles they are supposed to uphold.

Police stated that Wilawan specifically targeted prominent monks for financial gain and discovered that several had sent her large sums of money after she initiated romantic ties with them. Wilawan’s bank accounts reportedly received approximately 385 million baht (about $11.9 million) over the last three years, although most of this money was used for online gambling.

The investigation into her activities began after an abbot from a well-known Bangkok temple resigned from monkhood, allegedly under pressure exerted by Wilawan, who claimed she was pregnant and demanded substantial financial aid. In response to the escalating situation, the acting Prime Minister ordered a review of laws governing monks and temples to enhance transparency and restore faith in Buddhism.

The Central Investigation Bureau is also encouraging the public to report any misconduct among monks through a new Facebook page, aiming to foster significant changes across the nation.