Thai Sex Scandal Unveiled: Monks and Blackmail

A significant scandal has rocked Thailand, involving a woman named Wilawan Emsawat, who has been arrested for extorting Buddhist monks. The scandal has captured public attention due to the involvement of monks breaking their vow of celibacy. At least nine senior monks have been disrobed following the revelations, according to the Royal Thai Police Central Investigation Bureau.

Who is Wilawan Emsawat?

Wilawan Emsawat, also known as “Ms Golf,” is a woman in her mid-30s who was apprehended at her luxury residence in Nonthaburi, near Bangkok. She faces charges of extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods. Police investigations revealed that she had sexual relationships with at least nine monks. Her phones contained messages and intimate videos with Buddhist leaders, which she used for blackmail. The funds obtained were reportedly spent on illegal online gambling.

The Extent of the Scandal: 80,000 Nude Files and $11.9 Million Extorted

Authorities estimate that Wilawan Emsawat amassed approximately 385 million baht (Rs 102 crore) over three years through her blackmail scheme. Investigators discovered over 80,000 photos and videos of her with numerous monks, which were used to extort money from them.

Claims of Motherhood and Further Revelations

Wilawan Emsawat claims to have a child with one of the monks involved. The scandal surfaced when an abbot in Bangkok left the monkhood after being blackmailed by her. The abbot of Wat Tri Thotsathep monastery went missing, allegedly to escape her demands, and she now claims he fathered her child.

Public Outrage and Calls for Legal Reforms

The scandal has led to public outrage and calls for legal reforms. Nine monks have been defrocked, and some have gone into hiding. A senate committee proposed amending laws to criminalize women engaging in sexual relations with monks, sparking debate over accountability. Sanitsuda Ekachai, a columnist for the Bangkok Post, criticized the system’s hypocrisy, noting that women are often depicted as threats to monks’ spiritual purity. The incident highlights ongoing issues within Thailand’s Buddhist community, where scandals involving sex and money are not uncommon.