A screengrab made from the livestream of Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau holding a press conference in Bangkok, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, about the arrest of a woman involved in a sex scandal that caused several senior monks to leave monk-hood. (Central Investigation Bureau via AP)
A scandal of sex, money, and betrayal is shaking Thailand’s Buddhist establishment to its core. At the centre of controversy is a 30-year-old woman named Wilawan Emsawat from Nonthaburi province, who police say seduced senior monks engaging them in secret sexual relationships and then blackmailed them for millions to keep their vows of celibacy hidden from public view.
What started as gossip in temple corridors has now exploded into a national scandal. At least nine abbots and senior monks have been disrobed and expelled from the monkhood, an institution respected by millions in this actively Buddhist nation. The Royal Thai Police say more names could follow as investigations open up.
Wilawan was arrested on Tuesday at her home, which is north of Bangkok on multiple charges including extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods. Authorities say they acted swiftly, fearing she could destroy evidence.
Deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau Jaroonkiat Pankaew said, “this woman is dangerous and we needed to arrest her as soon as possible”.
Police allege that Wilawan used romantic and sexual traps to manipulate monks into transferring large sums of money often taken from temple bank accounts, under the threat of public exposure. In one case, she allegedly claimed to be pregnant and demanded 7.2 million baht from a abbot who later fled the monkhood in disgrace.
Digital forensics uncovered tens of thousands of photos, videos, and chats on Wilawan’s phones evidence that could involve several more monks in Thailand. Investigators found over 385 million baht (over Rs 101 crore) had passed through her bank accounts over the past three years, much of it believed to have been spent on online gambling sites.
“She exploited their vulnerabilities… It’s a betrayal not only of individuals but of public trust in our religious institutions” Jaroonkiat said.
Acting Prime Minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai has ordered a review of monk regulations and temple finances, calling for greater transparency to restore faith in Buddhism.
Police have also set up a Facebook page inviting the public to report unethical behavior by monks, signaling what could be a long and reckoning for the clergy.
Wilawan has remained silent since her arrest. She previously admitted to a single relationship in an interview before charges were filed, claiming she had given money to the monk involved. Her legal representation, if any, remains unclear.
