Bangkok, Jul 16 (AP) Police in Thailand have apprehended a woman accused of luring Buddhist monks into sexual relationships and subsequently extorting money from them to keep the relationships secret.
This alleged breach of monastic celibacy rules has shocked Buddhist organizations and captured the nation's attention in recent weeks. At least nine abbots and high-ranking monks implicated in the scandal have been defrocked and expelled from the monkhood, according to the Royal Thai Police Central Investigation Bureau.
Wilawan Emsawat, reported to be in her mid-30s, was detained at her residence in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok. She faces charges of extortion, money laundering, and handling stolen property.
Investigators linked financial transactions from a senior monk’s temple bank account in northern Thailand to Wilawan.
Though Wilawan has not issued a statement since her arrest, and her legal representation status remains unclear, she previously admitted to a single relationship in local media interviews and claimed to have given money to that monk.
Monastic scandals emerge quite frequently in Thailand; however, they seldom involve senior clergy members. This particular case highlights the substantial donations temples receive under abbot control, contrasting sharply with the modest lifestyle required by religious tenets.
Wilawan specifically targeted senior monks for monetary gain. Police revealed that several monks transferred significant sums following romantic involvements initiated by her.
In recent months, Wilawan's bank accounts reportedly saw transactions totaling around 385 million baht (USD 11.9 million), predominantly squandered on online gambling, the police stated.
The inquiry began last month after an abbot from a prominent Bangkok temple unexpectedly forsook monastic life.
Investigations discovered that the abbot had been blackmailed by Wilawan, who falsely claimed she was pregnant and demanded 7.2 million baht (USD 222,000) as support, explained Jaroonkiat Pankaew, a Central Investigation Bureau deputy commissioner, during a media briefing in Bangkok.
"This woman poses a significant risk, which necessitated her immediate arrest," Jaroonkiat asserted.
Thai media reported an examination of Wilawan’s mobile phones uncovered tens of thousands of images, videos, and numerous intimate chat logs with multiple monks, much of which could serve as blackmail material.
Thai Buddhist monks primarily adhere to the Theravada tradition, mandating celibacy and prohibiting physical contact with women.
Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has requested a review and possible tightening of laws regarding monks and temples, especially concerning financial transparency, to restore trust in Buddhism, stated government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub on Tuesday.
The Central Investigation Bureau has launched a Facebook page allowing public reports of misconduct by monks, as shared by Jaroonkiat.
"This nationwide investigation will scrutinize the behavior of monks across Thailand," he said. "I anticipate significant changes will arise from the ripple effects of this investigation." (AP) PY PY
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