Who Is Wilawan Emsawat? Woman Behind Thailand's $12 Million Monk Sex Extortion Scandal

Last Updated:July 18, 2025, 16:36 IST

Thai police say at least 11 monks were involved, all of whom have now been stripped of their robes

In Thai society, monks are deeply respected and considered spiritual successors of the Buddha, tasked with upholding and spreading his teachings. (AFP photo)

A shocking scandal has shaken Thailand after a woman was arrested for allegedly seducing monks and blackmailing them with secretly taken photos and videos. Thai police say at least 11 monks were involved, all of whom have now been stripped of their robes.

The woman is accused of demanding millions of dollars from the monks, money which reportedly came from temple donations made by followers. The case has not only damaged the reputation of the clergy but also raised serious concerns about how religious donations are handled in the country.

In Thai society, monks are deeply respected and considered spiritual successors of the Buddha, tasked with upholding and spreading his teachings. That’s why this scandal has caused such a deep sense of betrayal among the public.

Who is Wilawan Emsawat?

Wilawan Emsawat, thought to be in her mid-30s, was arrested at her home in Nonthaburi province, just north of Bangkok, earlier this week. The Royal Thai Police Central Investigation Bureau confirmed her arrest and said she faces charges including extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen property.

In a televised interview, Wilawan admitted to developing a “splurging attitude" as her monk partners spoiled her with lavish gifts and expensive shopping trips — reportedly spending up to $90,000 (about 3 million baht) in a single day.

Thai news outlets revealed that a search of her mobile phones uncovered tens of thousands of images and videos, including private chat logs showing intimate relationships with several monks. Police said over 80,000 pieces of media content were found, much of it used to threaten and blackmail her victims.

Pattern Of Temple Scandals

This is not the first time Thailand’s monkhood has faced public disgrace. In 2017, police raided the well-known Wat Dhammakaya temple and arrested its abbot for allegedly laundering $33 million in public donations.

Just two months ago, another senior monk was arrested in Bangkok for embezzling nearly $10 million to fund an illegal online gambling operation.

Danai Preechapermprasit, a scholar in Buddhism, said repeated scandals like these — especially involving high-ranking monks — have deeply shaken public faith.

“People question whether donations are used for spiritual significance or personal desire," he told news agency AFP. “I think Thailand has reached a point where it’s difficult for monks to even walk down the street."

Push For Reform

The scandal has prompted strong calls for reform. A leading Thai lawmaker has promised new rules within three months, including mandatory disclosure of temple donations and laws that would make monk misconduct a criminal offence.

“This case does not represent Buddhism as a whole," said national police chief Kitrat Panphet on Thursday. He announced the creation of a special task force to investigate other cases of wrongdoing in the monkhood. “It’s about a few individuals doing wrong," he added.

In response to the public outrage, King Maha Vajiralongkorn has withdrawn invitations to more than 80 monks who were due to attend his 73rd birthday celebrations. The Royal Household stated this was due to “inappropriate behaviour that caused mental distress among the Thai people".

(With inputs from AFP)

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