2025 Thai monk scandal
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In July 2025, the disappearance of Phra Thep Wachirapamok, a prominent Buddhist monk, led to the arrest of a woman who allegedly blackmailed thousands of monks with sexual videos.[1][2] As of 14 July 2025, six senior monks have been defrocked and two remain missing.[3]
Background
[edit]90% of Thailand's population is Buddhist, and at any time there are approximately 200,000 monks and 85,000 novices.[4]
Arrest
[edit]On 15 July 2025, Wilawan Emsawat was arrested in Nonthaburi and charged with receiving stolen goods, extortion, and money laundering.[5][6] In a 16 July 2025 interview, she admitted to multiple relationships with two monks, along with a religious professor.[7] Five phones owned by Emsawat were found, including several containing images of her engaged in sexual acts with monks.[4]
Police described Emsawat as having targeted senior monks.[6][8]
Aftermath and reaction
[edit]Following Emsawat's arrest, police announced they will conduct background checks on around 300,000 Buddhist monks in Thailand.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ "Thai woman arrested for blackmailing monks after sex with thousands of videos". www.bbc.com. 2025-07-16. Archived from the original on 2025-07-16. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
- ^ Hope, Zach (2025-07-17). "The Buddhist monk sex scandal that's gripping Thailand". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 2025-07-17. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
- ^ "Thailand defrocks 6 monks as sex and blackmail scandal engulfs Buddhist clergy". South China Morning Post. 2025-07-14. Archived from the original on 2025-07-16. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
- ^ a b Parry, Richard Lloyd (2025-07-16). "Thai woman 'had sex with Buddhist monks and blackmailed them for millions'". www.thetimes.com. Archived from the original on 2025-07-16. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
- ^ Ngamkham, Wassayos (2025-07-15). "Police arrest woman at centre of monk sex scandal". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 2025-07-17. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
- ^ a b "Police arrest woman at centre of sex scandal that saw nine monks disrobed". The Independent. 2025-07-15. Archived from the original on 2025-07-15. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
- ^ Ratcliffe, Rebecca; Siradapuvadol, Navaon (2025-07-17). "Monks behaving badly: the sex scandal rocking Thailand's Buddhist clergy". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
- ^ Ngamkham, Wassayos (2025-07-16). "Charges mount against woman at centre of temple sex scandal". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 2025-07-17. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
- ^ Ngamkham, Wassayos (2025-07-16). "Police to make background checks on all monks nationwide". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
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