Multiple High-Ranking Monks Implicated in Scandal
Thai King Intervenes Amid Public Outcry
Monastic Status Immediately Revoked for Nine Monks
In Thailand, where 90 percent of the population believes in Buddhism, a major scandal involving sexual misconduct by several high-ranking monks, including the head monks of famous temples, is spreading. It was recently revealed that a woman, nicknamed 'Miss Golf,' had sexual relations with more than ten senior monks over three years and earned 385 million baht (16.4 billion won) in the process. This incident has deeply shocked Thai society, which has long regarded Buddhism as its spiritual foundation.
The precepts of Thai Buddhism, which follows the Theravada tradition, are much stricter than those of Mahayana Buddhism traditions in Korea, China, and Japan, requiring monks to live a strictly celibate life. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Photo by EPA and Yonhap News.
On July 16 (local time), international media outlets such as AP and the Bangkok Post reported that Thai police had arrested Wilawan Emsawat, 35, on charges of extortion and money laundering at a luxury residential complex in Nonthaburi Province, central Thailand, the previous day. Last month, Thai police began investigating after receiving a tip that the head monk of a famous Bangkok temple had suddenly disappeared. The investigation revealed that the head monk was having an affair with Wilawan. Wilawan claimed she was pregnant and demanded 7.8 million baht (about 334 million won). When the head monk refused, Wilawan informed other monks about the affair, and the head monk fled to Laos.
Thai police announced that they had found 80,000 items, including videos and photos of Wilawan engaging in sexual acts with nine head monks and other high-ranking monks, on five mobile phones seized from Wilawan. Some of these were reportedly filmed while the monks were wearing their robes. During police questioning, Wilawan stated, "Most of the monks readily complied with my requests for money, and it was easy to seduce them." Thai police believe that Wilawan obtained significant sums of money by threatening to expose her relationships unless she was paid. The monk status of nine monks who had relations with Wilawan was immediately revoked.
Political Circles and the Thai King Move to Contain the Situation
Ninety percent of the population in Thailand believe in Buddhism. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Photo by AFP and Yonhap News
The precepts of Thai Buddhism, which follows the Theravada tradition, are much stricter than those of Mahayana Buddhist traditions in Korea, China, and Japan. Monks are required to live a strictly celibate life. Even touching food or medicine handed to them by their own mother or grandmother is considered impure. As public sentiment was greatly shaken by bribery and sexual scandals involving monks, who are a highly respected class in Thailand, the Thai government responded immediately.
Acting Prime Minister Phratham Wechayachai ordered measures to strengthen the legal accountability of monks, overhaul temple regulations, and ensure transparency in temple finances. Police have set up a dedicated Facebook page for reporting 'deviant monks.' Thai authorities announced that they would conduct a comprehensive review of the identities and criminal records of 300,000 monks. Furthermore, both the political establishment and the Thai King have stepped in to address the crisis. The Thai parliament has begun drafting legislation that would explicitly criminalize sexual relations with monks. King Rama X issued a royal decree stripping 81 monks of their royal titles and honorifics.
The Times of the UK commented, "While scandals involving monks are not uncommon in Buddhist Thailand, the age and seniority of the monks involved in this case make it unusual." The local media outlet Bangkok Post strongly criticized the Buddhist establishment, stating, "The lies and hypocrisy of the highest-ranking monks have been exposed," and added, "Even though the moral corruption of the monks is clear, they shift the blame onto the woman and portray themselves as victims."
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