Wilawan Emsawat Scandal: Sex, Monks & Rs 100 Crore Blackmail Rock Thailand Dateline

Bangkok | July 18, 2025 Thailand has been rocked by a massive scandal involving a woman named Wilawan Emsawat, who is accused of luring Buddhist monks into sexual relationships and then blackmailing them for money. The case has triggered nationwide outrage, as it not only exposes corruption within religious ranks but also challenges the moral foundation of the monkhood. According to Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau, Wilawan, known by her nickname “Ms Golf,” had sexual relations with at least nine senior monks, all of whom have since been defrocked and expelled from the monastic community. During a raid at her luxury home in Nonthaburi, just north of Bangkok, police seized more than 80,000 nude photos and videos used for blackmail. Wilawan, believed to be in her mid-30s, has been arrested on charges of extortion, money laundering, and possessing stolen goods. She reportedly made over 385 million baht (Rs 102 crore or $11.9 million) through these activities over the last three years. Some of the funds were allegedly spent on illegal online gambling. Investigators believe she reached out to monks on social media, gained their trust, and initiated sexual relationships, breaking the monks' vows of celibacy. One monk admitted to being in a long-term relationship with her and even received a car as a gift. But when their relationship soured, she began blackmailing him. The scandal came to light after the abbot of Wat Tri Thotsathep monastery suddenly disappeared, reportedly to escape her threats. She later claimed he is the father of her child. As the story has unfolded, public outrage has intensified. Many see this scandal as a symptom of deeper rot within the Buddhist clergy. Columnist Sanitsuda Ekachai criticized the monastic system, writing in the Bangkok Post that monks often portray women as threats to their spiritual purity, but are quick to shift blame when their misconduct is exposed. A senate committee has now proposed a controversial amendment to the law that would allow the criminal prosecution of women who engage in sexual relations with monks. Critics argue that the law further victimizes women and overlooks the accountability of the monks themselves. More than 90% of Thailand’s population practices Buddhism, with approximately 200,000 monks and 85,000 novices currently serving. While sex and money scandals are not uncommon among monks, the scale and seniority of those involved in this case have shocked even the most cynical observers. This scandal, now dubbed by local media as the "MonkGate," has raised urgent questions about reform, transparency, and morality within one of the world’s largest Buddhist communities. 80,000 nudes. ₹102 Cr extortion. Monks defrocked. Thailand is reeling from a massive scandal as Wilawan Emsawat, aka "Ms. Golf", lured monks into secret affairs, then blackmailed them. 9 top monks disrobed. Public outrage. Sacred vows shattered. #ThailandScandal #WilawanEmsawat #MonkGate #BuddhistMonks #BreakingVows #GlobalNews #DarkSideOfFaith #ViralNews