US EditionThai police arrest woman who allegedly seduced and blackmailed Buddhist monks
THAILAND, JUL 15 – Wilawan Emsawat allegedly extorted monks through sexual relationships and received $11.9 million over three years, prompting arrests and disrobing of at least nine senior monks, police said.
- On July 15, police in Nonthaburi apprehended Wilawan Emsawat at her residence, accusing her of extorting money, laundering funds, and handling stolen property.
- The arrest followed an inquiry sparked by the sudden departure of Arch, the head monk at a well-known Bangkok temple, amid allegations of blackmail and financial misconduct.
- Authorities discovered that Wilawan specifically pursued senior monks to establish romantic connections, which led to significant financial transfers totaling approximately 385 million baht over three years, most of which were spent on online gambling. Additionally, investigators seized tens of thousands of sexually explicit images and videos.
- At a press briefing, deputy commissioner Jaroonkiat Pankaew explained that Wilawan alleged she was pregnant and requested 7.2 million baht . He also stated that authorities plan to conduct a nationwide inquiry into the conduct of monks, noting that nine have already left the monkhood.
- The government, under Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s direction, has initiated a review of laws concerning monks and temples, emphasizing financial transparency as a measure to rebuild public trust following the scandal.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Thai police have arrested a woman on suspicion of extortion and money laundering by blackmailing several Buddhist monks. The woman allegedly first seduced the monks into sex, then pressured them into paying her large sums to prevent her from publicizing the matter. Buddhist monks are supposed to lead a celibate life. The news has caused a considerable uproar in Thailand. At least nine abbots and high-ranking monks have been removed from office, …
Cops Charge Woman With Seducing, Blackmailing Monks
Police in Thailand arrested a woman Tuesday who allegedly enticed a string of Buddhist monks into sexual relationships and then pressured them into making large payments to cover up their intimacy. The possible violation of the celibacy rule for monks has rocked Buddhist institutions and gripped public attention in Thailand....
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