Monks With luxury cars, erotic relationships, sex videos and millions of hands. The scandal that broke out in its Buddhist Clergy Thai It reveals a gloomy reality behind the closed doors of the sanctuaries.
The mysterious disappearance of a monk has led to revelations about blackmail, sexual intercourse and luxury money in Thailand. Result; September, prosecutor’s investigations and a country wondering: How much power – and how much money – can fit under an orange razing?
Police investigation into the upper monk Phra Thep Wachirapamok, who disappeared mysterilyled unexpectedly to a 35 -year -old woman allegedly having sex with several monks and then blackmail them with erotic videos not to disclose their love affairs.
In a study by police at her home, mobile phones containing tens of thousands of photos and videos, both the missing monk and other high -ranking Buddhists, were found. Its economic activity also revealed links to various temples.
“We have examined its financial history and found that many temples are involved,” said Jaroonkiat Pankaew of the Thai Police Central Investigations Directorate. “After the seizure of her mobile, we found that many monks and many videos and conversations are involved through the line application,” he added.
Phra thep Wachirapamok has not given life signs since he left the temple, and no charges of disappearing. However, Wilawan Emsawat was arrested and accused of blackmail and money laundering.
Wilawan has not commented on the charges and is not clear if it has a lawyer. However, in an interview with Thai media on Wednesday (16.07.2025), he acknowledged that he had sex with two monks and a professor of religious studies. He also said he received luxury gifts, such as a Mercedes-Benz SLK200 and millions through banking and personal banking card.
He then said he had remorse and said in love.
Police said Wilawan’s bank accounts have deposited about $ 11.9 million in the last three years.
Monks out of control
Although incidents of monks who … were dragged by their passion and desires, who in a nutshell have not been rare in Thailand, this scandal has shocked public opinion and raises serious questions.
The scandal has so far led to the dismantling and removal of at least nine abbots and senior monks. One of them faces charges of embezzling temple resources and abuse of power.
He acknowledged that she lent money from the temple’s funds, claiming that she did so to help Wilawan with her business.
‘It’s the first time I see such a scandal’, said Paiwan Wannabud, a former nun for nearly 20 years, who is now known in the LGBTKI+ community.
Although interest is mainly focused on the 35 -year -old, Paiwan stresses that the case raises serious questions about “money, power and titles” that allow such behaviors.
“When the ethical decline of the clergy is completely revealed, the woman is the one who pays the price, while the monks are presented as victims,” Sanitsuda Ekachai wrote in the Bangkok Post, condemning a “feudal -type system” in which monks live in privileges.
Wealth behind the rashes
The monks in Thailand receive monthly nutrition benefits from 2,500 to 34,200 Batt Thailand (about 57 to 785 pounds), depending on their grade. However, donations from rich monks to temples and monks are usually the main source of wealth – especially for those who are in high positions.
In another case earlier in the month, the abbot of a well -known temple in Bangkok reported the theft of 10 million bats (229,000 pounds) in cash and gold bars from his room, making many wonder how he maintained such property.
Information from a Guardian