A woman caught up in a huge scandal surrounding Thai monks has said she bore the child of a former abbot, reports the Daily Star. Wilawan Emsawat is alleged to have had sex with numerous monks and blackmailed them by threatening to release intimate pictures and videos.
The scandal first broke out when the abbot of Bangkok’s Wat Tri Thotsathep monastery suddenly left the monkhood and went missing. The Thai police subsequently accused him of fleeing in fear of being blackmailed by Emsawat. She has recently alleged that she gave birth to his child.
Evidence of Blackmail and Extortion
The authorities dealing with the case allegedly found “tens of thousands of photos” on Emsawat’s mobile, in addition to some sexually explicit messages. The police claim these items were employed to extort considerable amounts of money from monks in various temples.
The Daily Star said that police discovered more than 80,000 photos and videos of sexual activity between Emsawat and several monks. The police estimate that she bribed more than 385 million baht (some $11.9 million) in the past three years, but much of that money is thought to have been used on gambling sites.
Nine Monks Disroiled
At least nine monks have been disrobed due to the scandal. According to Daily Star, they are:
- Former abbot of Wat Trithat Thep, Phra Thep Wachirapamok
- Former abbot of Wat Tha Luang, Phra Thep Wachirasithimethi
- Former abbot of Wat Phrom Kaset, Phra Palat Suraphon
- Former abbot of Wat Chuchittharam, Phra Thepphacharaphon
- Former abbot of Phra Phutthachai Temple, Phra Thep Wachirathiraphon
- Former assistant abbot of Wat Kalyanamit Woramahawihan, Phra Pariyatthada
- Former assistant abbot of Wat Pak Nam, Phra Thep Wachirathirakun
- Former assistant abbot of Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, Phra Khru Siriwiriyathada
- Former monk at Wat Mai Yai Paen, Phra Maha Boonlert
It is reported that three more monks are also implicated in the scandal, although their names have not been made public.
Wilawan Emsawat Arrested
Emsawat was apprehended from her home in Nonthaburi province, just north of Bangkok. She has been charged with a number of serious offenses, including money laundering, extortion, and possession of plundered property.
She has also been accused by the police of facilitating abuse of power among monks, but more information on that charge has not yet come out.
