Thai Woman Extorted $11.9 Million from Monks, Lost It All to Online Gambling
Thai police have arrested 30-year-old Wilawan Emsawat for extorting millions from Buddhist monks by leveraging intimate relationships and blackmail.
How the Scandal Unfolded
The investigation began in June 2024 after the abbot of a prominent Bangkok temple abruptly left the monkhood.
The reason: fear of exposure over a secret affair with a woman known as “Miss Golf.” She falsely claimed to be pregnant and demanded over $222,000 to stay silent.
It was later revealed that she had used a similar scheme with other monks. Over three years, she extorted approximately $11.9 million (around 385 million baht), most of which was spent on online gambling platforms.
“Miss Golf’s” Modus Operandi
- Initiated sexual relationships with monks.
- Secretly recorded photos and videos of the encounters.
- Blackmailed them with threats of exposure in exchange for large money transfers.
During a search, authorities seized more than 80,000 photos and videos used for blackmail, along with her phones and other digital storage devices.
Impact on the Buddhist Community
The scandal has had sweeping repercussions:
- Nine abbots and senior monks have left the monkhood.
- Thailand’s king revoked royal decrees that had granted top religious titles to 81 monks.
- A special hotline has been launched for reporting clergy misconduct.
The Sangha Supreme Council — Thailand’s top Buddhist authority — announced the formation of a special committee to review monk discipline and ethical guidelines. The government is also considering strict penalties for violations of the monastic code.
Not the First Buddhist Scandal in Thailand
This case is just the latest in a series of incidents that have tarnished the reputation of Thai Buddhism:
| Year | Scandal |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Monk Wiraphon Sukphol was accused of sexual crimes, fraud, and money laundering. |
| 2022 | All monks at a temple in Phetchabun province were arrested for drug possession. |
Experts argue that a major factor in the lack of accountability is the rigid hierarchy within the monastic system, which discourages junior monks from reporting misconduct.
“It’s an authoritarian structure, much like Thailand’s bureaucracy. Younger monks fear being expelled if they speak up,” said religious scholar Surapot Taweesak.
Will Change Follow?
While Thailand’s Buddhist community has long faced criticism for poor oversight and weak discipline, the investigation into “Miss Golf” may prove to be a turning point. As noted by sociologist Prakirati Satasut of Thammasat University:
“Uncovering the truth is essential so that the public regains faith in the Sangha’s integrity.”
Now, it’s up to the country’s top Buddhist council to show the will to “cut out the diseased parts” in order to preserve the institution.
Conclusion
The case of Wilawan Emsawat has exposed how vulnerable the Buddhist establishment is to both internal and external threats. Crimes rooted in sexual exploitation and blackmail have shaken the faith of many believers.
However, the government’s response — including royal intervention and structural reforms — could mark the beginning of meaningful change.
It remains unclear what sentence “Miss Golf” will face, but her case has already become a symbol of the urgent need for reform.