Seductress Wilawan “Golf” Emsawat arrested at luxury Nonthaburi estate for laundering millions from top monks amid Thailand’s biggest Buddhist scandal. Linked to embezzlement, extortion and blackmail, she faces serious charges as nine senior monks are disrobed.
Police have arrested a 35-year-old Thai woman at the centre of a scandal shaking Buddhism in Thailand. Wilawan “Golf” Emsawat, is linked to illicit payments from senior monks and stolen temple funds. She faces three serious charges, backed by an arrest warrant from the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct. The allegations include receiving embezzled money and laundering millions. More charges are expected. Despite the evidence, Ms. Golf fiercely denies extortion and blackmail claims involving powerful religious figures.
Wilawan “Golf” Emsawat was arrested on Tuesday at her luxury home in a gated community in Nonthaburi. This area lies just outside Bangkok. She now faces serious charges linked to a large scandal involving senior Buddhist monks.
So far, nine monks, including abbots and community leaders, have been disrobed during the investigation. Authorities charged Ms. Wilawan with money laundering, embezzlement and misconduct connected to crimes committed by some monks she allegedly seduced.
Wilawan Emsawat arrested at luxury home near Bangkok amid scandal involving senior Buddhist monks
The arrest warrant came from the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct. It covers supporting officials in performing their duties improperly, money laundering, conspiracy to launder money, and receiving stolen goods. In addition, the warrant specifically names Ms. Wilawan for her role in these crimes.
At a press conference, Police Major General Charoonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, shared new details. Ms. Wilawan’s bank accounts showed transactions totalling around ฿385 million over the last three years. Furthermore, police found links between her accounts and illegal online gambling sites. By the time of her arrest, she had only ฿8,000 left in her bank account.
The investigation began after police uncovered a financial trail involving Phra Thep Patcharaporn. He was the former abbot of Wat Chu Chit Thammaram in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. On February 16, 2024, this monk transferred ฿380,000 from the temple’s account to Ms. Wilawan’s account. Police allege she knew the money belonged to the temple but still ordered the transfer.
Arrest warrant details reveal 385 million baht in suspicious transactions and links to illegal gambling sites
Phra Thep Patcharaporn left the monkhood on July 14 and admitted to transferring money to Ms. Wilawan. Moreover, he transferred ฿12.8 million from his personal bank account to her. Both now face charges under Section 147 of the Criminal Code. This section deals with corruption and misconduct by public officials.
Senior monks are considered public officials because they receive monthly stipends funded by the government. Their payments range from ฿4,100 to ฿13,700 per month. This detail makes the misuse of funds a serious criminal offence.
The scandal came to light when the abbot of Wat Tri Thotsathep in Bangkok disappeared last month. Later, he left the monkhood. Police suspected Ms. Wilawan tried to blackmail him. According to investigators, her relationship with the abbot began in May 2024. However, the abbot tried to end it due to financial pressure.
Ms. Wilawan claimed to have a child with the abbot. She demanded ฿30,000 per month in support payments for 20 years. This demand added tension to the already troubled relationship. Police believe this was part of an extortion scheme.
Former monk and senior abbot involved in corruption and blackmail linked to Ms. Wilawan subtle extortion
Police searched Ms. Wilawan’s home on July 4. They found five phones containing 80,000 pictures and videos. These materials showed her with senior monks from several famous temples. The evidence pointed to extortion and blackmail.
According to Police Major General Charoonkiat, Ms. Wilawan admitted to having sexual relations with nine monks.
Eight of these monks have since left the monkhood. Money transfers from these monks to Ms. Wilawan ranged from thousands to millions of baht. Three other monks reportedly had non-sexual relationships with her. Meanwhile, several others remain under investigation.
Ms. Wilawan was taken into custody at 1:30 p.m. on July 15. Police escorted her from the investigation room to a detention cell at the Crime Suppression Division headquarters. She appeared exhausted and stressed. When reporters asked questions, she declined to answer. Instead, she raised her hands in a traditional wai gesture to apologise to Buddhists.
Search uncovers 80,000 images and videos of Wilawan with monks, evidence suggests extortion and abuse
Her family visited her at the detention centre but avoided the media. Observers said Ms. Wilawan looked deeply troubled and tired. She will spend at least one night in the Crime Suppression Division jail. Authorities plan to keep her in custody while the investigation continues.
Nine senior monks have been disrobed since the scandal emerged:
- Phra Thep Wachirapamok, former abbot of Wat Trithat Thep Worawihan, Bangkok (disrobed June 29, 2025).
- Phra Palat Suraphon, former abbot of Wat Phrom Kaset, Phitsanulok Province (disrobed July 5, 2025).
- Phra Thep Wachirathiraphon, former abbot of Phra Phutthachai Temple, Saraburi Province (disrobed July 9, 2025).
- Phra Thep Wachirathirakun, former assistant abbot of Wat Pak Nam, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok (disrobed July 9, 2025).
- Phra Maha Boonlert, former monk at Wat Mai Yai Paen, Bangkok (disrobed July 9, 2025).
- Phra Khru Siriwiriyathada, former assistant abbot of Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, Chachoengsao Province (disrobed July 10, 2025).
- Phra Pariyatthada, former assistant abbot of Wat Kalyanamit Woramahawihan, Bangkok (disrobed July 14, 2025).
- Phra Thepphacharaphon, former abbot of Wat Chuchittharam, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province (disrobed July 14, 2025).
- Phra Thep Wachirasithimethi, former abbot of Wat Tha Luang, Phichit Province (disrobed July 15, 2025).
One monk, Phra Ratcha Rattanasuthee, abbot of Phitsanulok Province, remains uncontactable.
The scandal has shocked Thailand’s religious community. It has exposed a network of illicit activities tied to monks’ financial misconduct. Authorities plan to widen their probe to other temples linked through financial connections.
Scandal exposes network of illicit financial misconduct involving monks and prompts wider temple probes
Ms. Wilawan’s role as a female devotee involved in seducing and extorting senior monks is rare. Yet, it shows a serious abuse of religious trust in Thailand.
The Central Investigation Bureau, the Anti-Corruption Division and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission continue questioning Ms. Wilawan. Further charges are expected as investigations deepen.
This case highlights the challenges Thai authorities face in policing corruption within religious institutions. It also raises concerns about financial oversight and transparency in Buddhist temples.
Ms. Wilawan remains in custody at the Crime Suppression Division detention centre. She will undergo further interrogation and legal proceedings soon.
Police urge anyone with information related to this case to come forward. They also seek reports on similar issues within temples. Authorities reaffirm their commitment to rooting out corruption and restoring public trust.
Ms. Wilawan’s rare role in seducing monks highlights challenges in policing corruption and temple ethics
The scandal remains under intense public and media scrutiny. Anxious Buddhist devotees await updates on possible new developments and further arrests.
The case shows how deeply corruption can infiltrate religious institutions. It also reveals the vulnerabilities in the system meant to protect temple funds.
Monks and laywomen to be criminalised for having illicit sex in new legal move by top Buddhist agency due to scandal
With more monks disrobed and investigations ongoing, the scandal may expand. Authorities stress they will pursue justice fully, regardless of rank or status.
Meanwhile, Ms. Wilawan’s future remains uncertain. She faces a difficult legal battle as police build their case. The Thai public is watching closely, hoping for accountability and reform. The legal prosecution of Ms. Golf is now seen as part of that process and will certainly raise disturbing questions.
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