A senior Buddhist monk in Thailand has disappeared following a sex scandal involving a woman accused of blackmailing him and other clergy members. The case has raised questions about wealth and privilege within the country's Buddhist clergy.
Police investigations into the whereabouts of Phra Thep Wachirapamok led them to a woman, Wilawan Emsawat, who allegedly had intimate relationships with several senior monks and then blackmailed them. Authorities found tens of thousands of compromising photos and videos on her mobile phones, and traced financial links to multiple temples.
Wilawan was arrested on Tuesday and charged with extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods. She admitted to relationships with two monks and a religious professor, and said she received extravagant gifts including a Mercedes-Benz and millions of baht. Police reported that about 385 million baht ($11.9m) had been deposited into her accounts over three years.
The scandal has led to the defrocking of at least nine abbots and senior monks. One monk faces charges of embezzlement and official misconduct after admitting to loaning temple funds to Wilawan for a business venture. The case has dominated Thai news, prompting debate about the power and privileges of the clergy.
Commentators have criticised the focus on the woman, arguing that the system allows monks to live in privilege and avoid accountability. The acting prime minister has ordered authorities to consider tighter regulation of temple finances.
