Camilla Jessen
The case is shaking Thailand’s Buddhist establishment to its core.
A 35-year-old woman has been arrested in Thailand following a high-profile investigation that exposed a scandal involving senior Buddhist monks, sexual blackmail, and millions of dollars in extorted payments.
The case has shocked the public and prompted sweeping reviews of the country’s monastic institutions.
“Sika Golf”
On July 4, police arrested Wirawan Emsawat—also known as “Sika Golf”—at her home in Nonthaburi province, just north of Bangkok.
The arrest followed the disappearance of Monk Arch from the respected Wat Tri Thotsathep temple, triggering suspicions of fraud or misconduct.
As investigators traced his last contacts, their focus quickly turned to Wirawan.
80,000 Pornographic Files and Secret Videos
Inside her residence, authorities discovered over 80,000 pornographic files stored across five mobile phones.
Among the footage were videos featuring Wirawan in intimate acts with senior monks—some still in their saffron robes—as well as with high-ranking politicians.
One clip allegedly showed a monk dressing after what appeared to be a sexual encounter.
Religious Vows Shattered by Digital Evidence
The findings shocked the Thai public and clergy alike.
Buddhist monks take vows of celibacy and are expected to live disciplined, ascetic lives.
The footage, combined with financial records, told a different story.
Seduction, Blackmail, and Millions in Extortion
Police say Wirawan admitted to coercing several monks and political figures, blackmailing them for money, and claiming to have had children with some of them.
An investigation into her bank records revealed she had received approximately 385 million baht (roughly $11.9 million) over the past three years.
Financial Records Reveal a Web of Extortion
Authorities allege that a large portion of that money was used to support an online gambling addiction.
Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, Jaroonkiat Pankaew, said Wirawan had targeted Monk Arch specifically.
She reportedly told him she was pregnant and demanded 7.2 million baht ($222,000) in financial support, a demand investigators now view as part of her broader extortion scheme, reports The Telegraph.
Temples Under Scrutiny as Police Expand Probe
In response to the scandal, over a dozen temples are now under scrutiny. Police Major General Charoonkiat Pankaew of the Cybercrime Investigation Bureau said investigations are ongoing but insisted the goal was to protect the integrity of Buddhist institutions, according to The Sun.
“The scandals required further police investigation and action to ensure that the monastic institution remains composed solely of monks who uphold moral discipline,” he said.
“We have no intention of undermining Buddhism. However, we urge monks across the country to exercise caution when taking part in religious activities that involve laywomen. These individuals may present themselves as generous donors, wealthy benefactors or socialites, yet some may in fact be fraudsters seeking to gain the monks’ trust, engaging them in conversations via Line or telephone and secretly recording clips.”
Buddhist Council Moves Toward Legal Reform
The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand’s highest Buddhist governing body, said it is now reviewing outdated monastic regulations.
Acting secretary Chatchapol Chaiyaporn stated:
“A new special committee will be formed to safeguard Buddhism, review the Sangha Act and other related laws, and enhance public communication. The proposal will be submitted to the Supreme Patriarch for approval,” per UniLAD.
Strengthening Public Trust in Religious Institutions
Chaiyaporn added that closing loopholes in monastic law is essential to restoring public trust.
Meanwhile, the National Office of Buddhism has proposed new penalties, including up to seven years in jail and fines of 140,000 baht ($4,303) for monks expelled from the order, with matching punishments for laypeople who knowingly engage in sexual acts with them.
