Scandalous allegations continue to pile up against the woman at the heart of the temple's sexual misconduct case
In a shocking turn of events, the Buddhist monk community in Thailand is reeling from a scandal involving Wilawan "Sika Golf" Emsawat, a 35-year-old woman from Phichit province. Emsawat, who was arrested in Nonthaburi last Tuesday, faces a host of charges, including enabling malfeasance, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods.
The investigation into Emsawat's case has uncovered allegations of sexual misconduct and financial fraud against several senior monks. Emsawat is accused of developing close relationships with these monks, only to demand money and blackmail them using explicit content.
The financial transactions between Emsawat and the monks have been substantial. A senior monk is reported to have transferred 380,000 baht to her, while another transferred 12.8 million baht from his personal account. Emsawat is also said to have received approximately 385 million baht over three years, most of which she lost through online gambling.
The scandal has led to the disrobing of at least nine senior monks who were involved with Emsawat. The police have also conducted background checks on approximately 300,000 Buddhist monks nationwide to address broader misconduct issues.
Emsawat is also facing charges related to fraud, specifically for allegedly defrauding a former director of Buddhism in Phichit province by using her claimed relationship with a senior monk to secure a loan.
The case has sparked significant public outcry and led to a broader investigation into misconduct within the Buddhist monk community. The police Anti-Corruption Division is proceeding with cases concerning monks' misconduct and embezzlement.
The scandal around Emsawat's activities erupted late last month when the abbot of Wat Tri Thotsathep in Bangkok disappeared, and police suspect she had tried to blackmail him. Emsawat is currently being detained at the Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok and faces multiple charges, including sex with senior monks and blackmail.
The term "Sika" is a Thai word that monks use to address a woman. The nickname "Sika Golf" is believed to be a play on this term, combining it with the popular sport of golf.
This is a developing story, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues. However, it is clear that this scandal has shaken the Buddhist monk community in Thailand and has the potential to bring about significant changes in the way the community is governed and monitored.
The shocking scandal involving Wilawan "Sika Golf" Emsawat has not only led to a broader investigation into misconduct within the Buddhist monk community, but it has also raised concerns in the health-and-wellness and sexual-health sectors due to the alleged sexual misconduct. This general-news story, with its ties to crime-and-justice as Emsawat faces numerous charges, could potentially bring about significant shifts in the governance and monitoring of the monk community in Thailand.
