A major scandal has erupted in Thailand involving Wilawan Emsawat, accused of blackmailing senior Buddhist monks through romantic relationships and extorting temple funds. Her actions led to the disrobing of several clergy members and exposed financial irregularities within religious institutions.

The scandal first surfaced in mid-June when the abbot of the prestigious Wat Tri Thotsathep monastery abruptly left the monkhood.

A woman named Wilam Emsawat, aged 30 years, was arrested at her luxury home in Nonthaburi, just north of Bangkok. She is facing charges of extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods.