Police have arrested Wilawan “Golf” Emsawat, 35, a key figure in a widening sex scandal involving senior Buddhist monks, on charges of enabling malfeasance, money laundering, and possession of stolen property.
The arrest was made at her residence in a luxury housing estate in Nonthaburi after authorities uncovered evidence that 380,000 baht had been transferred to her from a temple bank account controlled by a senior monk.
The money was allegedly sent by Phra Theppatcharaporn, the former abbot of Wat Chujit Dhammaram in Ayutthaya, who left the monkhood on Monday. He admitted to transferring the funds to Ms. Wilawan but denied any sexual relationship between them.
According to police, the former abbot also transferred an additional 12.8 million baht from his personal bank account, which reportedly included temple funds, to the woman.
Ms. Wilawan was detained under a warrant issued by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. The charge of enabling malfeasance falls under Section 147 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the embezzlement of state assets by government officials.
Senior monks in Thailand are classified as public officials, as they receive monthly stipends ranging from 4,100 to 13,700 baht from the state.
The scandal first came to light late last month when the abbot of Wat Tri Thotsathep in Bangkok disappeared and later left the monkhood. Investigators believe the incident was linked to an attempted blackmail by a woman.
Ms. Wilawan was subsequently identified as a person of interest, and police searched her home on July 4. Officers seized five mobile phones containing around 80,000 photos and videos, many depicting her with high-ranking monks from prominent temples.
The case has since become known as the “Sika Golf” scandal, with “Sika” referring to a female lay devotee affiliated with a monk.
Authorities say roughly 15 senior monks may have had inappropriate relationships with Ms. Wilawan.
So far, nine have voluntarily disrobed. Police added that several could face further legal action for financial misconduct.
