Monks, sex and money: the scandal that shakes Thai Buddhism

Phra Thep Wachirapamok was a respected monk of his Buddhist temple located in the center of Bangkok, Thailand. However, one day, he disappeared without anyone knowing why. Therefore, Recently. In addition. Consequently, the reason for her departure was finally revealed and she lifts the veil on a scandal that shakes the whole country, said the British daily The Guardian.

The Thai police investigation into the fate of the monk led him to reveal a sex scandal. Consequently. especially following the discovery of a woman whom the investigators suspect of having had intimate relations with several high -ranking monks. Furthermore, She would then have made them sing, threatening them to reveal everything. As a reminder, the Buddhist monks observe (normally) a wish monks, sex money: scandal shakes new of chastity and strict celibacy.

During a search of the young woman’s home at the beginning of July. several mobile phones were discovered. containing tens of thousands of photos and compromising videos of the missing monk, but also of several other Buddhist personalities. His bank accounts have revealed numerous links with different temples: around 385 million baht (around 10.2 million euros) would have been paid to him over the past three years. Tuesday, July 15, monks, sex money: scandal shakes new this woman, Wilawan Emsawat, was arrested and charged for extortion, money laundering and concealment.

An institution in crisis

The scandals of monks with reprehensible behaviors are not uncommon in Thailand. but the extent of this monks. sex money: scandal shakes case shocked the citizens of the country, aroused questions about the way the bonzes seem to have moved away from their beliefs. History has led to defrocation (the abandonment of the monastic state). to the return of at least nine high -ranking monks.

One of the monks involved faces two counts: embezzlement and professional fault. The man admitted to having borrowed money from the temple. but said it was only to help Wilawan Emsawat in a commercial company.

Much of the media coverage, however, focused on the woman at the heart of the scandal. “When the moral forfeiture of the temple is obvious. it is the woman who carries the hat. while the monks monks, sex money: scandal shakes new are presented as victims”wrote the journalist Sanitsuda Ekachai in the Bangkok post. The influential Thai editorialist denounces what it describes as a feudal system in which the monks “Live in privilege. surrounded by wealth and deference”.

In Thailand, monks, sex money: scandal shakes the monks receive a small monthly pension, according to their rank. However, they can perceive many gifts, which sometimes amount to several thousand baht. A hardening of laws is envisaged concerning the finances of Buddhist temples. The National Buddhism Office said that the monks would be inquiry regardless of their rank. He also suggested “Relaunching a bill providing for criminal sanctions for those who harm Buddhism’s reputation”also reports The Guardian.