Following a highly publicized gambling and sex scandal, former senior Thai Buddhist monk Phra Thepwatcharasitthimethi, known by his lay name as Wirach, was convicted by Thailand’s Central Criminal Court to 12 years in prison. He had diverted THB 3 million (over $90,000) intended for Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, a religious college, into his personal bank account.
Monk Gets 12 Years In Prison
Wirach, the former chief monk of Phichit province and former abbot of Wat Tha Luang Temple, became embroiled in a high-profile sex and extortion scandal involving a woman named Wilawan Emsawat. Wirach left the monkhood on July 15 last year amid scrutiny over his alleged relationship with Wilawan. Police launched an investigation into Wilawan following the disappearance in June 2025 of Phra Thep Wachirapamok, the abbot of Bangkok’s Wat Tri Thotsathep Worawihan, who abruptly left the monastery and fled to Laos.
Investigators said they seized five mobile phones belonging to Wilawan that allegedly contained videos and images showing her engaged in sexual acts with numerous monks. Ultimately, she was accused of seducing 9 different monks and later extorted them for gambling money.
According to authorities, Wilawan deliberately targeted senior Buddhist monks. She cultivated intimate relationships before secretly recording sexual encounters on her mobile phone and using the footage to extort money. She faces charges of blackmail, money laundering, and receiving stolen property, and is awaiting trial.
Questions Arouse of How Some Senior Monks Have Access to Temple Funds
The case has drawn attention to how, in some instances, monks can access temple funds with limited oversight or accountability. Temples receive millions of baht in donations through merit-making ceremonies. During these, worshippers contribute money in the belief that doing so will bring good fortune or improve their karma in a future life.
In Thailand, the predominant form of Buddhism is Theravāda, which requires monks to observe strict celibacy and avoid thoughts or behavior that could lead to sexual activity. The scandal prompted a Thai Senate committee to propose legislation that would criminalize sexual relations between women and Buddhist monks.
Interestingly, in Wirach’s case, the embezzled funds aren’t even a high amount compared to the money in another unrelated case. Last year, in an unrelated case, the abbot of Wat Rai Khing was accused of embezzling over $9 million to fuel an online gambling habit.