Thai police have arrested Wilawan Emsawat, a 35-year-old woman accused of seducing senior Buddhist monks and blackmailing them with explicit recordings. Officers from the Royal Thai Police Central Investigation Bureau detained Emsawat on 15 July at her home in Nonthaburi province on charges of extortion, money laundering and receiving stolen goods. Investigators say Emsawat cultivated romantic relationships with at least nine abbots and senior monks, demanding large payments to keep the affairs secret. Bank records show about 385 million baht (US$11.9 million) moved through her accounts over the past three years, funds that police believe originated partly from temple donations. A search of five mobile devices recovered more than 80,000 photos and videos allegedly used for blackmail. The probe began in June when Phra Thep Wachirapamok, abbot of Bangkok’s Wat Tri Thotsathep Worawihan, abruptly left the monkhood after refusing Emsawat’s reported demand for 7.2 million baht in child-support payments. At least nine implicated monks have since been disrobed, and the Central Investigation Bureau is reviewing evidence against a further 11 clergy members. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has instructed officials to tighten oversight of temple finances and consider tougher penalties for monastic misconduct. The Supreme Sangha Council, Thailand’s top Buddhist body, is forming a committee to re-examine celibacy rules and disciplinary procedures as the scandal deepens public scrutiny of the country’s revered yet increasingly embattled clergy.