Thailand rocked as search for missing monk uncovers Buddhist sex scandal

The disappearance of a senior monk from his Buddhist temple in Bangkok has revealed a sex scandal that has rocked Thailand, with allegations of blackmail, lavish gifts and a string of dismissals raising questions about the money and power enjoyed by the country's Buddhist clergy.

- Rebecca Ratcliffe Navaon Siradapuvadol

Investigations into the whereabouts of Phra Thep Wachirapamok unexpectedly led police to a woman who they suspect conducted intimate relationships with several senior monks, and then blackmailed them to keep the liaisons quiet.

When officers searched the home of Wilawan Emsawat this month they found mobile phones that reportedly contained tens of thousands of compromising photos and videos of the missing monk and other senior Buddhist figures.

Police tracked her finances, which showed links to "many temples," Jaroonkiat Pankaew, from the central investigation bureau said this week. "After we seized her mobile, we checked and found there are several monks involved, and several [video] clips and Line chats," he added, referring to a popular messaging app.

Phra Thep Wachirapamok has not been seen since he left the temple and no charges have been laid over his disappearance. However, Wilawan has been arrested and charged with extortion, money laundering and receiving stolen goods.