Thailand temple scandal: Monks caught in $12m sex-blackmail scheme; King cancels birthday ceremony invite

A major scandal has rocked Thailand's Buddhist clergy, with at least 11 monks accused of sexual misconduct and extortion. They allegedly used temple donations to pay hush money to a woman who blackmailed them after secretly recording their encounters. King Maha Vajiralongkorn has reacted strongly, and a full police investigation is underway, raising concerns about public trust in the monkhood.