Thailand's Fine Arts Department has safely lifted the final two sets of ancient human remains from the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi, bringing the total number of skeletons recovered in the excavation to seven.

The operation took place on 21 August at Ban Don Phlap in Ban Lat district, where archaeologists from the Fine Arts Department's Regional Office 1 in Ratchaburi worked with conservation specialists to remove the remains from the excavation pit.

The skeletons are estimated to be 1,500 to 2,000 years old, dating to Thailand's late prehistoric period.

The Don Yai Thong site came to the attention of archaeologists earlier this year after bronze drum fragments were discovered in a rice field, prompting a systematic excavation that began in February. Researchers subsequently uncovered human burials along with bronze drums and vessels, pottery, glass and stone beads, gold jewelry and other funerary objects.

The discoveries suggest the site was an important burial area for a prehistoric community, offering clues about its burial practices, beliefs and social structure. Archaeologists have also found unusual bronze objects placed around the heads of some skeletons, as well as gold ornaments, including a ring bearing an ancient Brahmi inscription linked to an Indian writing tradition.

On 21 August, the final seven skeletons being recovered in this stage were divided into two sets: skeletons No. 5-8 and No. 9-11. Each set was placed on a reinforced platform measuring about 1 metre wide and 2.5 metres long, weighing between 1.2 and 1.5 tonnes.

A 10-ton crane was used to lift the platforms from the excavation pit. Both sets were successfully removed without damage.

Before the lifting operation, conservation specialists carefully excavated around the remains and reinforced the surrounding soil. Acid-free mulberry paper was placed over the skeletons and periodically sprayed with distilled water before being covered with aluminium foil. Polyurethane foam was then used to stabilise and protect the remains and surrounding soil during the lifting process.

The skeletons are scheduled to be transported to the Conservation Science Centre in Pathum Thani on 22 August for conservation and further study.

The excavation has become one of Thailand's notable recent archaeological discoveries, with researchers continuing to study what the remains and associated artefacts can reveal about life, trade, ritual and social organisation in prehistoric Phetchaburi.

A 60-year-old executive at a multinational corporation has been diagnosed with rectal cancer after a year of progressive symptoms he initially attributed to work stress. The man, who traveled internationally for his high-level position and maintained an irregular lifestyle with poor eating habits, experienced gradual changes in bowel movements, bloating, and frequent diarrhea over the past year. Colleagues eventually noticed his visible weight loss, which was confirmed at 8 kilograms in just one year, prompting a health check that revealed the diagnosis.

During examination, doctors at Peiyao Health Management Hospital found a suspicious lesion in the rectum. Biopsy results confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma, and the patient was referred to a colorectal surgeon for treatment. Additional testing uncovered multiple gastrointestinal conditions including acid reflux, stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, shallow gastritis, and intestinal metaplasia with mild dysplasia.

Dr. Liang Chengchao, Vice Director of Peiyao Health Management Hospital, emphasized that busy lifestyles often cause people to ignore warning signals from their bodies. He noted that multiple gastrointestinal diseases can occur simultaneously, making comprehensive screening and continuous monitoring essential. Early-stage colorectal cancer often presents with nonspecific symptoms—not just bloody stools or severe abdominal pain as commonly believed. Symptoms including changes in bowel habits, bloating, alternating diarrhea and constipation, narrower stools, unexplained weight loss, blood in stool, or anemia should all prompt medical evaluation.

Dr. Liang warned that any change in bowel behavior lasting more than two to three weeks, especially accompanied by weight loss, bloody stools, or anemia, should not be self-treated or ignored. People aged 40 and above, those with a family history of colorectal cancer, those with previous polyps, or those with other risk factors should undergo regular screening as recommended by their physician. Early detection through timely medical assessment significantly improves outcomes and enables effective bowel health management.

The Department of Highways has announced a tender for contractors to rehabilitate the asphalt surface of Highway 113 between Phichit and Taphan Hin, from kilometer 81+400 to kilometer 82+198, with a budget of 9.95 million baht. The road section in question, which lies between a concrete stretch and leads toward Sirinwat intersection, is reportedly still in good condition, prompting questions about why a costly renovation is necessary. Local residents and anti-corruption advocates, including Rattana Petchai, a member of the Strong Sufficiency Economy Anti-Corruption Club of Phichit Province, have questioned the decision and urged authorities to investigate. Residents argue that the budget would be better spent repairing other roads in the province that are in worse condition, making the decision to renovate an already serviceable road seem wasteful.

A couple looking to buy new furniture found a creative workaround after a furniture store banned their dog from entering the showroom. Gus Alonso and Cynthia Gámez wanted their beloved dog Macucha to have a say in choosing pieces for their living room, so they created a life-sized cardboard standee of the dog to bring along to the store.

Since the furniture shop would not allow the actual dog inside to test out items, the couple brought the cardboard cutout and carefully examined various sofas and chairs to determine which pieces would be most comfortable and suitable for their pet's sleeping and daily life in the living room.

The unconventional approach appeared to pay off. When the couple installed the selected furniture at home, Macucha's reaction seemed to confirm that the standee method had been successful. The story quickly went viral and earned widespread praise from internet users for the owners' thoughtfulness, even though the real Macucha never actually visited the showroom. The owners still made sure to consider their dog at every step of the furniture selection process.

On August 21, Suwarong Wongsiri, acting director of the National Science Museum (NSM), signed a memorandum of cooperation with Dr. Nana Kunkel, coordinator of GIZ's agriculture and food programme in Thailand, to launch the Youth and Public Awareness Program on Climate-Smart and Sustainable Rice Farming. The initiative seeks to disseminate knowledge about environmentally friendly rice production while building awareness of sustainable agriculture among youth, teachers, farmers, and the public across Thailand through diverse learning activities and accessible science communication that promotes long-term quality of life and sustainable society.

Suwarong explained that the collaboration combines GIZ's expertise in climate-smart agriculture with NSM's strengths in science communication and learning experience design, making complex topics understandable, engaging, and relevant to daily life. The partnership aims to show that everyone—from youth to consumers—can contribute to sustainable rice production, from farming practices to consumption choices and environmental impact reduction. The "Sustainable Rice" exhibition at NST Fair 2026 will serve as the starting point, followed by the RICE RANGER activity series, traveling exhibitions on mobile science caravans, online content, and science articles reaching schools, communities, and farming areas nationwide.

Suwarong added that NSM believes sustainable change begins with knowledge, understanding, and participation. The collaboration not only conveys climate-smart rice farming knowledge but also plants seeds of awareness so younger generations value rice, understand links between science, agriculture, and the environment, and develop new approaches for a sustainable future in Thai agriculture and the global community.

Dr. Nana Kunkel stated that GIZ supports Thailand's transition to climate-friendly agriculture that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and strengthens farmer resilience. The partnership with NSM represents a vital opportunity to share sustainable rice knowledge with youth and the public through accessible, engaging learning processes that inspire a new generation to advance agriculture through science and innovation. After the NST Fair 2026 exhibition, the program will continue expanding across the country.

Officials from the Sports Authority of Thailand, Ayutthaya City Park Shopping Centre, and the Thai Taekwondo Association jointly opened the PTT Thailand Grand Prix 2026 taekwondo tournament at Ayutthaya City Park Shopping Centre on August 22. The competition runs August 21-23 with over 300 athletes competing for selection. The tournament is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Sports Authority of Thailand, and the Thai Taekwondo Association, targeting talent identification at all levels for future national team membership. High-performing athletes can accumulate points toward national team selection and progress to international-level competition. Hosting the tournament in Ayutthaya, an easily accessible province with well-equipped facilities and tourism attractions in the host and neighboring provinces, provides significant economic stimulus to the central region. Sports Authority officials noted that this tournament model sets a strong example for other combat sports to adopt in identifying skilled athletes to build the country's reputation. The authority stands ready to support and develop selected national team athletes for international competition, creating superstars and building popularity across all sports disciplines.