On July 11, the Prachuap Khiri Khan Coconut Farmers Network Committee held a press conference to counter Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Suthammaphand's comments made during a "News Workers Off-Screen" interview regarding efforts to address the coconut price crisis.

Pongsakdi Butrak, coordinator of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Coconut Farmers Network, clarified on behalf of coconut growers that farmers have received no government assistance whatsoever. Large coconut prices remain at 6 baht per fruit and coconut milk at 10 baht per kilogram. He stated the minister's claim of providing aid contradicts reality and invited anyone to verify this with local farmers. He expressed disappointment with the minister's statements, calling for honest communication with the public and genuine problem-solving rather than rhetoric designed to dismiss concerns.

The network also disputed claims that the coconut situation is improving, stating that only more flowering is occurring, not price improvement. Approximately 10 million coconuts currently remain backlogged in the system. They also criticized the proposed government purchase of 5 million coconuts outside the system as impractical and potentially benefiting coconut processing factories that can buy at cheaper prices, rather than helping farmers.

England captain Harry Kane has praised Norway striker Erling Haaland as having the strength of a machine, while downplaying concerns about winning the Golden Boot award. Kane, who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, trails Haaland by one goal in the 2026 World Cup campaign. The two strikers are set to face each other in the quarterfinals.

When asked by reporters which striker is better, Kane emphasized they are entirely different players operating in almost two different positions. "It's impossible for me to answer," Kane said. "First of all, I think we are completely different players. I know we are both experienced forwards, but we play in almost two different positions."

"I see myself as a different type of player. While I can score just as much, I prefer to have a bit more contact with the ball, but I can also play as a target forward," he added.

Kane praised Haaland's incredible performances. "Erling has produced remarkable results. His body is as strong as a machine. He is an outstanding player. His finishing is at the highest level, and his goal-scoring statistics certainly speak for themselves."

The 32-year-old striker also stated he is not focused on winning the Golden Boot at this World Cup. "My main goal is to win the world championship with England, not the Golden Boot," he said.

"But I know I am a striker. I am number 9. So if I can score goals, it will definitely help the team," Kane concluded.

Weekly Horoscope Forecast (July 12-18, 2025) by Setsathawut

Aries: This week you may receive unexpected gains, though they could prove problematic or disappear quickly. You may earn modest income through hard work, but risk squandering it impulsively. Office troubles will weigh on you, and expected projects may shift direction—avoid being selective about work now.

Taurus: You'll work diligently but become irritable easily, making careless mistakes. Guard against accidents from recklessness and loss of valuables. You'll socialize with family but should avoid discussing old painful memories. Foreign friends may seem distant, yet your romantic partner will lift your spirits.

Gemini: You'll feel joyful and content like flowers blooming at dawn. Life brings happiness and your wishes materialize easily. People listen to you and elders offer support. Business prospers and you gain wealth and good reputation through new, vibrant friendships. Benefits may delay slightly, affecting your mood. Hobbies will expand your social circle. Avoid displaying weapons or metal objects carelessly—accidents could occur easily. Single natives will attract foreign admirers.

Cancer: You'll succeed in matters of romance. If coupled, passion and benefits await. If just friends, understanding is possible. Financial gains should be converted to assets immediately—keeping cash risks easy loss. Don't advertise any wealth received, as deception is possible now. Avoid trusting investment pitches or sales offers.

Leo: You may travel for social obligations or host many visitors. Don't carry much wealth when traveling alone to avoid robbery and emotional trauma. Verify documents carefully in all dealings. Your physical and mental stamina will decline. Financial problems may damage your credit and reputation. You'll feel unusually sensitive, and authority figures may trouble or burden you.

Virgo: [Text cut off in original]

A reflection on modern Buddhist practice notes: "Today people worship to gain, to ask, to earn merit for heaven and nirvana, hoping for results in this life and the next—a condition that has become a lasting spiritual affliction." This teaching comes from Luang Pho Cha Subhaddo of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani.

Among the oldest and most renowned "closed-eye" powder amulets in Chachoengsao province is the work of Luang Pu Chin from Wat Tha Lad Nuea, believed created around 1887. These amulets were made from blessed powder mixed with various sacred herbs, bound together and pressed into multiple mold designs including ankle cushion, bead cluster, large and small lotus petal, and cart support patterns. Most feature raised backs styled like roof edges or ridges, with multiple protective layers applied. Production occurred in limited batches over several periods because the manufacturing process was extraordinarily difficult, making authentic examples extremely rare and expensive today. Luang Pu Chin's powder amulets are considered the foundational prototype for this amulet type in the region.

Luang Pho Chum Buddhisaro of Wat Rajakom in Ratchaburi city was a highly respected spiritual master who created various sacred objects including talismans, amulets, and rings—particularly the prized "stamp coins" made in 1941 as commemorative pieces for supporters of the temple. These consisted of two small aluminum sheets featuring his image, embossed and hinged together, manufactured in Japan and commonly called stamp coins or shadow coins. The exact production quantity remains unclear.

The front displays a mesh pattern with his half-length image and four Khmer letters at the corners reading Na Ma Pa Tha (heart element), with "Chum" inscribed below. The back features a nine-cell auspicious yantra grid in the master's distinctive style, with four directional Khmer letters reading Ud, Ad, Pad, Pid along the corners. A Khmer inscription appears below the yantra grid. These are considered rare sacred objects highly sought by amulet collectors and Ratchaburi devotees.

In 2016, Luang Pu Tuan Pussavaro of Wat Chan Khunaram (Wat Pong Yang) in Kaeng Hang Maew, Chanthaburi, a renowned spiritual master, produced "ancient-style cast Sakyamuni amulets" in the Fulfillment edition to raise funds for permanent temple restoration. Created in multiple materials, these amulets feature an unbordered front with a triple-tiered seated Buddha image in glass encasement, a flat unbordered back with a "bell" code stamp and temple code, and Thai numerals identifying each piece—another valuable sacred object.

Returning to 2000, Luang Pu Tee Yanasophanom, former abbot of Wat Luang Rajawas in Udon Thani city, a renowned spiritual master of the Sak Kreng river region who was 88 years old, created "Buddha-image coins" in one edition: 188 silver pieces and 3,000 copper pieces. These large spherical coins lacked ear loops and featured a two-tiered border, with the center containing the Iti Piso 56 Buddhist Powers chant with Buddha imagery. Guardian yantras of Na the Great or Na the Millionaire flanked the Buddha image with Khmer letters below, while Khmer characters of the heart-mantra chant circled the border with temple code beneath the image.

The reverse featured a single-tier border with a five-row Khmer character grid in the center and directional Khmer letters at the four corners, with Thai script below the border reading "Buddha-image coin."

The "Phra Yok Chiang Rai" or "Phra Phuttharatanapkorn," officially named "Phra Phuttharatanapkorn Navuttiwassanusoranamongkol," is enshrined as the principal Buddha image in the Jade Buddha Hall at Wat Phra Kaew, a royal temple in Chiang Rai province. This ancient Lanna art temple was originally called Wat Pa Yia (Bamboo Forest), the site where the Emerald Buddha was discovered before being brought to Wat Phra Si Rattana Sasadaram in Bangkok. Chiang Rai residents have called it Wat Phra Kaew ever since.

Historical records state that around 1897, during the reign of King Mengrai over Chiang Mai, lightning struck an abandoned chedi. Inside, workers found a Buddha image covered in gold leaf. When the covering was removed, they discovered a green Buddha image carved from jade—the Emerald Buddha. The sacred image was subsequently moved to various cities: Lampang, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Thonburi, and finally to Wat Phra Si Rattana Sasadaram in Bangkok in 1778, where it remains to this day.

In 1990, to commemorate Queen Sirikit's 90th birthday on October 21 and to honor the Emerald Buddha's discovery at this location, a replica titled "Phra Yok Chiang Rai" was created. This new image was crafted to inspire reverence and to pay homage to Queen Sirikit, who brought progress and development to Chiang Rai.

The Phra Yok Chiang Rai is a Buddha image in meditation pose with dimensions closely resembling the Emerald Buddha, measuring 47.9 centimeters wide and 65.9 centimeters tall in Chiangsen artistic style. The image was carved from the finest Canadian jade, with ornaments and base made from precious gems and gold. The pedestal base, approximately one cubit high, was carved from Chiangsen lotus-style jade stone. Master sculptor Kanok Wiswakun created the prototype, which was then carved by skilled craftsmen at the Walinna Nango Factory in China. The dedication ceremony was held at Guangji Temple in Beijing, where Queen Sirikit bestowed the formal name "Phra Phuttharatanapkorn Navuttiwassanusoranamongkol," meaning "Buddha Lord of Jeweled Treasures, Memorial to the 90th Birthday," with the common name "Phra Yok Chiang Rai."

King Bhumibol Adulyadej graciously authorized the Grand Buddha Consecration ceremony at Wat Phra Si Rattana Sasadaram in the Grand Palace on September 20, 1991. His Majesty anointed the image and lit candles, assisted by Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Sangharaj Krom Luang Wachirayan Warorot. The image was then transported to Wat Phra Kaew and enshrined on October 19, 1991, with grand celebrations.

Although the Phra Yok Chiang Rai is a modern creation, it holds sacred significance and deep devotion among Chiang Rai residents as a representative of the Emerald Buddha and as a tribute to Queen Sirikit, the inspiration of all Chiang Rai people. Within the temple's ordination hall, another sacred Buddha image is enshrined: the Phra Chao Lanthong, one of Thailand's most beautiful and majestic Buddha images. The temple also contains an ancient chedi registered by the Department of Fine Arts as a national historical monument in 1935, along with architectural structures reflecting traditional Lanna design.