In and Ongsa meet for the first time in the intense period BL series "Arun Rung: The Edge of Horizon" on Channel One 31. The two actors gave an interview today about taking on their character roles and shared their views on cross-class love and sexual diversity.

What role does each actor play in "Arun Rung"? In: "I play Phop Theerachai, the loyal servant close to Prince Thinkorn. He's a faithful person who follows his master always. They're close friends who grew up together." Ongsa: "I play Prince Thinkorn, the youngest in the family. He's a boy who has lived within strict constraints, is empathetic, and deeply true to his own feelings. This character faces considerable expectations and pressure from the family, so Phop might be one of the few things in his life that makes him feel happy and smile freely."

Is Phop like a safe space for both of you in the palace? In: "Actually, it's a safe space for both of us, since we grew up together. Normally servants should fear their masters, but Prince Thinkorn isn't like that. He's treated Phop well all along—like a friend." Ongsa: "I believe it's truly a safe space for both of them. I think viewers will feel the same way too."

What challenges did you face approaching your roles? In: "Playing Phop has two parts. As a young servant, we had workshops and discussed techniques with director Kunlathep. There's a numbering system 1-10 that makes the servant's expressions and mannerisms come out naturally, because servants must be humble. As adult Colonel Phop, I had to level up since he's a soldier. I studied how military personnel were in that era. I was lucky to have seniors in the military to consult about etiquette, bowing authentically, hand positioning, and foot placement—all crucial for building the character. We also studied history. Since it's a period piece set in 1932, I needed to understand the social context of that era—what was a big deal, what was appropriate. This helps us understand why certain details in scenes were momentous back then, perhaps more intense than today, which deepens our investment in the character." Ongsa: "I divided it into two parts as well: the character's inner emotions and the performance itself. Since the story and setting are far from me personally, I did homework on what Thinkorn carries—family responsibilities and his love for Phop, which had to be significant because what he faces needs to be grander than what I face. For the performance aspect, after reading the character, I felt Thinkorn is kind to everything in this world. I want people to love this character the way I do. As for his class status, I had to change my speech from my natural quick pace to slower and more mindful. The tone is completely different."

About chemistry: this is your first time meeting. How did you break down barriers, especially with intimate scenes? Ongsa: "Honestly, I didn't feel I had to break down much, since I'm not good at approaching people—I rely on the other person's initiative. But In came with such a wonderful older-brother vibe, walking close, hugging me, patting my back, giving encouragement throughout the workshop. It made me feel relaxed and everything flowed naturally." In: "When we first met at the audition, I tried to break down walls as much as possible so you wouldn't feel tense, hoping magic moments would happen. When I found out you got the Prince Thinkorn role, we continued in the workshop, and the wall was already low from the start. Everything became easy—no effort needed." Ongsa: "Which directly contributed to the naturalness in the series."

A young motorcyclist lost control and crashed at a U-turn point, becoming unconscious before later dying. He is believed to have been traveling at high speed. July 11, 2026 – The coordination center of the Ruam Katanyu Foundation in Chiang Mai, along with the Thevarat Thongdam Foundation, responded to reports of a motorcycle accident. The crash occurred near the U-turn point at the Klong Sai junction in Sariphi District, Chiang Mai. At the scene, a brown Honda PCX motorcycle was found overturned in severe condition, with debris scattered across the surrounding area. Preliminary assessment indicates the rider was likely traveling at high speed before losing control and crashing violently. One male victim was found nearby, unconscious and unresponsive, with multiple severe injuries. Responders immediately performed CPR at the scene before coordinating with Sariphi Hospital's ambulance service to transport the victim to the hospital. Unfortunately, the victim's critical injuries proved fatal, and he died at the hospital. His remains were subsequently handed over to his family for traditional funeral rites.

PHUKET: Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee has again called for tougher action against illegal land titles, nominee businesses, unlicensed hotels, cannabis shops and other illegal activities in Phuket, repeating many of the directives issued during previous visits and meetings.

A dramatic struggle unfolded in Florida when a 71-year-old man went fishing and found himself battling a massive crocodile. James Grayson McMicken was casting his line in a canal behind his home in late June when the hidden reptile suddenly lunged from the water and clamped down hard on his right leg, dragging him toward the depths with tremendous force.

Despite the life-threatening situation, McMicken kept his wits about him. Years earlier, he had legally hunted crocodiles and knew their eyes were a critical vulnerability. He immediately drove his thumb into one eye while repeatedly stabbing the other with his fishing rod. The crocodile, unable to tolerate the pain, finally released him and swam away.

"I just thought I couldn't die," McMicken recalled. "I'd always heard that if you have no other choice, target the crocodile's eyes. I drove my thumb into one eye and kept stabbing the other with my rod. It felt like time was standing still, but eventually it let me go."

Weakened from the attack, McMicken could not walk on his own and called his faithful dog to help support him until he reached home. His wife immediately rushed him to the hospital, where doctors found multiple deep puncture wounds on his right leg requiring extensive stitching. Fortunately, no vital organs were damaged.

Hospital staff were so impressed by his courage that many nurses visited to ask about the ordeal and commend his bravery. Kimberly Andrews, a crocodile expert from the University of Georgia, confirmed that McMicken's actions were the correct survival technique. When dragged by a crocodile, she explained, attack sensitive areas like the eyes, upper head, or sides of the jaw to force the reptile to loosen its grip.

Authorities are still searching for the crocodile. McMicken, now recovering and using a cane, says he will be more cautious around water in the future—but he won't stop fishing. He concluded defiantly: "No crocodile is getting away from me."

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Sutthammapant has announced the "Thai Helping Thai" rice dish project, offering meals at 40 baht per plate to address rising living costs. She acknowledged that while rice dishes and prepared foods have seen continuous price hikes, restaurants cannot simply lower prices due to multiple cost pressures beyond fuel expenses, including electricity bills, labor costs, rent, and other hidden expenses. The government must therefore be fair to business owners and consider their full cost structure, not just fuel prices alone.

To accelerate relief for wage earners and ordinary citizens, the Commerce Ministry is launching the "Thai Helping Thai" rice dish program as an extension of the broader "Thai Helping Thai Plus" initiative. The program will distribute affordable meals at 40 baht per plate through the Commerce Ministry's network of approximately 200,000 restaurants, creating alternative menu options and reducing the cost of living burden across the population.

The government will provide financial support to participating restaurants, with budget allocation currently under consideration from either the central budget or a 400 billion baht loan fund. The exact subsidy amount is still being assessed. "The Commerce Ministry is expected to present the "Thai Helping Thai" rice dish project to the Cabinet for approval on Tuesday, July 20," the minister stated. "Once approved, implementation will begin immediately in July. The first phase targets a three-month operational period, after which results will be evaluated to determine continuation."

Regarding price reductions in consumer goods following recent fuel price decreases, Supachee said she has instructed the Department of Trade to closely monitor cost structures of essential consumer products to determine which items should have prices adjusted according to changed input costs, while ensuring fair pricing throughout the supply chain.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthammaphan announced that the Commerce Ministry is developing details for a cost-of-living relief initiative aimed at reducing expenses on prepared food for the public. The program builds on the existing 'Thailand Helping Thailand Plus' initiative by recruiting restaurants to offer affordable rice and curry dishes priced at 40 baht per plate. Approximately 250,000 restaurants in the Commerce Ministry network and participating in the Thailand Helping Thailand Plus program are eligible to join. Participating restaurants will receive government subsidies for food ingredients, with support amounts under consideration ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 baht per establishment. The program will initially target 100,000 restaurants for a minimum duration of three months, pending Cabinet approval. The Commerce Department will prepare details for Cabinet submission within the third week of this month. Suphajee emphasized the government's intention to alleviate the financial burden on salaried workers through this voluntary program, without forcing restaurants to reduce prices. Participating restaurants must offer quality prepared meals—such as rice with at least two curry or side options—priced not exceeding 40 baht per plate. The Commerce Ministry will place clear signage at participating establishments so the public can easily identify and choose affordable food options. If the program receives positive reception, the government plans to expand the number of affordable restaurants nationwide.