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Breaking

Bangkok Governor Monitors Purple Line Tunnel Water Leak

A water leak in Bangkok's Purple Line tunnel near Victory Monument prompted authorities to evacuate buildings within a 30-meter radius, with the governor confirming that ground subsidence has stabilized after emergency grouting reinforcemen

Bangkok Governor Monitors Purple Line Tunnel Water Leak
3h ago Khaosod

Governor Chatcai inspected the Purple Line tunnel water leak near Victory Monument after authorities ordered the evacuation of buildings within a 30-meter radius. Most residents have evacuated the area while officials maintain perimeter closures and continuous 24-hour monitoring of structural subsidence and building integrity.

The water leak incident along the Purple Line tunnel between Tao Pun and Ratchadamnoen stations (Purple Line South) near Victory Monument station occurred on July 9. Residents and business operators within the 30-meter radius were ordered to evacuate immediately for safety.

As of July 10, officials have sealed the area for public safety, including closing the overpass that operated the previous day due to its proximity to the incident site. A survey found that most residences and shops in the area have closed with no residents or operators remaining in buildings. Most residents have evacuated, though some remained inside structures. Officials continue monitoring building conditions, measuring subsidence levels, and detecting vibrations and building tilt around the clock using "ScopeEye" equipment installed by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) in coordination with USAR Thailand.

Traffic has been rerouted from the incident area with detours established at the Ban Khek intersection, causing significant vehicle accumulation and traffic slowdown. Traffic around Victory Monument continues to flow, though with some delays managed by traffic police from Buppharam station.

A command center and complaint hotline have been established on the island at the center of Victory Monument near the Taksin the Great monument, staffed by relevant agencies including DDPM, municipal officials, and UNIQUE company.

Governor Chatcai Sittiphan, accompanied by Detchathorn Saengamnaj (Thonburi district manager) and Deputy Colonel Phuwadol Oomphot (Buppharam police chief), visited the site to assess the situation. He consulted with relevant agencies about current conditions, traffic impacts from the road closure, and addressed local residents with apologies for their inconvenience.

Governor Chatcai reported that ground subsidence near the Purple Line tunnel has stabilized, with subsidence nearly halted and no new structural cracks observed. He acknowledged that monitoring equipment still shows minor subsidence but within manageable levels. He urged residents to avoid the incident area due to the traffic closure.

Based on observations of the external area, particularly the central pillars of the overpass, subsidence has nearly stopped with no alarming signs compared to the previous day. However, residents must remain evacuated for safety precautions.

Today will include another progress assessment after contractors completed extensive grouting to reinforce the underlying soil layers. Preliminary assessment indicates the subsidence situation is under control.

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Community

Buddhist Biography From Buddha's Own Words

Bhikkhu Buddhadasa's 724-page book traces the Buddha's life exclusively through his own words from the Pali Canon, presenting him as an awakened human rather than a supernatural figure. The work spans four sections from his birth through en

Buddhist Biography From Buddha's Own Words
3h ago Khaosod

Book Review: "Buddhist Biography From Buddha's Own Words" Author: Bhikkhu Buddhadasa Published by: Thammasopa Publishing House Price: 400 baht

"Buddhist Biography From Buddha's Own Words" stands as a masterwork by Bhikkhu Buddhadasa (part of the Dharma Proclamation series). This book invites readers to trace the Buddha's life through "his own words" without fictional additions or miracles obscuring the essential truth. It emphasizes practical living, ways of facing the world, and the path to ending suffering, spanning from his birth through his enlightenment, dharma teachings, to his parinirvana.

The book is structured around four key sections: the Buddha's arising (describing his determination, principles, and life's beginning); his quest and enlightenment (his struggles and discovery of the Four Noble Truths); his religious proclamation (methods of teaching to kings, brahmins, and common people); and his parinirvana (final events and teachings).

What makes this volume exceptional is that it compiles the Buddha's biography using only his actual words from the Pali Canon's Suttas and Vinaya sections, allowing readers to learn directly from the Buddha himself. The book contains 724 pages with durable binding suitable for collection or as a gift.

The Buddha was not a supernatural deity but an "awakened human." This book demonstrates how he lived with understanding of suffering and transformed it into wisdom's light. Bhikkhu Buddhadasa's elegant presentation shows that we too can awaken as the Buddha did.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Police

Chinese Man Shocked After 12 Teeth Extracted for Single Toothache

A 63-year-old Chinese man had all 12 remaining teeth extracted and 10 implants placed in a single session after visiting a clinic for one toothache, prompting health authorities to shut down the facility for violating professional standards

Chinese Man Shocked After 12 Teeth Extracted for Single Toothache
3h ago Khaosod

A 63-year-old Chinese man faced a shocking ordeal after visiting a dental clinic for a single toothache, only to have all 12 remaining teeth extracted and 10 dental implants installed in a single treatment session. Chinese health authorities subsequently penalized the clinic, ordering it to refund treatment costs and cease operations for improvements after discovering multiple violations of professional standards.

The patient, surnamed Li, from Baoji city in Shaanxi Province, decided to seek treatment at the clinic in September after being swayed by advertisements promising "dental implants in the morning, eating meat by afternoon" and "complete teeth for a lifespan over 100 years." The clinic also offered free transportation and complimentary oral health examinations, gaining his trust.

However, the outcome proved devastating. Li had all 12 remaining teeth extracted and 10 dental implants placed during a single treatment, with the clinic charging approximately 18,800 yuan (about 88,000 baht) from his bank account and digital wallet, with an additional 6,200 yuan (roughly 30,500 baht) still outstanding. When his son found him afterward, Li's mouth was bleeding and he had only 30 yuan (approximately 150 baht) remaining for transportation home.

The situation was further complicated by Li's multiple chronic conditions, including coronary heart disease, a history of heart muscle death, diabetes, high blood pressure, and four cardiac stents—conditions requiring careful evaluation before dental extraction or implant procedures. In some cases, such procedures should not be performed immediately.

Dr. Fu Dongjie, an oral surgery specialist from Renmin Hospital at Wuhan University, noted that diabetic patients should have their blood sugar levels controlled within acceptable ranges before undergoing dental implant placement. Additionally, extracting and implanting multiple teeth simultaneously carries significant risk. A previous 2024 case documented a Chinese man who died within 13 days after having 23 teeth extracted and 12 implants placed in a single treatment.

After Li's family filed complaints with local health authorities three times, inspectors discovered the clinic's medical records were incomplete, with missing documents sometimes miraculously appearing later—raising suspicions of document tampering. The records even listed Li's gender as female despite him being male, and a required cardiology consultation report was only provided six months after the procedure.

Li's son questioned whether a proper cardiology consultation had actually been conducted and why the family was never informed. He viewed the clinic's actions as unacceptable for a patient with multiple chronic conditions.

Following the investigation, local health authorities determined the clinic violated multiple professional standards, including inadequate pre-operative assessments and failure to follow proper protocols for high-risk patients.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

Customs Officers Seize 17kg Heroin at Suvarnabhumi

Thai customs officers arrested a foreign passenger and seized 17.53kg of heroin hidden in food packaging at Suvarnabhumi Airport, stopping the drugs from reaching Madagascar.

Customs Officers Seize 17kg Heroin at Suvarnabhumi
3h ago Khaosod

BANGKOK — Thai customs officials have arrested a foreign transit passenger after seizing 17.53 kilograms of heroin concealed inside food and dietary supplement packaging at Suvarnabhumi Airport, preventing the drugs from reaching their final destination in Madagascar.

The seizure was announced on 9 July by the Customs Department, whose Investigation and Suppression Bureau worked alongside the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) after identifying a high-risk passenger suspected of smuggling narcotics.

According to authorities, the suspect had travelled from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia and was transiting through Suvarnabhumi Airport before continuing to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, en route to Ivato International Airport in Madagascar.

Customs officers divided into two teams. One team inspected the traveller's checked baggage at the transit passenger baggage handling facility after X-ray screening revealed suspicious objects inside the luggage. The second team intercepted the passenger at the boarding gate and escorted him, together with the luggage, for a detailed inspection.

The search uncovered coffee bags, green tea packets and dietary supplement packages from various brands concealing plastic bags filled with clumped white powder. A chemical test confirmed the substance was heroin.

Authorities seized a total of 17.53 kilograms of heroin, with an estimated street value of 7.3 million baht.

The suspect was taken into custody and handed over to investigators for legal proceedings, while authorities continue expanding the investigation to identify accomplices in the trafficking network both in Thailand and overseas.

The Director-General of the Customs Department said the arrest demonstrated the effectiveness of the department's risk analysis system and close cooperation among enforcement agencies in preventing Thailand from being used as a transit hub for international drug trafficking. He reaffirmed the department's commitment to protecting society from the threat of illicit narcotics.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Prabowo Meets Three Shinawatra Prime Ministers In Jakarta

Indonesia's President Prabowo hosted former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his two daughters—both former prime ministers—at his Jakarta residence to discuss regional developments, reflecting deepening ties between the two countries.

Prabowo Meets Three Shinawatra Prime Ministers In Jakarta
3h ago Khaosod

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto hosted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his family at his private residence in South Jakarta on Wednesday, where they discussed regional and global developments.

Thaksin was accompanied by his daughter, former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and his sister, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere and reflected the longstanding friendship between the two sides.

During the informal talks, Prabowo and Thaksin exchanged views on strategic global developments and regional dynamics. Teddy said such engagements help strengthen Indonesia's ties with international leaders and prominent figures while expanding cooperation and enhancing the country's global standing.

Prabowo has maintained close ties with the Shinawatra family in recent years. In March, he appointed Thaksin to the advisory board of Indonesia's state investment fund Danantara, with officials saying the inclusion of prominent international advisers was intended to boost investor confidence.

Thaksin, who served as Thailand's prime minister from 2001 until he was ousted in a 2006 military coup, remains one of the country's most influential political figures despite holding no formal government position. His daughter, Paetongtarn, served as Thailand's prime minister from 2024 to 2025 before being removed from office by the Constitutional Court. His sister, Yingluck, served as prime minister from 2011 until she was ousted by a court ruling in 2014, shortly before another military coup.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Rakes in 4 Billion Baht from Foreign Film Productions

Thailand attracted 4.025 billion baht from 302 international film productions in the first half of 2026, with the U.S. leading investment and feature films driving revenue.

Thailand Rakes in 4 Billion Baht from Foreign Film Productions
3h ago Khaosod

Thailand generated 4.025 billion baht in investment from foreign film productions during the first half of 2026, cementing its position as one of the world's premier filming destinations.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengchan announced that 302 international productions obtained filming permits through the Department of Tourism in the first six months of 2026, bringing in 4.025 billion baht combined—already surpassing half of what the country earned for the entire 2025.

The government expects several major international productions to launch filming in Thailand during the second half of the year, with the possibility of setting a new record for foreign film production revenue in 2026.

Feature films led investment contributions with 21 productions generating 1.989 billion baht. Game shows and reality television programmes ranked second with 22 productions worth 811 million baht, followed by 152 advertising productions contributing 710 million baht.

The United States topped the list of countries and regions investing in Thailand's film industry with 1.543 billion baht, trailed by Hong Kong (322 million baht), Finland (300 million baht), Germany (297 million baht), and the United Kingdom (230 million baht).

Government officials attributed Thailand's success to its diverse locations, skilled production teams, robust production infrastructure, and competitive financial incentives tailored for foreign productions. They highlighted the 30% cash rebate programme as a cornerstone policy to position Thailand as a regional film and content production hub while generating jobs and sustained economic growth.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Local

Lucky Lottery Booth Scores Another Winner

A lottery ticket booth in Sukhothai has gained fame for producing multiple winners, most recently announcing a fourth-prize winner after its dramatic 2569 draw that sparked widespread interest among hopeful players.

Lucky Lottery Booth Scores Another Winner
3h ago Khaosod

Jae Haeng's renowned lottery ticket booth in Sukhothai keeps delivering wins for its customers. Following a major illegal lottery case in the province where a woman nearly missed out on a first-prize ticket purchased from the booth after a neighbor stole and burned it, the vendor's booth became famous among lottery enthusiasts seeking their lucky numbers.

After the illegal lottery case concluded, Jae Haeng's booth transformed into a sought-after destination for hopeful gamblers. Most recently, following the July 1, 2569 government lottery draw, the booth created buzz again when Jae Haeng announced another winner on social media.

Jae Haeng posted: "Found the fourth prize at my booth!" accompanied by an image of the winning ticket numbered 467495. The announcement drew numerous comments and congratulations from the booth's fan community.

Jae Haeng subsequently posted images of the lottery tickets available for the July 16, 2569 draw, which has attracted significant attention from lottery enthusiasts and number-game players.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Jewelry Shop Wins Court Case Against 100 Million Baht Lawsuit

Namo Jewelry Shop won a court case in Suphan Buri after being sued for 100 million baht, with the provincial court dismissing the lawsuit against the shop and its employee defendants. The shop owner said the victory validates their decision

Jewelry Shop Wins Court Case Against 100 Million Baht Lawsuit
3h ago Khaosod

On July 10, 2025, Namo Jewelry Shop, Diamond, Gold & Jewelry announced their court victory after being sued for 100 million baht. The Suphan Buri Provincial Court dismissed the case, granting victory to both defendants.

The shop owner expressed that karma is taking its course against those who sued an employee who could not defend himself. The employee was named as the primary defendant in both criminal and civil cases, despite having trusted and supported the plaintiff's business. He was just an ordinary worker, and when discrepancies were found, he had the right to claim his own rights. The shop retrieved its goods and the plaintiff then sued him, even though the employee's wife was pregnant and they had almost no money—not even enough to pay for a lawyer.

The shop owner stated they were sued in both civil and criminal cases despite never defaming anyone, only providing information to help others and society.

The owner consulted with their lawyer, Kaeow Kaet, who confirmed that filing a countersuit for filing a false and defamatory case is definitely possible, which could result in jail time for the plaintiff.

The owner expressed that this victory has given them strength and motivation to continue helping others, and hopes that goodness will protect good people.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Community

New Coins Honor Late Venerable Dhammachedee

Thailand has issued commemorative coins honoring Venerable Dhammachedee, a revered 19th-century Buddhist monk from Udon Thani who passed away in 1961 after 55 years of monastic practice. The bronze amulet coins feature his portrait on one s

New Coins Honor Late Venerable Dhammachedee
3h ago Khaosod

Venerable Dhammachedee, formerly known as Phra Zoom Phanthulo, was a senior Buddhist monk greatly revered by the people of Udon Thani. He was a principal disciple of the renowned meditation master Luang Poo Chan Khemiko and served as ordination preceptor to several celebrated teachers, including Phra Ajarn Farn Acharo, Luang Poo Khao Analayo, Luang Poo On Yanasiri, and Luang Ta Maha Boowa Yanasampanno.

Born Zoom Chantrawong on Thursday, April 24, 1874, in Tha Uten village, Nakhon Phanom province, he was ordained at age 20 on March 9, 1891, at Wat Mahajai in Nong Bua Lam Phu district, Udon Thani, with Phra Kru Saeng Thammatho as his ordination preceptor. He then studied Buddhist teachings and monastic discipline under Phra Ajarn Sao and Phra Ajarn Man at Wat Leb forest monastery in Ubon Ratchathani province.

Venerable Dhammachedee passed away peacefully on July 11, 1961, at Siriraj Hospital at the age of 74 with 55 years of monastic life. In 1961, his disciples commissioned the creation of amulet coins to distribute to those making merit in his honor.

The coins feature a leaf-shaped design with a loop attachment, made of darkened bronze metal. The obverse displays the monk's portrait facing forward with his name "(Zoom) Chantrawong" inscribed below. The reverse features a seated Buddha image in meditation posture within a flame-shaped arch, with Dharmic script inscriptions on both sides. The second edition coins are nearly identical to the first, though observers may notice the Buddha image on the reverse is more sharply defined compared to the first edition.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Community

Temple Honors Late Abbot's 16th Death Anniversary

Wat Khao Tao Khrao in Phetchaburi marks the 16th death anniversary of Luang Por Suk Sangkhosophon, a revered abbot who championed education and built schools across the district during his 60-year monastic career.

Temple Honors Late Abbot's 16th Death Anniversary
3h ago Khaosod

Saturday, July 11, 2026 marks the 16th death anniversary of Phra Mongkhol Wachiracharn, known as Luang Por Suk Sangkhosophon, a celebrated Buddhist monk and former abbot of Wat Khao Tao Khrao in Ban Lam District, Phetchaburi Province, and former advisor to the Ban Lam District monastic council. Born on September 22, 1922, as Prasop Sangsureeya in Samut Sakhon Province, he was ordained at age 22 on July 27, 1944, at Wat Khao Tao Khrao under the preceptor Phra Kru Maha Vihara Abhirak. After ordination, he devoted himself to Buddhist studies and achieved the highest rank of Dharma scholar from Wat Khao Tao Khrao's monastic school. He was appointed abbot of Wat Khao Tao Khrao from 1952 and became district monastic supervisor in 1977. In 2003, he received ecclesiastical rank as Phra Mongkhol Wachiracharn from the Thai monarchy.

Throughout his monastic life, Luang Por Suk championed education and Buddhism, constructing school buildings at Wat Khao Tao Khrao and Ban Bang Haw School, and establishing educational scholarships across 32 institutions in Ban Lam District over 15 years. He was renowned as a skilled consecrator of sacred amulets, particularly revered Buddha images. He transformed the temple grounds by constructing monks' cells, renovating the ordination hall, and building monuments including a stupa containing Buddha relics on Khao Tao Khrao hill. He also established a public health station, community police outpost, and organized sports and cultural events tied to Buddhist celebrations.

Wat Khao Tao Khrao houses the principal Buddha image, Luang Por Khao Tao Khrao, standing 29 inches tall with a width of 21 inches, which devotees and pilgrims have revered for generations. Local legend traces the image to the late Ayutthaya period when Ban Lam residents fleeing Burmese invasions discovered it in a fishing net at the mouth of the Mae Klong River. The image is believed to be one of three "sibling" Buddha statues, with counterparts at temples in Chachoengsao and Samut Songkhram provinces. Luang Por Suk's contributions elevated Wat Khao Tao Khrao to prominence throughout Thailand and among Buddhist communities worldwide.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Buddhist Ethics Program Plants Seeds of Mindfulness in Young Children

The Department of Religion launched "Dharma Milk Teeth," a Buddhist ethics program for preschoolers and families in Bangkok, teaching mindfulness and moral values through interactive activities like nature mandalas and meditation.

Buddhist Ethics Program Plants Seeds of Mindfulness in Young Children
3h ago Khaosod

On Sunday, June 28, 2026, Department of Religion Director-General Chaiyapol Sukhiam launched the "Dharma Milk Teeth" activity as part of the fiscal year 2026 moral and ethics promotion initiative. The event, held at True Digital Park's West branch in Bangkok, brought together officials, educators, corporate representatives, and 100 families with preschool-aged children.

Chaiyapol explained that the Department of Religion prioritizes instilling moral values in young children during a critical developmental period when cognitive, emotional, and behavioral foundations are being established. In partnership with True Corporation and the Minddrive Institute, the program integrates psychology, natural art, and ethical principles to help children learn through direct experience and practical application in daily life.

Participants engaged in both indoor and outdoor learning stations designed for young children and families. Facilitators from Minddrive Institute began with mindfulness exercises and the song "Peaceful Step," followed by meditation practice to prepare participants physically and mentally. Activities included creating "nature mandalas" from natural materials, Silent Time, and Deep Listening sessions to build concentration and attentiveness, plus structured games like "The Mindfulness Journey," "The Messenger of Peace," and "The Silent Tower."

Parents and children collaborated to write "mindfulness pledge letters" committing to incorporate mindfulness into daily life for three months and displayed their intentions on "mindfulness boards." A gallery walk allowed families to share their nature mandala artwork and exchange learning experiences. The program aims to shift parents from controllers to mentors and help children develop mindfulness, emotional regulation, communication skills, and healthy relationships—crucial foundations for growth into well-adjusted adults.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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