Dr. Panth Permsakcdi revealed on August 3 that the Erasmus+ Programme has approved funding for two education cooperation projects: BRIDGE and BrighT. Both projects aim to create prototypes for reforming Thailand's higher education system that can be scaled nationwide in the future, rather than simply developing individual university curricula.

The two projects serve complementary roles. BRIDGE, led by Burapha University and funded with €694,302.81 over three years, focuses on producing highly skilled workforce by creating interdisciplinary curricula linking science, engineering, and management to develop "scientist leaders" capable of driving innovation and managing change. BrighT, headed by Mahidol University and receiving €883,556.83 over four years, aims to strengthen universities' role in advancing Thailand's Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model through management systems, curriculum development, and industry partnerships.

Dr. Panth emphasized that BRIDGE addresses a gap in Thai science and engineering education by moving beyond narrow specialization to develop leaders who work across disciplines, understand business, and create innovations with industry partners. BrighT establishes national governance mechanisms including a BCG Higher Education Council, develops BCG competency frameworks aligned with Europe's GreenComp standard, and creates five regional centers of excellence to strengthen provincial universities and reduce urban-rural inequality.

On August 3, the Phromsawang family, led by Pat-Pattaranya Phromsawang, the daughter of the late master, organized a merit-making ceremony to honor Phloen Phromdan, this year marking two years since his passing. Phloen Phromdan was honored as a National Artist in the performing arts category (traditional Thai luk thung music) in 2012 and created numerous iconic songs including "Cham Thung," "Bun Pi Thi Nong Rak," and many others. The family announced a free concert series titled "Remembering Two Years of the Late King of Spoken Song, Phloen Phromdan, National Artist" to be held at Wat Swaang Arom in Nakhon Pathom from August 28 to September 6, 2026.

The ceremony was presided over by Luang Pho Pae, abbot of Wat Swaang Arom, alongside Boripen Chaiyphoomi, chairman of the Thai Luk Thung Singers Association, and Tosapol Himpan, chairman of the Thai Luk Thung Singers Association. Notable luk thung artists including Rung Suriya, Aud Fourses, Damrong Wongtong, and others participated as honorary speakers. After the merit-making ceremony and alms offering to the monks, T-One Organize Company donated 100,000 baht to Phloen's family.

Boripen Chaiyphoomi expressed honor in organizing the tribute, noting that Phloen was a transformative figure who pioneered the genre and created its distinctive characteristics. Tosapol Himpan added that some twenty artists would participate in performances throughout the ten-day event to celebrate Phloen's musical legacy. Pat-Pattaranya Phromsawang extended gratitude to all who continue to remember her father's contributions and invited everyone to attend the memorial concert series.

Newin Chidchob, chairman of Buriram United FC, has faced criticism for wearing shorts and a club jersey while paying respects at the Phao Chaturkham spirit shrine located at the City Pillar Shrine in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The images sparked heated debate across social media and business circles, with many viewing such attire as disrespectful for a sacred occasion.

In response, Chidchob posted a detailed explanation on his Facebook page, titled "Uncle Newin," emphasizing that respect, faith, and reverence stem from the heart. He noted that Buriram United has conducted this annual blessing ceremony for over ten years, bringing all players, coaches, and staff to seek blessings from Phao Chaturkham before the competition season. Chidchob considers the spirit a sacred object he worships and has worn around his neck for decades.

Every year, he leads the entire team and staff in the ceremony, bringing championship trophies won that season to be included in the ritual. This annual tradition serves as a reminder and commitment to honesty and dedication in professional football, with the ceremony consistently yielding trophies—a practice the club attributes to the spirit's blessings.

Chidchob clarified that the club independently organizes and funds the ceremony through coordination with the City Pillar Shrine office, not as a provincial government event. Over time, government officials and politicians have been invited as guests to join the ceremony, but the club remains the sole host. This year, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Provincial Governor, and several MPs attended as guests, not as co-hosts.

Regarding his personal attire, Chidchob stated it is a private choice. He has worn a Buriram United club jersey and shorts for over ten years during the ceremony, and shrine officials have never objected. He argued that clothing—whether long pants or shorts—cannot determine whether a person holds genuine respect or faith. His decade-long consistent practice demonstrates his sincere reverence for Phao Chaturkham, rooted in his heart rather than his wardrobe.

Chidchob concluded by acknowledging critics' right to their opinion while declining to engage in further debate, noting that such criticism would be irrelevant if he were not the event's host.

A shocking incident unfolded when a man who had hitched a ride suddenly became agitated and lunged for the steering wheel while the vehicle was in motion, nearly causing a serious accident. At 2:45 p.m. on August 3, police Deputy Inspector Anusilp Khleakaratop of Phimai Station, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, received a report of a man acting erratically along the Phimai-Chakrachak road near the entrance to Ban Taan in Samroedrith Subdistrict, Phimai District. Officers from Phimai Station and rescue personnel from Sawang Metta Nakhon Ratchasima Foundation rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found three residents restraining a 58-year-old man named A (alias) from Chakrachak District, who was lying on the grass. The man appeared exhausted and remained still after neighbors had subdued him and locked his limbs. According to the driver's account, he was traveling with friends within Phimai District when the man asked for a ride. When they were roughly one kilometer away from Phimai town, the passenger suddenly became agitated and lunged for the steering wheel, forcing the driver to brake hard and pull over to the roadside. The driver and other neighbors then rushed to restrain the man and hold him on the ground, calling police immediately. Officers later determined that the man had a history of mental illness and was likely suffering from medication non-compliance, which had triggered the agitated episode. Relatives were to be notified, and rescue personnel transported the man to Phimai Hospital for medical evaluation and continued treatment.

The Pure Heart Foundation participated in expressing loyalty and reverence on the occasion of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. On August 3, 2569, Foundation President Theerarat Nawamawat assigned Khwan Mocha and foundation representatives to join the wreath-laying ceremony for Queen Sirikit's birthday on August 12, 2569, organized by the Thai Social Welfare Council under royal patronage. President Theerarat noted that the foundation deeply appreciates Queen Sirikit's immeasurable grace and her extensive royal service dedicated to improving the lives of the Thai people. The ceremony reflects the foundation's loyalty and gratitude, with hope that the Queen will continue to be a blessing for all Thais. The Pure Heart Foundation is committed to honoring the monarchy as the heart of the Thai nation and pledges to continue its work for the benefit of society and the country.

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