On July 2, Deputy Inspector Siriyaporn Kongpetchsak of Nong Prue Police Station in Chon Buri received a report of a foreign man with stab wounds found dead in a rental home in Moo 4, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District. Officers, forensic teams, Pattaya tourism police, and rescue workers responded to the upscale single-story community.

Inside the bathroom of a bedroom, they discovered the body of a 34-year-old British man, a cannabis farm businessman in Bang Lamung. He lay on his back with a stab wound below his left chest, placed on bedding with a pillow and covered by a gray towel. Blood saturated the bedding. He had been dead at least six hours.

The victim's 21-year-old British wife sat crying near the body, appearing intoxicated from cannabis with cuts on her fingertips. She claimed her husband had stabbed himself. She said she suffered from depression and severe anxiety.

Investigators found a 50-centimeter spatula knife in the kitchen sink, thoroughly washed of blood. Blood traces scattered throughout the home. A British friend reported that the victim's cannabis business partner, based in the United States, called warning him something bad might have happened. Upon arriving and recording video evidence, the friend found the wife sitting with her husband's body, speaking incoherently and claiming self-infliction. He immediately called police.

Neighbors reported the couple had rented the house only two weeks prior. They frequently heard the two arguing. Around 4 a.m. the previous night, dogs barked loudly. At 2 a.m., someone brought dog food but no one answered. The morning's arrival of the victim's friend preceded discovery of the body.

Police learned the man rented the home for 85,000 baht monthly and operated a large cannabis farm in Bang Lamung Soi 14. Officers detained the wife for detailed questioning and ordered fingerprint and DNA analysis. Police expressed doubt in her statement, noting inconsistencies: if he self-inflicted the wound, why didn't she immediately call for help or notify police? Why was his body moved to the bathroom? Blood trail evidence and her cannabis intoxication raise further questions. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage to determine the actual cause.

Watchrapong Kuwijitsuwan, a Saraburi Province MP from the Bhumjaithai Party and chairman of the Parliamentary Police Committee, revealed that the committee summoned Pol. Lt. Gen. Itthipol Chansributtr, commander of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau Region 2, to clarify the case against Bunyarut Rarungrojn, a former Bangkok candidate for the People's Party, who faced money laundering charges connected to drug trafficking networks. The charges led to his disqualification as a poll candidate. Previously, prosecutors issued a no-prosecution order. Itthipol explained that the case now awaits the Attorney General's consideration following National Police Chief Kittisak Panpetch's submission of a dissenting opinion.

Watchrapong noted that while no additional charges have been filed, the investigation originated from 10 major narcotics cases before a financial trail was traced to 11 suspects. Police confirmed they have substantial and complete evidence as previously submitted to prosecutors, with the National Police Chief's dissenting opinion now under review by the Office of the Attorney General.

An 11-year-old boy fatally struck a Buddhist monk procession with a stolen Isuzu pickup truck in Ban Na Si Nuai, Muang District, Mukdahan Province, resulting in eight deaths and twelve injuries. Some victims sustained severe trauma including ruptured spleens and bone fractures.

According to updates on July 2, 2025, Mukdahan Provincial Hospital initially reported four critical-condition patients, ten moderate cases, two with ruptured spleens, and the remainder mostly suffering from fractures.

The child's mother came to meet with investigators at Muang Mukdahan Police Station. Preliminary questioning revealed her son stole the Isuzu pickup and drove away from home—the first time he had committed such an act. She stated that upon learning of the theft, she immediately phoned police at 191 to help stop the vehicle, but it arrived too late. The truck veered out of control and struck the monk procession, causing the deaths and injuries described.

Mukdahan Province's Public Relations Office released a list of injured and deceased monks:

Deceased: 1. Phra Bhikkhu Samruay Wiang 2. Phra Bhikkhu Sakda Sila 3. Phra Bhikkhu Chaisonn Nanthasingha 4. Phra Bhikkhu Rattana Thongburan 5. Phra Bhikkhu Khamsing Chaileut 6. Phra Bhikkhu Yothin Wanasri 7. Phra Bhikkhu Yuttha Pongsawiseth 8. Phra Bhikkhu Nikhom Angkab

Injured: 9. Phra Bhikkhu Suriya Sieungsai – Surgery 10. Phra Bhikkhu Kittiphan Labdhanasarn – Orthopedic Surgery 11. Phra Bhikkhu Yongyuth Konkaew – Orthopedic Surgery 12. Phra Bhikkhu Anuwat Phasi – Orthopedic Surgery 13. Mr. Pramual Si Khamphaeng – Surgery 14. Phra Bhikkhu Yuean Hanchaj – Orthopedic Surgery 15. Phra Bhikkhu Phisit Onyong – Critical, Surgical ICU 16. Phra Bhikkhu Somkiat Maniprattanachai – Critical, Surgical ICU 17. Phra Bhikkhu Sakorn Klangsongnoen – Critical, Surgical ICU 18. Unidentified – Critical, Surgical ICU 19. Unidentified – Surgery 20. Unidentified – Surgery

True Corporation and The Diplomat Network have partnered to present "True Presents Dinner Incredible Thailand 2026: The Black Box Edition," an exclusive fine dining showcase featuring 12 world-class Michelin-starred chefs with a combined 21 Michelin stars. Held at Gaysorn Village in central Bangkok on July 2, 2026, the event positions Thai ingredients and culinary wisdom on the global fine dining stage, celebrating Thailand's potential as the Kitchen of the World.

Oliver Kittipong Veeratechya, Head of Brand and Communications at True Corporation, stated that the event reflects the company's vision of moving beyond connectivity to meaningful connections that enhance customers' lifestyles and life moments. The collaboration aims to elevate Thai ingredients to world-class fine dining while promoting Thailand as a premier food and travel destination globally. True emphasizes that modern branding extends beyond technology and services to designing meaningful experiences that genuinely connect with people's lives.

Charad Mehrotra, Head of Consumer Business Group at True Corporation, noted that elevating customer experiences represents a key strategic priority for the company. True's continued development of networks, services, privileges, and exclusive experiences stems from customer trust and loyalty. The "True Presents Dinner Incredible Thailand 2026: The Black Box Edition" represents the company's commitment to delivering world-class experiences in Thailand while supporting the nation's soft power through culinary innovation.

ORP is confident that Thailand's IT market will continue growing despite economic challenges, buoyed by the transition to AI Computing. The company is rolling out "COMMART ULTRAFORCE," an IT products showcase and sales event bringing together over 200 leading IT brands with AI technology and special promotions designed to drive purchasing and boost IT sales in the second half of 2025.

On July 2, 2025, Bunlertsak Narathai, CEO of ORP Public Company Limited, announced the launch of "COMMART ULTRAFORCE" at the Bangkok Convention and Exhibition Centre's Halls 98-99. This year's event centers on adopting cutting-edge AI technology, showcasing the latest products and innovations including AI PCs, AI notebooks, gaming PCs, smart devices, DIY PC components, monitors, and accessories from leading manufacturers. Special promotions will run throughout the event from July 2-5.

Narathai noted that the event comes amid challenging conditions in the computer industry, with IT component prices like RAM and SSD rising due to market shortages, driving up prices for assembled computers and notebooks. "Despite overall economic challenges, we're confident Thailand's IT market has growth potential and will be boosted by the clear shift to AI Computing happening this year. We believe COMMART ULTRAFORCE will be a significant driver for mid-year IT sales," he said.

Visitors will experience hands-on demos of the NVIDIA DGX Spark, a compact AI supercomputer designed for high-level AI development and processing. The event also features "The Ultra PC," a flagship DIY computer with a limited-edition GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition graphics card for both AI and high-end gaming, inspiring consumers building new systems.

The UltraForce activity zone showcases the latest AI technology and innovations for consumer experience, with special activities from IT creators, gamers, and esports professionals, plus a cosplay contest.

Pornchai Chansuphahsang, Media and Event Director at ORP, stated that "COMMART ULTRAFORCE" brings together high-performance IT products from over 200 brands to meet consumers seeking AI-era equipment. With 0% installment options, clearance deals, and exclusive offers from IT brand partners, the company expects strong attendance and robust consumer buying decisions mid-year.

Luang Pu Ka Kandhayo, former abbot of Wat Bodhi Chai in Tha Uthen district, Nakhon Phanom province, was a senior monk who ordained over 90 years ago. A student in the lineage of the revered Luang Pu Sri Tat Yanasampanno, the builder of Phra That Tha Uthen, he also served as preceptor to two renowned monks: Luang Pu Teuo Achaldhamma of Wat Pa Aranyawiwek in Nakhon Phanom and Luang Pu Thong Ratana Kanthasilo of Wat Pa Ban Kum in Ubon Ratchathani.

Born into the Suvannamajo family on October 7, 1881, in Tha Uthen, he received early religious education in the village temple. At age 21 in 1902, he took monastic vows at Wat Bodhi Chai's ordination hall, with Phra Khru Thon of Wat Phon Kaew as his preceptor, Phra Khen Uttamo as his disciplinary instructor, and Phra Nu Viriya as his witness.

After one year as a monk, he traveled to Bangkok to study Pali scriptures at Wat Thep Thidaram monastery, but returned home when his brother died during a cholera outbreak, canceling his plans to pursue monastic studies.

When Phra Photharaj, the abbot of Wat Bodhi Chai, passed away, Luang Pu Ka was appointed abbot in 1913. He became a respected teacher of the Dharma and Vinaya, training numerous monks and novices in recitation of the Patimokkha and Buddhist chants through oral instruction. He never sought administrative rank within the monastic community, focusing instead on educational and spiritual guidance of both monks and laypeople.

During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of a new brick ordination hall to replace the deteriorating wooden structure, a project taking four years. He also supervised construction of a sermon hall housing an ancient Buddha image in the Mara-victory posture, originally created when the temple was founded, measuring 2.4 meters wide and 4 meters tall, along with three new monastic residences.

Luang Pu Ka was renowned for his strict adherence to monastic discipline and simple living. He trained his students to be mindful even of minor precepts, practiced moderation, avoided material accumulation, and lived frugally. In his final years, his health declined despite medical treatment, and he peacefully passed away on September 19, 1977, at 8:20 p.m. from old age at 96 years of age and 75 years of monastic life.

Before his death that year, his students had planned to create a commemorative amulet to distribute on what would have been his 97th birthday, but the project was not completed before his passing. The medal features a shield-like shape with a loop, and displays a half-length portrait of Luang Pu Ka on the front. This was the first edition, cast in aged copper, though the exact number produced remains unknown.