On July 26, 2026, Somdet Phra Mahadhirajarn (Pasit Khemmangkro), abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphorn Vimolmangkhlaram and vice chairman of the Sangha Supreme Council overseeing the northern region, presided over the formal presentation of the Supreme Patriarch's appointment order designating Phra Dhammavachirapon (Rid Ridwetee), abbot of Wat Tak Fa in Nakhon Sawan, as provincial head monk of Nakhon Sawan. The ceremony took place at the northern regional ecclesiastical office meeting room at Wat Phra Chetuphorn Vimolmangkhlaram.

Phra Dhammavachirapon, regarded as a highly capable senior monk, has dedicated himself to advancing monastic educational programs with unwavering commitment. Currently 62 years old with 42 Buddhist Lent observances to his name, he serves as abbot of Wat Tak Fa, a royal temple in Tak Fa District, Nakhon Sawan, and now assumes his new role as provincial ecclesiastical administrator. Born on Wednesday, July 2, 1964, at house number 25, village 4, Ban Nong Nam, Tak Tok subdistrict, Ban Tak District, Tak Province, to parents Samran and Kern Thubeiuam who worked in agriculture.

After completing fourth-grade primary education, when asked if he wished to ordain as a monk, he readily agreed, having long harbored deep reverence for Buddhism. He took monastic vows on September 11, 1977, at Wat San Pa Lan in Tak Auk subdistrict, Ban Tak District, Tak Province, with Phra Khru Wisakij Anuwat, the subdistrict ecclesiastical administrator, as his ordaining preceptor.

From ages 8 to 18, he studied meditation and mental discipline under Luang Pho Bua Klai at Wat Khantong in Tak. He then pursued advanced monastic textual studies in both Pali and Dharma traditions under Phra Ratchasuvarnarsobphan at Wat Bodhi Rat in Ang Thong Province, earning top honors and advanced scriptural certifications before transferring to Wat Tak Fa.

At age 20, he underwent full higher ordination on May 14, 1984, at Wat Tak Fa's ordination boundary, with Phra Khru Nakhom Khet Kanarak, the district ecclesiastical administrator, serving as his preceptor. He subsequently pursued advanced monastic studies, eventually earning the highest level of scriptural certification.

In 2000, he completed a master's degree in educational administration from Naresuan University. His contributions to monastic education have earned widespread recognition. In 1995, he received an award for establishing distinguished Pali studies programs; in 1997, he received certification for excellence in Dharma and Pali education from the provincial monastic education committee. In 2001, Wat Tak Fa was designated as the provincial center for Pali studies by the Sangha Supreme Council.

In 2001, he received commendation from the Department of Non-Formal Education, Ministry of Education. In 2003, he received the Sao Samadharmachakra Award for meritorious service to Buddhism in monastic education. His ecclesiastical rank has been elevated four times: in 1996 to Phra Racha Kana (Third Class, Phra Srisuddhi Wetee); in 2006 to Phra Racha Kana (Second Class, Phra Rajapanya Wetee); in 2016 to Phra Racha Kana (First Class, Phra Thepphanya Phon); and most recently on April 20, 2026, to the rank of Phra Dhammavachirapon.

On February 4, 2006, Wat Tak Fa received a royal visit from Princess Sirindhorn, who toured the temple's educational programs and graciously donated 10,000 baht from her personal funds to support monastic meals. This donation was established as a perpetual educational support fund.

A disturbing incident shocked dog lovers when, at 3:35 a.m. on August 6, 2025, a black Labrador with a collar and leash was dragged for several kilometers behind a motorcycle before being abandoned in critical condition outside Omsin Market in Muang District, Lampang Province. The dog was covered in blood, but market vendors discovered it, pooled money for emergency treatment, and rushed it to Lampang Veterinary Hospital.

On August 7 at 2 p.m., Nai Sen, a 58-year-old trader, presented himself to police with his Honda Wave 100 motorcycle and gave a statement. He claimed he had no intention of harming or killing the dog, but that two or three dogs chased him while he was riding, and he did not realize the dog's leash had become tangled on his motorcycle. Frightened of being bitten, he continued riding until he noticed the dog had stopped moving. He did not stop because he feared the dog might get up and bite him. He stated he had driven to the market to quickly buy goods for his business, and when vendors helped free the leash, he hurried off to shop without checking on the dog because he needed to earn a living.

Nai Sen expressed that the harsh criticism on social media made him feel depressed and stressed, as he did not know the dog was attached to his motorcycle or whose dog it was. He suggested that dog owners should keep their pets confined indoors rather than letting them run loose chasing vehicles on the road to prevent such accidents in the future. Police are currently investigating the motorcycle and testing whether the leash could have become entangled as he claimed, and will proceed with legal action based on their findings.

On August 7, Prommasath Krittayavir, founder of Devalaivalai Phra Maha Kali temple (also known as Thung Dok Krajeao temple), along with activist Chakai King Tangthim Saphan Mai and lawyer Jes Nathapakorn Sutcha, submitted a formal complaint to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) requesting a fact-finding committee investigate the unauthorized removal of electrical poles and transformers from temple property without permission. They also requested a review of whether the electricity disconnection request process and procedures complied with regulations.

Chakai King stated that the affected parties had not received justice and were forced to appeal to the PEA director to investigate whether PEA staff at the Bamheng Nongkhai branch in Chaiyaphum province were aware of or involved in removing the transformer. Prommasath revealed that on April 22, a vehicle resembling a PEA truck had entered the temple grounds and removed the transformer without any official notification from PEA. On April 23, he met with the PEA branch manager and presented legal documents proving the temple's land ownership to request clarification, and asked for copies of the disconnection request for examination.

Preliminary investigation found numerous irregularities, including discrepancies in the disconnection request details, incomplete power-of-attorney documentation lacking official revenue stamps, and procedural violations of standard PEA regulations. Prommasath questioned whether the approval process for disconnection complied with normal PEA procedures, and whether proper authorization or government documentation existed for using external heavy equipment to remove electrical equipment from the temple grounds, and whether PEA employees participated in or approved the removal. He stated the complaint was intended to verify whether PEA staff were involved in theft of temple property and to determine if backdated documents were created to assist the accused party.

Lawyer Jes Nathapakorn stated they wanted the PEA director to investigate how external parties were allowed to remove the temple's transformer, causing significant damage. The submitted documentation lacked proper details, prompting the request for central PEA investigation into whether the removal was legal and compliant with regulations. PEA representatives initially accepted the complaint and promised to report findings to the complainants within seven days.

Deputy Prime Minister Yos Chananun has made an emergency blood donation at Phra Nang Klao Hospital to help victims of the tragic incident at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi, and is calling on the public to contribute to the relief effort. At 5:30 p.m. on August 7, 2025, following his direct involvement in addressing the violence at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi, Deputy Prime Minister Yos Chananun, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, travelled to Phra Nang Klao Hospital to donate blood and provide medical support for the treatment of those injured in the incident.

Deputy PM Yos has issued a public appeal asking healthy individuals who are able to make the journey to come and donate blood at Phra Nang Klao Hospital, to ensure sufficient blood reserves are available for surgeries and treatment of the injured patients who remain under close medical care.

The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to members of the public and military personnel who responded swiftly to donate blood, and offered his encouragement to the medical doctors, nurses, and all healthcare staff who are working with full dedication to care for the injured.

Chiang Mai hosted the 10th AAHRS Scientific Meeting 2026 from August 7–9, 2026, at the InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping under the theme "Mega Trend in Hair Restoration Surgery." The conference brought together over 200 expert physicians, researchers, and medical professionals from around the world, including renowned hair restoration surgeon Russell Knudsen M.D. from Australia, a past president of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and recipient of multiple prestigious awards.

Participants shared knowledge on hair restoration surgery and hair restoration medicine while presenting cutting-edge technologies including AI, precision medicine, regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, exosomes, PRP, energy-based lasers, and peptide therapy. The program also featured advanced techniques such as FUE and DHI, live surgical demonstrations, and workshops designed to elevate treatment standards and build international collaboration networks.

Dr. Damkerng Pathavanichul, president of the Asian Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (AAHRS), stated that Thailand's selection as host reflects international confidence in Thai physicians' capabilities and world-class treatment standards. He emphasized that the conference serves as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange and positions Thailand as Asia's medical hub and center for hair restoration surgery.

Associate Professor Dr. Ratchadhorn Panjpratheep, chairman of the scientific program, highlighted that the future of the field will focus on using AI for treatment planning combined with increasingly precise hair harvesting and transplantation technologies, alongside applications of regenerative medicine, stem cells, exosomes, and PRP to enhance patient outcomes.

Dr. Kanokwan Chanthupatlee, program chairman, noted that hosting this conference elevates Thailand's image as a medical hub and strengthens its position as Asia's center for hair restoration surgery and health tourism.

Dr. Kulkanj Amorpattana, chairman of live surgery demonstrations, emphasized that live surgical demonstrations are a conference highlight, allowing participating physicians to learn from actual surgeries, observe new techniques, review safety standards, and apply their knowledge effectively in patient care.

The 10th AAHRS Scientific Meeting 2026 served as a vital platform connecting knowledge, technology, and expertise from over 200 global specialists, reinforcing Thailand and Chiang Mai's role in becoming an international center for medicine, research, and health tourism.