Court Orders Thai Bank to Compensate Beauty Queen Charllotte

A Thai court ordered Kasikornbank to pay beauty queen Charllotte Austin 1 million baht after she lost over 4 million baht to scammers impersonating cyber police, ruling the bank failed to flag suspicious late-night transfers.

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A Thai court has ordered Kasikornbank to jointly compensate Charllotte Austin, a renowned beauty queen and actress, after she lost over 4 million baht to scammers. The court determined that the second and third fund transfers totaling 2 million baht were abnormal transactions conducted after midnight.

Charllotte Austin became a victim of a call center fraud gang that impersonated cyber police officers, deceiving her into believing she was implicated in a money laundering case. She lost more than 4 million baht and was forced to remain on video call for 24 hours due to panic attacks.

Her attorney James posted that on July 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM, the civil court scheduled the verdict hearing in case 3955/2568, Miss Charllotte Company versus Kasikornbank. Charllotte's company sued the bank for breach of deposit contract concerning 4 million baht in damages.

Charllotte's company claimed she made three transfers totaling 4 million baht to fraudsters, constituting abnormal high-risk transactions that the bank failed to detect or warn about, resulting in her loss. The bank contested the claim, arguing the transactions were normal and that it had systems in place to detect and prevent abnormal transactions.

The court ruled that the first transfer of 2 million baht was a normal transaction the bank could not reasonably have identified as high-risk. However, the second and third transfers totaling 2 million baht were abnormal due to the after-midnight timing. Since Charllotte also bore some negligence for the 2 million baht loss, the court held both parties equally liable.

The court ordered the bank to pay Charllotte 1 million baht in compensation plus 5% annual interest from December 8, 2024, until full settlement, court costs based on the amount awarded, and 20,000 baht in attorney fees.

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Community

Weekly Horoscope: July 12-18, 2025 Outlook

This week's horoscope for July 12-18 forecasts mixed fortunes across zodiac signs, with Gemini enjoying prosperity and new friendships while Leo faces travel risks and financial challenges.

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Weekly Horoscope Forecast (July 12-18, 2025) by Setsathawut

Aries: This week you may receive unexpected gains, though they could prove problematic or disappear quickly. You may earn modest income through hard work, but risk squandering it impulsively. Office troubles will weigh on you, and expected projects may shift direction—avoid being selective about work now.

Taurus: You'll work diligently but become irritable easily, making careless mistakes. Guard against accidents from recklessness and loss of valuables. You'll socialize with family but should avoid discussing old painful memories. Foreign friends may seem distant, yet your romantic partner will lift your spirits.

Gemini: You'll feel joyful and content like flowers blooming at dawn. Life brings happiness and your wishes materialize easily. People listen to you and elders offer support. Business prospers and you gain wealth and good reputation through new, vibrant friendships. Benefits may delay slightly, affecting your mood. Hobbies will expand your social circle. Avoid displaying weapons or metal objects carelessly—accidents could occur easily. Single natives will attract foreign admirers.

Cancer: You'll succeed in matters of romance. If coupled, passion and benefits await. If just friends, understanding is possible. Financial gains should be converted to assets immediately—keeping cash risks easy loss. Don't advertise any wealth received, as deception is possible now. Avoid trusting investment pitches or sales offers.

Leo: You may travel for social obligations or host many visitors. Don't carry much wealth when traveling alone to avoid robbery and emotional trauma. Verify documents carefully in all dealings. Your physical and mental stamina will decline. Financial problems may damage your credit and reputation. You'll feel unusually sensitive, and authority figures may trouble or burden you.

Virgo: [Text cut off in original]

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Police

92-Year-Old Man Dies After Falling From Calamansi Tree

A 92-year-old man died after falling from a calamansi tree in Phetchaburi province while trimming branches. Authorities found no signs of foul play and suspect he either lost his balance or a branch broke during the fall.

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On July 11, police in Nong Hae Plong district, Phetchaburi province, responded to a report of a man who had fallen from a tree and died. At the scene in a calamansi garden in Nong Hae Plong subdistrict, officers found 92-year-old Bunsanti lying dead on the ground, his body resting on a large branch. He had severe injuries and significant bleeding.

Investigators determined the calamansi tree he had climbed to trim branches was more than 5 meters tall. Preliminary findings suggest Bunsanti either lost his balance or the branch broke while he was cutting, causing him to fall hard to the ground and die at the scene. A preliminary autopsy by the hospital doctor revealed no signs of assault or foul play. The body will be sent to the forensic department for a detailed autopsy to determine the exact cause of death before proceeding with legal procedures and returning the remains to relatives for religious rites.

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Community

Rare Buddhist Amulets From Legendary Thai Masters

Rare Buddhist amulets created by legendary Thai masters—including 19th-century powder amulets from Chachoengsao and commemorative pieces from spiritual leaders in Ratchaburi and Chanthaburi—command high prices among collectors due to their

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A reflection on modern Buddhist practice notes: "Today people worship to gain, to ask, to earn merit for heaven and nirvana, hoping for results in this life and the next—a condition that has become a lasting spiritual affliction." This teaching comes from Luang Pho Cha Subhaddo of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani.

Among the oldest and most renowned "closed-eye" powder amulets in Chachoengsao province is the work of Luang Pu Chin from Wat Tha Lad Nuea, believed created around 1887. These amulets were made from blessed powder mixed with various sacred herbs, bound together and pressed into multiple mold designs including ankle cushion, bead cluster, large and small lotus petal, and cart support patterns. Most feature raised backs styled like roof edges or ridges, with multiple protective layers applied. Production occurred in limited batches over several periods because the manufacturing process was extraordinarily difficult, making authentic examples extremely rare and expensive today. Luang Pu Chin's powder amulets are considered the foundational prototype for this amulet type in the region.

Luang Pho Chum Buddhisaro of Wat Rajakom in Ratchaburi city was a highly respected spiritual master who created various sacred objects including talismans, amulets, and rings—particularly the prized "stamp coins" made in 1941 as commemorative pieces for supporters of the temple. These consisted of two small aluminum sheets featuring his image, embossed and hinged together, manufactured in Japan and commonly called stamp coins or shadow coins. The exact production quantity remains unclear.

The front displays a mesh pattern with his half-length image and four Khmer letters at the corners reading Na Ma Pa Tha (heart element), with "Chum" inscribed below. The back features a nine-cell auspicious yantra grid in the master's distinctive style, with four directional Khmer letters reading Ud, Ad, Pad, Pid along the corners. A Khmer inscription appears below the yantra grid. These are considered rare sacred objects highly sought by amulet collectors and Ratchaburi devotees.

In 2016, Luang Pu Tuan Pussavaro of Wat Chan Khunaram (Wat Pong Yang) in Kaeng Hang Maew, Chanthaburi, a renowned spiritual master, produced "ancient-style cast Sakyamuni amulets" in the Fulfillment edition to raise funds for permanent temple restoration. Created in multiple materials, these amulets feature an unbordered front with a triple-tiered seated Buddha image in glass encasement, a flat unbordered back with a "bell" code stamp and temple code, and Thai numerals identifying each piece—another valuable sacred object.

Returning to 2000, Luang Pu Tee Yanasophanom, former abbot of Wat Luang Rajawas in Udon Thani city, a renowned spiritual master of the Sak Kreng river region who was 88 years old, created "Buddha-image coins" in one edition: 188 silver pieces and 3,000 copper pieces. These large spherical coins lacked ear loops and featured a two-tiered border, with the center containing the Iti Piso 56 Buddhist Powers chant with Buddha imagery. Guardian yantras of Na the Great or Na the Millionaire flanked the Buddha image with Khmer letters below, while Khmer characters of the heart-mantra chant circled the border with temple code beneath the image.

The reverse featured a single-tier border with a five-row Khmer character grid in the center and directional Khmer letters at the four corners, with Thai script below the border reading "Buddha-image coin."

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National

PM Anutin Probes Local Exam Fraud, Seeks Discipline Cases

PM Anutin convened an urgent meeting on July 11 to accelerate investigations into local government exam fraud and determine whether guilty civil servants can be removed from office.

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Prime Minister Anutin Charansanitwong and Interior Minister entered Government House on a public holiday at 1 p.m. on July 11, 2025, to follow up on the local government civil service exam fraud investigation. The PM held meetings with Arthit Sampadarattana, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, and Theeraphong Kachmatus, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, along with other Interior Ministry officials involved in the local government examinations. The meeting focused on reviewing progress in investigating those responsible for the exam fraud, and discussing prosecution strategies and options for removing guilty local government civil servants from their positions. Reports indicate that Theeraphong Kachmatus is chairing a disciplinary committee examining five senior officials from the Department of Local Administration.

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Tourism

Wat Phra Kaew Welcomes New Jade Buddha Replica

Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai enshrines a jade Buddha replica created in 1990 to honor Queen Sirikit's 90th birthday and commemorate the site where the Emerald Buddha was originally discovered. The Canadian jade image, formally consecrated by

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The "Phra Yok Chiang Rai" or "Phra Phuttharatanapkorn," officially named "Phra Phuttharatanapkorn Navuttiwassanusoranamongkol," is enshrined as the principal Buddha image in the Jade Buddha Hall at Wat Phra Kaew, a royal temple in Chiang Rai province. This ancient Lanna art temple was originally called Wat Pa Yia (Bamboo Forest), the site where the Emerald Buddha was discovered before being brought to Wat Phra Si Rattana Sasadaram in Bangkok. Chiang Rai residents have called it Wat Phra Kaew ever since.

Historical records state that around 1897, during the reign of King Mengrai over Chiang Mai, lightning struck an abandoned chedi. Inside, workers found a Buddha image covered in gold leaf. When the covering was removed, they discovered a green Buddha image carved from jade—the Emerald Buddha. The sacred image was subsequently moved to various cities: Lampang, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Thonburi, and finally to Wat Phra Si Rattana Sasadaram in Bangkok in 1778, where it remains to this day.

In 1990, to commemorate Queen Sirikit's 90th birthday on October 21 and to honor the Emerald Buddha's discovery at this location, a replica titled "Phra Yok Chiang Rai" was created. This new image was crafted to inspire reverence and to pay homage to Queen Sirikit, who brought progress and development to Chiang Rai.

The Phra Yok Chiang Rai is a Buddha image in meditation pose with dimensions closely resembling the Emerald Buddha, measuring 47.9 centimeters wide and 65.9 centimeters tall in Chiangsen artistic style. The image was carved from the finest Canadian jade, with ornaments and base made from precious gems and gold. The pedestal base, approximately one cubit high, was carved from Chiangsen lotus-style jade stone. Master sculptor Kanok Wiswakun created the prototype, which was then carved by skilled craftsmen at the Walinna Nango Factory in China. The dedication ceremony was held at Guangji Temple in Beijing, where Queen Sirikit bestowed the formal name "Phra Phuttharatanapkorn Navuttiwassanusoranamongkol," meaning "Buddha Lord of Jeweled Treasures, Memorial to the 90th Birthday," with the common name "Phra Yok Chiang Rai."

King Bhumibol Adulyadej graciously authorized the Grand Buddha Consecration ceremony at Wat Phra Si Rattana Sasadaram in the Grand Palace on September 20, 1991. His Majesty anointed the image and lit candles, assisted by Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Sangharaj Krom Luang Wachirayan Warorot. The image was then transported to Wat Phra Kaew and enshrined on October 19, 1991, with grand celebrations.

Although the Phra Yok Chiang Rai is a modern creation, it holds sacred significance and deep devotion among Chiang Rai residents as a representative of the Emerald Buddha and as a tribute to Queen Sirikit, the inspiration of all Chiang Rai people. Within the temple's ordination hall, another sacred Buddha image is enshrined: the Phra Chao Lanthong, one of Thailand's most beautiful and majestic Buddha images. The temple also contains an ancient chedi registered by the Department of Fine Arts as a national historical monument in 1935, along with architectural structures reflecting traditional Lanna design.

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Community

Sangha Administration Training Program Launched For 220 Buddhist Monks

A training program for 220 Buddhist monks in monastic administration and management skills concluded in Nakhon Pathom Province on July 3, emphasizing the importance of transparent governance, strict adherence to Buddhist law, and spiritual

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On Monday, June 29, 2025, Somdet Phra Mahaviravorngsa (Suchin Akkhachino), a Mahatherasmakom Committee member and assistant abbot of Wat Rajbophit Sathit Maha Simaram, represented the committee as chairperson at the opening of the 52nd "Knowledge Offering Project for Sangha Administrators" targeting abbots, deputy abbots, and assistant abbots. The program, organized by the Institute of Sangha Administration, Office of Buddhism, and the Mahatherasmakom Secretariat, trained 220 Buddhist monks to enhance their monastic management skills. The ceremony was held at the Buddhamontol Conference Hall under royal patronage.

Udom Porn Ekyiam, Director of the Office of Buddhism, submitted a progress report with senior officials and staff in attendance.

Somdet Phra Mahaviravorngsa delivered a sermon emphasizing that abbots, deputy abbots, and assistant abbots serve as vital mechanisms in their temples, responsible for preserving Buddhist resources and the livelihood of monks and novices. He stressed that being an abbot must be genuine, not merely nominal. The role is defined by laws and Mahatherasmakom regulations specifying duties and powers. Therefore, holding a position demands fulfilling corresponding responsibilities according to legal provisions. Deputy abbots must accept responsibilities delegated by the abbot while assisting in temple affairs including dissemination of teachings, governance, and public welfare. Assistant abbots must serve diligently. All three positions working in the same temple must operate with unity, understanding their duties and responsibilities. Experienced monks should support younger leadership without obstructing the temple's development, recognizing what is and isn't appropriate.

On Friday, July 3, 2025, Somdet Phra Mahachirmuneevongsa (Boonrueng Punnyochoto), a Mahatherasmakom Committee member and abbot of Wat Phra Sri Maha Dhat, presided over the closing ceremony and certificate presentation at the Buddhamontol Conference Hall in Nakhon Pathom Province.

Somdet Phra Mahachirmuneevongsa advised that the roles of abbots, deputy abbots, and assistant abbots today face challenges involving laws, sangha regulations, and Mahatherasmakom rules. As temple administrators and community leaders, he offered three guiding principles: First, establish dharma and vinaya as the foundation—temple management and governance of monks must strictly adhere to Buddhist law and sangha regulations using fairness and compassion. Second, ensure transparency in Buddhist assets—property and benefit management must be handled carefully, following proper procedures and accounting practices to prevent disputes and accusations that cause future damage. Third, serve as the spiritual center of the community—current sangha administrators must be good mentors, developing temples as peaceful havens and learning centers, serving as true spiritual refuges for Buddhists. Following these guidelines creates beauty, unity, and harmony, earning respect within the sangha and society.

Somdet Phra Mahachirmuneevongsa further urged steadfast commitment to virtue and good conduct, compliance with Mahatherasmakom and sangha regulations with consistency and fairness, without discrimination, maintaining order and propriety.

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Community

Sala Chalerm Krung Palace Theater Marks 93 Years

Thailand's oldest royal theater celebrates its 93rd anniversary with a ceremony featuring khon dance performances and scholarships for artists and senior performers on July 2, 2025.

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Sala Chalerm Krung Palace Theater and the Sala Chalerm Krung Foundation are celebrating their 93rd and 21st anniversaries with a religious ceremony on Thursday, July 2, 2025, led by Air Vice Marshal Supichai Suntharabura, Deputy Secretary to the Palace.

The auspicious day begins with a monastic ceremony at 8:00 a.m. inside Sala Chalerm Krung Palace Theater, followed by a royal salutation ceremony at 9:09 a.m. at the theater's entrance. A traditional dance performance titled "Goddesses Bestowing Blessings" will be presented by Sala Chalerm Krung's khon performers, invoking seven goddesses—Uma, Lakshmi, Surasvatee, Suchadha, Dhani, Ganga, and Pohsop—to bestow victory and prosperity.

At 9:45 a.m., scholarships from the Sala Chalerm Krung Foundation's Thai Dance and Music Arts Fund will be distributed. One scholarship will be awarded to Watchramone Aranyanak, a Thai music expert specializing in string instruments at the Graduate Institute of Fine Arts. Additionally, four medical assistance scholarships will be given to senior performers facing health challenges, represented by Namngern Bunhak, Kanda Namayyampaen, Chumsakdi Sutheetharm, and Komkrit Yuttiyong.

Sala Chalerm Krung is Thailand's first royal theater, established in 1931 with royal funds exceeding 9 million baht from King Rama VII to commemorate Bangkok's 150th anniversary. It was the country's first cinema for sound film projection and was the most modern theater in Asia at the time, featuring air conditioning. The building was designed by architect Mom Chao Somjai Kridakorn, a graduate of prestigious French institutions. The theater officially opened on Sunday, July 2, 1933.

The theater has served as the center of Thai cinema, home to producers, directors, actors, and production crews, as well as an institution training personnel in film, khon dance, drama, and Thai classical dance. In 2024, on the occasion of the theater's 92nd anniversary, King Maha Chakri Maharaj approved a comprehensive renovation and landscaping project completed on May 15, 2025. The restored theater now stands as a testament to Thailand's first royal theater, serving as a premier institution for cultural and artistic performances and an important national monument that has operated for 93 years.

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Community

New BL Series Stars In And Ongsa With Instant Chemistry

Actors In Chakrassindhung and Ongsa Teetuch star opposite each other for the first time in the BL period drama "The Edge of Horizon," playing a loyal servant and a young nobleman bound by childhood friendship and forbidden love in 1932.

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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."

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National

Japan Aids Thailand Fighting Cross-Border Heavy Metal Pollution

Japan is helping Thailand combat heavy metal pollution affecting three countries by establishing a monitoring network across Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, with arsenic removal systems for community water supplies starting in northern provinc

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Japan is supporting Thailand in addressing cross-border heavy metal contamination by developing a monitoring network spanning Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos to safeguard water quality. The initiative includes installing arsenic removal systems for community water supplies to protect public health.

On July 11, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin directed the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to advance cooperation with the Japanese government and international organizations to expedite solutions for water pollution and transboundary heavy metal contamination. The collaborative effort seeks to coordinate Thailand, Myanmar, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic in surveillance, monitoring, and systematic water quality management to reduce immediate public health impacts while establishing foundations for long-term joint management.

Dr. Surin Vorakitthummrung, PCD Director, revealed that on July 10, the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Thailand, the Japanese Embassy in Thailand, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) met with the PCD to establish cooperation frameworks for addressing transboundary water pollution. The initiative prioritizes protecting water sources in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Mekong River Basin to ensure safe public water access, while promoting a water quality monitoring network across Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.

Initial collaborative efforts will see the PCD and UNIDO jointly develop an integrated arsenic management plan, provide water quality test kits with training for agencies and communities to strengthen community-based monitoring systems, and install arsenic filtration systems for village water supplies. Field missions to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are scheduled for July 16-17, 2025, to consult with provincial governors and relevant agencies for concrete implementation.

Dr. Surin added that the PCD is also collaborating with JICA on a Third Country Training Program (TCTP) proposal to enhance the capacity of officials from Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos in monitoring water quality and sediment in transboundary rivers, leading to a robust and sustainable expert network and joint surveillance system across the Mekong subregion. Additionally, the PCD and UNIDO are exploring project development approaches to secure support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF-9) to promote chemical-free Thai silk production following circular economy and clean production principles, elevating Thai silk manufacturing sustainability, reducing hazardous chemical use, and improving resource efficiency throughout the production chain in line with national sustainable development goals.

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Police

Motorcyclist Dies After High-Speed Crash

A motorcyclist died after losing control at high speed near a U-turn in Sariphi District, Chiang Mai on July 11. He was found unconscious at the crash scene and could not be revived despite CPR attempts.

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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.

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