A doctor warns that intense and persistent cravings to chew ice may not simply be a personal preference, but rather a medical condition. During hot weather, many people enjoy cold drinks with ice, and some habitually chew the leftover ice in their glass. However, Dr. Wu Chi-ing, a physician and health influencer, reveals that such compulsive ice-chewing behavior may actually reflect hidden health problems.

The condition is known medically as pagophagia, a form of pica (eating non-food items), and it may signal iron deficiency anemia. While ice-chewing may appear to be merely a personal habit, clinical experience shows that patients with this condition often have surprisingly high levels of iron deficiency when tested.

Why does iron deficiency cause ice-chewing cravings? Although there is no definitive scientific mechanism, the most widely accepted explanation is that iron is essential for brain function. When the body lacks iron, alertness and concentration decline, causing fatigue, drowsiness, and weakness. The intense cold sensation from chewing ice may temporarily stimulate the brain, providing a brief sense of refreshment and alertness.

The doctor notes that many patients find their ice-chewing urges disappear once iron levels are restored to normal through treatment, often surprising even the patients themselves with this change.

If you suspect iron deficiency, get tested before taking supplements. Dr. Wu Chi-ing recommends against self-treating with iron supplements without professional diagnosis. Anemia has multiple causes, and taking iron without addressing the underlying reason may be ineffective. It is necessary to identify the root cause: whether it stems from abnormal blood loss, insufficient dietary iron intake, or chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. Taking iron without proper diagnosis may mask the underlying disease and delay treatment.

Blood tests provide quick answers. A blood test measuring hemoglobin levels and iron storage in the body can provide rapid answers. Once diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will determine the appropriate form and duration of iron supplementation, which is the safest approach.

Dr. Wu Chi-ing concludes that warning signals from the body often hide in small daily behaviors. While most people who chew ice may simply enjoy the sensation, in some cases this behavior may be the body's way of signaling iron deficiency and the need for medical evaluation.

Wat Saket has clarified that a coffin discovered beneath the Limpaphon Viharn belonged to the great-grandmother of the chapel's founding family, who died in 1951. Her descendants have received the remains and are preparing funeral rites, with the ashes to be kept in the original location.

The deteriorated red wooden coffin, roughly 155 years old, was found during excavation work at Wat Saket, the royal temple in Bangkok. Initial inspection revealed female skeletal remains believed to have been there for at least 50 years. The coffin also contained a stainless steel tray and four coins dated 1957. On July 19, 2026, the temple released a statement regarding the discovery.

The viharn was constructed in 1971 by the Limpaphon family. In 2025, the temple committee decided to undertake renovations due to structural deterioration, strengthening the foundation and raising the structure to improve the landscape and increase usable space. Work began in April 2026. On July 16, 2026, during excavation, the construction company discovered a concrete structure resembling a lime pit beneath the viharn, behind the main Buddha image. Further investigation revealed a coffin containing skeletal remains inside.

After consulting with the chapel's descendants, temple officials learned the remains belonged to the great-grandmother, Khun Yai Thuat Foong, who died in 1951. Her ashes had been placed beneath the viharn at a later date, consistent with forensic examination confirming female skeletal remains. The temple coordinated with the descendants and police to retrieve the remains for proper funeral rites at Wat Saket, after which the ashes will be returned to the Limpaphon Viharn.

Sanchamitr Hospital has dismissed a doctor immediately after investigations confirmed he misdiagnosed a male patient who subsequently died from acute coronary syndrome. The hospital's preliminary inquiry found that the physician had also communicated with the patient and family members in an unprofessional manner, violating hospital conduct regulations and medical ethics standards that require doctors to treat patients with respect. The dismissal became effective on July 19, 2025, and the hospital stated it is committed to providing comprehensive support to the patient's family and expressed sincere condolences.

On July 19, 2025, Dr. Phuwadej Surakot, director of the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) under the Ministry of Public Health, announced that the DHSS has ordered officials from the Health Service Support Center 5 in Ratchaburi, working jointly with the Ratchaburi Provincial Health Office, to investigate a private hospital in the province. The investigation was prompted by a complaint alleging that a misdiagnosis resulted in delayed treatment, ultimately leading to the patient's death. Preliminary results are expected within seven days.

The investigation will examine whether the hospital followed legal standards in patient assessment and care management. Officials will review medical records and documents, and will take statements from both hospital staff and the deceased patient's family to ensure fairness to all parties. Preliminary findings are anticipated within the coming week.

Dr. Akam Pratisuwan, deputy director of the DHSS, stressed that all private medical facilities must prioritize patient safety. If a facility lacks specialists or necessary equipment, patients must be promptly referred to appropriate alternative facilities. Facilities found to fall below legal standards face penalties including imprisonment and fines under the Hospital Act, B.E. 2541, and professional ethics investigations will be forwarded to relevant professional councils.

Members of the public who have suffered harm from treatment at private hospitals or clinics can file complaints with the DHSS in Bangkok at 02 193 7002, or with their provincial health office if located outside Bangkok.

More than 500 people, mostly Rohingya, are feared missing after two boats reportedly capsized off Myanmar, according to the UN refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The vessels departed from Myanmar's Rakhine State in late June carrying passengers from Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. One boat carrying around 250 people lost contact shortly after departure, while another with approximately 280 passengers is believed to have sunk off Myanmar's Ayeyarwady coast on July 8. Though the incidents remain unconfirmed, UNHCR and IOM have warned of potentially devastating loss of life. If verified, this tragedy would bring the total missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal this year to nearly 300. The agencies attribute the increased dangerous sea journeys to worsening conflict in Myanmar and limited opportunities for Rohingya refugees, and have called for stronger search and rescue efforts and action against human smuggling networks.

At 2:25 p.m. on July 19, 2026, police from Thung Maha Mek Station and volunteers from the Po Tek Tung Foundation responded to a report of a man found dead on an overhead directional sign in front of Wat Chong Lom School on Rama III Road heading toward Khlong Toei. At the scene, officers discovered the body of an unidentified man, approximately 35–40 years old, wearing a dark blue polo shirt and long jeans without shoes. The man had died on the sign structure high above the roadway. Authorities cordoned off the area for safety and to manage traffic flow. The exact time of death remains unclear. The Po Tek Tung Foundation staff prepared rope rescue and recovery equipment to safely lower the body from the sign. Investigators are awaiting forensic officers and a duty physician to examine the body and collect evidence at the scene. Thung Maha Mek Police Station detectives plan to review CCTV footage from nearby cameras and contact the victim's family to determine the cause of the incident.