Soomongkol Films International, Black Dragon Entertainment, and T+66 present the heartwarming Chinese drama "Dear You: A Love Letter to Mother," directed by Lan Hongchun. The film expands on the story of "Letters with Money," following young Xiao Wuyi who travels to Thailand searching for his father after receiving letters with money that were originally sent to his mother in China. His search uncovers hidden secrets in the letters, revealing that the person who wrote love letters to his mother all along was not his father as everyone believed.

This journey gradually reveals stories of love, sacrifice, gratitude, and family bonds, set against Teochew culture and the experiences of overseas Chinese that reflect displacement, homesickness, and memories passed across generations.

The film stars Li Shidong, Wang Yantong, Wu Shaoqing, Wang Xiaohui, Zheng Runqi, and Thai actress Uthsa Semukkam, with special appearances by Zhao Shuguang, Li Deru, and Li Shuhao.

Director Lan Hongchun revealed the origins and inspiration for the film: "I grew up in Teochew, a place where people often emigrated overseas. I heard stories of Kueh Fann (overseas workers) sending money and letters back home—stories that absorbed into me since childhood, along with tales my grandmother shared. The connection to these stories deepened in 2019 when I made a documentary called 'The Four Flavors of Teochew,' telling the settlement stories of overseas Teochew through food. I heard many stories from overseas Chinese that deeply moved me.

Before filming, we conducted extensive research in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Southeast Asian countries, interviewing Teochew Chinese in their 80s and 90s. The depiction of ancient Siam in the film represents the closest approximation to reality, based on their childhood photographs—clothing, hairstyles, all modeled from real data. The sacrifice of characters like 'Namkee' draws over 90% from true stories.

When writing the script, I cried heavily. We want to show the world that the path of Teochew people from the past to today, our cultural prosperity, has been supported partly by ancestors working abroad and sending money home. This bond of gratitude and connection is a precious spirit of Teochew people we wish to convey."

The director also explained his choice of new actors for the lead roles: "We needed to make an authentically Teochew film, so the Teochew dialect had to be accurate and natural—this was paramount. Finding actors who speak traditional Teochew is not easy. We searched extensively across China, but ultimately had to return to authenticity by casting native Teochew locals who grew up here. Whether you see Li Shidong, Wang Yantong, or Wu Shaoqing, everyone in the film feels natural because they truly grew up and live here. When audiences watch, they will feel connected and familiar.

On June 28, 2025, Khon Kaen Zoo held its 13th-anniversary celebration, with zoo director Tippawadee Kittakun officially announcing the name of a female pygmy hippopotamus cub, daughter of mother Nya Nya and father Na Dech and granddaughter of Moo Deng. The public naming vote, which began on May 25, drew 10,737 votes from citizens and tourists nationwide.

The winning name "Moo Namtok" (Waterfall Pig) received 7,948 votes, far ahead of runners-up Moo Yo with 1,072 votes, Moo Dung with 618 votes, Moo Ping with 576 votes, and Moo Deo with 523 votes.

"The announcement reflects nationwide public interest and affection for the cub," Director Tippawadee stated. "The name 'Moo Namtok' captures the cub's behavior and conveys brightness and charm. The grand prize winner receives membership in the Thai Zoo Association allowing free entry to all national zoos for two years, plus a car, four additional memberships, an adorable Moo Namtok plush toy, and special souvenirs."

The zoo director added that the 13th-anniversary event celebrates not only the zoo's achievements but also its conservation work through staff collaboration and community partnerships. She invited visitors to experience the cub's playful development and learn about rare animal conservation at Khon Kaen Zoo, open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Environment Minister Takes Action Against Fake AI Images of Polluted River

On July 28, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin revealed that he has been closely monitoring environmental news on social media. The ministry discovered a Facebook page called "Oronong Haeohaen" that posted messages and images claiming the Pasak River was pitch black with white foam covering the surface, describing residents of Saraburi province as fed up with repeated industrial wastewater discharge. The post, made on July 25, demanded accountability.

After investigation, officials confirmed that the images and content were artificially generated using AI and did not reflect actual conditions. The minister ordered the Pollution Control Department to urgently verify facts, clarify information to the public, and monitor the situation closely. He stressed that all government agencies must communicate information transparently, as the ministry is ready to listen to all complaints and work to resolve environmental issues for the benefit of the people.

Dr. Surin Worakitdhammrung, director-general of the Pollution Control Department, stated that the department continuously monitors and tracks environmental quality in Saraburi province and regularly releases environmental test results to the public. Regional environmental offices have been instructed to closely monitor social media reports to investigate complaints and identify false or misleading content that could cause public confusion or panic.

Regarding this particular case, the Region 7 Office of Environmental Quality and Pollution Control in Saraburi, working with relevant agencies, conducted field inspections and found no evidence of the reported incident. Officials confirmed the accompanying images were AI-generated, which could lead to public misunderstanding about the actual environmental situation. The department urges media and citizens to verify facts before sharing or spreading information to prevent social confusion. Anyone witnessing potential environmental or public health incidents can report tips to the Pollution Control Department hotline at 1650 or message the department's Facebook page for prompt field investigation and remedial action.

Judd Sun Suntharb-Bell, Porting FC's new signing, has sent a first message to fans following his official debut with the Thai League club. The club's official Facebook page posted a video of the 22-year-old Thai-British striker greeting supporters. In the clip, the forward said: "Hello everyone, hello Porting FC fans. I wanted to send you a message to tell you how excited I am to play in front of you and to meet everyone at the club. I also want to send a special message to club chairman Photipong Lamsam, who helped make this deal happen and showed faith in me. I want to thank Madam Pang for her advice as well. Thank you all very much, and I hope to see you soon." Judd recently concluded his contract with Grimsby Town, an English League Two side, before ultimately choosing to join Porting on a four-year contract.

Ang Thong Hospital issued a statement on July 27, 2026, in response to circulated images and video clips from a press briefing concerning the loss of an infant. Medical staff appeared to smile or laugh during the announcement, raising concerns and causing distress to the deceased's family and the public. The hospital explained that the images showed only a brief moment during which staff responded to an unexpected question from reporters about whether legal action would be taken against the deceased's relatives. The facial expressions were natural reactions while listening intently to the question, with no intention to show happiness, mockery, or disrespect to the deceased or their family. The hospital reaffirmed that all medical personnel perform their duties with respect for all patients and service users, with no intent to communicate or express themselves inappropriately or harm the feelings of those involved. Regarding the facts of the case, Ang Thong Hospital emphasized its commitment to conducting a comprehensive, transparent, and fair investigation to establish the facts as quickly as possible, ensuring justice for all parties and maintaining public confidence.

On July 28, 2025, a 20-year-old female student at a prominent Udon Thani university posted on Facebook asking for advice on handling a situation involving a lecturer with inappropriate behavior and poor professional ethics. After filing a complaint with the university, she said more than two months had passed without receiving updates on the investigation or its progress, with administrators only telling her to wait patiently and not overthink the matter.

While waiting for the investigation, the student says she must continue attending classes at the same university and faces daily questioning, comments, and pressure from those around her. Some lecturers have questioned why she filed the complaint and made it a big issue. She reports feeling blamed and discussed negatively in front of her entire department, which has deeply affected her mental state.

The student emphasized that getting her money back was not the end of the matter for her. What she demands is correctness and fairness in the process, not just financial restitution. She decided to speak out because she wants society to understand that being a victim does not end when money is returned—the impact continues daily. She expressed sadness that the lecturer continues living normally, going out with senior students and working, while unaware students remain at risk.

Most recently, reporters spoke with Ms. A (pseudonym), 20, a student victim who provided evidence of messages from a 35-year-old English lecturer who requested a loan around midnight on July 15. The lecturer claimed his account wasn't working and said he needed money for food, promising to repay the next day. Out of respect for his position as a lecturer, the student transferred 3,000 baht. The lecturer claimed he didn't receive it, so she transferred another 3,000 baht. When he claimed the money still didn't arrive, she transferred an additional 4,000 baht. The lecturer only returned the funds after the student escalated the matter to the university rector, totaling 10,000 baht in transfers.