An online controversy erupted when a delivery rider posted harsh criticism in a Mae Rim district Facebook group, using crude language to attack a prominent temple and its monks in Chiang Mai. After arriving to deliver food to the temple, the monk requested that the delivery rider perform food consecration (prakan) before handing over the meal, following strict Buddhist monastic discipline. Dissatisfied, the rider posted an attack questioning why he should perform the ritual, sarcastically claiming he was a delivery driver, not making merit, and criticizing the monk for not practicing almsgiving, eating at dawn, and living in a luxurious dwelling like a resort.

After the post circulated, many uninformed people commented attacking the monk and temple, damaging the temple's reputation. However, many others expressed concern that the claims were distorted and defamatory to both the monk and the temple. Upon investigation of Buddhist discipline, authorities confirmed that requesting food consecration before acceptance is strict adherence to monastic rules, as monks cannot receive or touch unconsecrated food. The request is not unreasonable but a practice of maintaining monastic discipline.

Buddhist discipline permits monks to eat until just before noon, so eating at dawn is within monastic rules, even if forest temple monks typically eat only once daily. Regarding the observation that the monk ordered food through an app, this could stem from various reasons, such as invited duties or temple obligations preventing normal almsgiving, or family members ordering through the app to offer to the monk, which doesn't necessarily mean the monk ordered it himself.

After the controversy, the temple offered for the rider to visit for discussion and reconciliation, but the rider never appeared and later deleted the original post. This incident highlights the importance of fact-checking before sharing information on social media, as inaccurate communication can damage individuals' and religious institutions' reputations, even after the truth emerges.

Recently, the Mae Rim Cultural Council issued a statement defending the temple on July 9, 2569, urging an end to distorted posts and crude language, fearing damage to both the monk and temple.

Deputy Prime Minister Phadej Parisyananda clarified on July 10 that following the Constitutional Court's approval of the royal decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow 400 billion baht for addressing energy crisis impacts and advancing the nation's energy transition, government agencies must now submit long-term energy transition projects. Initial projects must directly benefit the public through measures like interest subsidies or down payment assistance. The Transport Ministry has proposed down payment support for taxi, van, and public transport drivers switching to electric vehicles, while other agencies will offer similar assistance for rooftop solar installations. Phadej explained that each agency will submit projects for review by a screening committee comprising the Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, and the Comptroller General's Department. When asked about potential overlap with projects in the 2570 fiscal year budget currently under parliamentary review, Phadej assured there would be no duplication by cross-referencing existing budget allocations. He noted that of the 400 billion baht loan, 170 billion baht has been spent on economic recovery, and the government need not use the full amount by the end of 2570. Further stimulus or economic relief measures depend on the Finance Ministry's reassessment of economic conditions.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has praised Argentina captain Lionel Messi for playing like a 19-year-old after delivering outstanding performances at the World Cup.

The 39-year-old Messi has shown impressive form at the 2026 World Cup, having scored 8 goals to share the Golden Boot lead and helping defending champion Argentina advance to the quarterfinals.

De la Fuente recently commended Messi's performances, stating: "Leo Messi is displaying excellent form. He looks 19 or 23 years old. He doesn't know fatigue, is never satisfied, and wants more every day. He's a great role model for all his teammates, for football lovers, and for everyone just starting to play football."

De la Fuente also addressed Spain's upcoming quarterfinal match against Belgium, saying: "Tomorrow's match will be the toughest we've ever faced. Belgium is a very strong team. They have players accustomed to winning. It will be a very challenging game."

Thailand has officially identified its 15th dinosaur species, Uragasaurus kalasinensis, a newly discovered long-necked sauropod unearthed at the Phu Noi fossil site in Kalasin province. Researchers fr...

Bangkok Governor Chatchatchai Sittiphan announced on July 10 that he has signed Bangkok Order No. 1882/2569 delegating authority to four deputy governors to carry out administrative duties in his stead.

Visnu Sapsompol has been assigned authority over the Bureau of Engineering, Bureau of Drainage and Flood Control, Bureau of Traffic and Transport, Bureau of Budget, Bureau of Finance, and the Bureau of Urban Planning and Development (excluding the Urban Restoration Office and Geospatial Information Office), Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, Bangkok's commerce sector (excluding the Housing Development Office), and relevant district offices covering engineering, finance, and revenue divisions.

Twida Kamalwet oversees the Bureau of Strategy and Evaluation, the Bangkok Civil Service Commission Office, the Bureau of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Bureau of Medicine, and the Bureau of Public Health (excluding the Environmental Health Office and Food Safety Division), the Bangkok City Secretary Office (excluding the Civil Administration and Registration Office and Foreign Affairs Office), and Nhumindharadhiraj University.

Sanon Wang Srangbun supervises the Bureau of Education, Bureau of Social Development, Bureau of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Digital Bureau, specific divisions of the Bureau of Urban Planning and Development, the Housing Development Office, specific sections of the Bangkok City Secretary Office, and relevant district offices covering administration, registration, community development, social welfare, and education.

Phonphrom Na Songwikitset has authority over the Bureau of Environment, Bureau of Municipal Affairs, specific divisions of the Bureau of Public Health, the Foreign Affairs Office of the Bangkok City Secretary, the Governor's Office Secretariat, the City Council Secretariat, and relevant district offices covering municipal affairs, environment and public health, sanitation and public parks.

PHUKET: The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning for strong winds, rough seas and heavy rainfall affecting the Andaman coast, including Phuket, from today (July 10) through next Wednesday (July 15).