The Cooperative Promotion Department is preparing to launch an online shopping platform called 'E-Catalog' that emphasizes easy access and partners with Thailand Post to deliver products directly to consumers at fair prices.

Nirand Moolthida, director-general of the Cooperative Promotion Department, revealed that the department is preparing to comprehensively upgrade agricultural product distribution by establishing Cooperative Distribution Centers (CDC PLUS) in every province nationwide. These centers will serve as distribution and exchange points for cooperative products both offline and online, with products circulating throughout the year. Each provincial cooperative has been asked to identify at least one suitable location to serve as a distribution center, consolidating prominent cooperative products from the area for distribution to consumers.

Nirand explained that to make cooperative products easily and quickly accessible to consumers in each province, the department is preparing an online sales platform called 'E-Catalog.' This will showcase featured cooperative products from each province on a real-time website, allowing consumers to search and shop conveniently from their mobile devices. The Cooperative Promotion Department has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Thailand Post Company Limited to deliver cooperative products to consumers quickly and efficiently at fair prices.

'The online trading platform 'E-Catalog' is currently under system development to align with the one distribution center per province model,' Nirand said. 'We intend for this to be a platform that consumers can access easily and conveniently with quick delivery. Users will be able to see immediately what products are available at the source and where they will be distributed, as well as where customers are located, to prevent risks of unsold inventory after receiving products. This serves as another online marketplace channel for cooperatives.'

The 'E-Catalog' online cooperative products platform is expected to be completed and officially launched at the Cooperative Products Fair at Larn Khon Muang in front of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Hall between July 12-17, 2025. The launch will begin with fruits before expanding to other agricultural products.

Thai entertainment stars Tutor Krabanjorn and Yim Parinya Pon have spoken out about an alarming stalking incident that occurred while they were traveling to Guangzhou, China for the "TutorYim Fan sign" event. The pair was followed intensely by fans from the airport through various locations including restaurants and their hotel, marking what they describe as their most serious encounter with overeager admirers.

On May 19, while attending the screening of their series "Chim Chae" at Lido Connect Hall 2, both actors opened up about the harrowing experience. They explained that fans tracked them from dawn until night, following them so closely that they felt unsafe and were unable to leave their hotel room to eat breakfast or visit the gym—activities they normally do while traveling. Yim described being startled by fans getting uncomfortably close, sometimes walking dangerously near them with phones pointed at their faces. Tutor recounted that fans would follow their car and get so close while walking that their feet would bump into each other, nearly causing them to trip.

Both actors emphasized they understand fans' affection but strongly urged them to meet at official scheduled events instead. They expressed concern not only for their personal safety but also for their public image and the safety of other people in public spaces who could be accidentally hit by overeager fans. While acknowledging that their security team attempted to manage the situation, they stressed that this level of stalking directly impacts their quality of life and ability to conduct normal daily activities. Tutor noted that while most fans understand appropriate behavior, a small minority are motivated by wanting to watch their everyday lives—seeing them eat breakfast or go to the gym—which he finds invasive and unsafe.

Luang Por Rung Tissaro, also known as Phra Phairojn Wuttacharya of Wat Takrabbue in Bang Yang District, Krathumbaen, Samut Sakhon Province, was a highly revered Buddhist abbot born on the eighth day of the ninth lunar month, B.E. 2416 in Nong Nok Khai District, Krathumbaen, Samut Sakhon. As a youth, he studied Thai and Khmer languages along with Pali scriptures and monastic disciplines under Phra Upachaya Thap, abbot of Wat Noi Nop Khun in Bangkok.

He was ordained on May 5, B.E. 2437, receiving the monastic name Tissaro. Just two days after his ordination, he moved to Wat Takrabbue, which at that time was functioning as a monastery. He subsequently studied Buddhist teachings under various masters and traveled to northern Thailand, occasionally venturing into Burma. He devoted himself to studying both conventional discipline and meditation practices under renowned teachers such as Phra Ajarn Kaerd of Wat Kamphaeng in Samut Sakhon and Phra Ajarn Lham of Wat Ang Thong in Samut Sakhon. He is said to have been a dharma companion with Luang Por Chey of Wat Tho Khwai in Singburi, exchanging knowledge with him.

When the previous monastery administrator departed, Luang Por Rung assumed the position of monastery leader. Later, when the monastery was elevated to full temple status as Wat Takrabbue, he devoted himself with unwavering commitment to developing it into a major temple in Samut Sakhon Province. Originally established in B.E. 2430 as a simple monastery adjacent to the Tha Chin River, it was initially called Wat Tho Khwai because it served as a landing place where buffalo came to drink water, before being renamed Wat Takrabbue.

Luang Por Rung was consistently devoted to seeking knowledge and practiced intensive meditation at Wat Suntaraprasit, developing profound understanding of meditation practices that granted him considerable spiritual power. He became renowned for creating sacred amulets and talismans.

In his conduct of precepts, he was a monk of strict moral virtue and compassionate nature, practicing modesty and humility, maintaining a one-meal-a-day practice throughout his life. He established educational institutions including a Buddhist studies hall for monks, novices, and local schoolchildren, as well as a community school.

In propagating the dharma, he regularly gave sermons instructing the Buddhist community and sent monks to teach those observing precepts on dharma days. He promoted meditation practice and mindfulness cultivation.

Administrative positions: B.E. 2442 - appointed abbot of Wat Takrabbue; B.E. 2474 - became an ordaining preceptor; B.E. 2482 - granted the ecclesiastical title Phra Kru Chao Phrathuan; B.E. 2483 - appointed district sangha leader for Krathumbaen District.

Ecclesiastical ranks: B.E. 2489 - elevated to Phra Kru Saññabat Chao II with the title Phra Kru Phairojn Mantakhom; B.E. 2494 - elevated to Phra Kru Saññabat Chao I; B.E. 2499 - elevated to Phra Ratchakhana Chao III with the title Phra Phairojn Wuttacharya.

He passed away on Friday, September 27, B.E. 2500 at the age of 85, after 64 years as a monk. His funeral was held on March 30, B.E. 2501.

He created many auspicious objects and relics for various occasions and participated regularly in important Buddhist ceremonies. His most sought-after creations include sacred cords (takrut), tiger amulets (seua yantra), yantra cloth, yantra flags, tiger forehead leather talismans, protection rings, and sacred beads. His amulets became popular among multiple generations, particularly his medals.

Thai actress Nychaa made waves at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival red carpet with a striking appearance in a custom white haute couture gown by Bent Kahina. The minimalist design featured an elegant high slit and strategic cutout detailing at the waist, emphasizing refined lines and contemporary elegance without relying on ornate embellishments. Known as L'Oréal Paris brand ambassador, Nychaa brought a "Sculpted Silent" aesthetic to the event, showcasing understated luxury and the quiet confidence of modern femininity. Photographers and media outlets captured candid images through Getty Images, with fans and international media praising her flawless complexion and impeccable poise. The look sparked online discussions comparing minimalist sophistication with traditional glamorous styles, with fans celebrating her cultural representation on the international stage.

Two episodes have already aired for the sapphic-themed series '4 Elements Baan Watin Wanich' on 7HD, produced by North Star Production. The first installment 'Vivah Pathom' stars Apple Lapisara and Mim Pandittha, followed by 'Ntee Roy Leh' featuring Ingfah Waraha and Charlotte Austin. The latest episode 'Senha Wayao' stars Freen Sarocha and Becky Rebecca, currently airing every Saturday at 8:30 PM on 7HD, with the final installment 'So Rak Akni' starring Namneung Milenya and Ney Kantheera.

Director Fuse Kittisak Chiwasatjassakul, who directed all four episodes, shared behind-the-scenes insights about the series. When asked about the genre, Fuse explained: 'Overall, it's a romantic-driven series about the stories of four women who are sisters with love, relationships, and deep bonds. No matter what problems each faces, they support and care for one another. It emphasizes love as the main theme, with added drama, action, and comedy in each installment.'

The first story, 'Vivah Pathom,' is a romantic drama about the love between Khun Din (Apple Lapisara) and Nong Rose (Mim Pandittha), a couple who harbored secret feelings for each other since childhood.

The second story, 'Ntee Roy Leh,' is romance-driven with action—emotional action rather than physical—interspersed with comedy. It follows the business rivalry between two hotel families: the hotel business of the family of Narm or Apo (Ingfah Waraha) and that of Chollada (Charlotte Austin), who is a young wife seeking her own identity and infiltrating the family to uncover secrets for her brother.

The third story, 'Senha Wayao,' is a romance-driven plot about a foreign princess and a Thai bodyguard who end up together. Princess Katherine, or Princess Blue (Becky Rebecca), comes to Thailand for diplomatic relations and requires a protector—Wayao or Lom (Freen Sarocha), a female police officer. An unexpected incident occurs when the princess is threatened, and criminals plan to harm the real princess and replace her with an impostor.

The final story, 'So Rak Akni,' is romance-driven with comedy as the lead. It's a very ordinary tale set in Southern Thailand featuring the character Fai (Namneung Milenya), a gang leader's child who goes by the name Noi, and Nong Kraprow (Ney Kantheera). These two characters have a shared history from childhood—Kraprow was brought to live in the same house as Fai, causing Fai to feel that Kraprow was stealing their father's love. After they reunite as adults, Fai attempts to improve their relationship, but because Fai views love as meaningless, he doesn't know how to reconcile with Kraprow. The story unfolds to reveal how they navigate this.

When asked about the appeal and challenges of creating this series, Fuse responded: 'I believe no Thai sapphic series has ever brought together eight renowned actors like this before. The challenge is figuring out how to keep audiences entertained and enjoying each individual story—what I call each house: Earth House, Water House, Wind House, and Fire House. The Earth House ('Vivah Pathom') features Apple and Mim as a new pairing. I had to make the first couple the opener, like opening the house. The difficulty with a new couple is they don't have an established fan base. What I achieved was making audiences love the characters and feel that the Earth House is worth watching and enjoyable, so they'd be ready to watch the other houses. I felt that the characters Din and Rose made viewers feel ready to open their hearts and accept them, and in the first story, we succeeded.'

Recently, the Rivers and Rights Foundation and networks of communities in the Yuam, Ing, Moei, and Salween river basins, along with Sob Moei villagers and civil society organizations, jointly organized an 'International Day of Action for Rivers.' Over 200 children, youth, villagers, and Salween River advocates participated in a march to protect the river at Sob Moei village, Sob Moei District, Mae Hong Son Province.

Students carried protest signs with messages including 'No dams for life,' 'Protect the river from toxins,' and 'No mining in the peaceful Salween watershed.' Karen elders performed traditional rituals, lit candles in prayer for river protection, and released bamboo rafts bearing community rights banners.

Youth and community representatives issued a statement on behalf of the next generation, who face impacts from state and corporate development projects including dam construction, mining operations, and large-scale water resource development. They highlighted toxic contamination in rivers like the Salween, where testing has revealed pesticides, cadmium, and heavy metals in water sources. These toxins have visibly damaged ecosystems and community livelihoods—causing fish diseases, affecting fishing practices, and threatening riverside crops—along with health concerns. While relevant agencies conduct monitoring, test results are not clearly communicated back to communities, leaving residents without adequate information for decision-making. The situation also affects local economies, with many communities still lacking access to basic services such as clean drinking water.