On August 10, 2026, Deputy Police Region 1 Commander Chokechai Khana Charoen announced progress in the case of Chaloeng Riao Raeng, a former Nonthaburi parliamentarian, who allegedly shot Thongchai Yen Prasert, the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization president, outside his office. The president's driver was also seriously wounded in the incident.

Chokechai stated that Chaloeng initially confessed to carrying out the attack with a 9mm firearm against both the PAO president and his driver, causing serious injuries. The motive behind the shooting stemmed from a financial dispute over approximately 11 million baht that the PAO president allegedly owed the suspect. Following his confession, police filed two primary charges against Chaloeng: attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm in public.

Mahachulalongkornraj University recently held its annual Founder's Day commemoration at the university's assembly hall in Ayutthaya province, presided over by Phra Phrom Bundith, deputy rector of the university council. The ceremony was attended by university leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and Buddhist practitioners, all gathered to express gratitude for the founders' role in establishing and developing the institution's educational mission.

During the event, Buddhist rites honoring the late founders were conducted, and awards were presented to those who have made significant contributions to the university. An exhibition showcasing the founders' histories, achievements, and legacies was also displayed to help current members of the university community understand and appreciate the institutional values they inherited.

Phra Thep Watchai Sarabandith, the university's vice rector for planning and development, explained that Founder's Day is not merely a day of remembrance but an opportunity for the entire university community to reflect on the foundational ideals and values established by their predecessors. He emphasized that the university's current success is built upon the dedication and vision of its founders, and that the responsibility of the present generation is to carry forward, build upon, and develop the institution while adapting to global changes while remaining grounded in Buddhist principles, ethics, and good governance.

Founder's Day is an important annual tradition at Mahachulalongkornraj University, designed to instill the virtue of gratitude, foster awareness of the founders' ideals, and strengthen the commitment of the entire university community to advancing the institution based on Buddhist teachings, moral values, and excellence in management. The university aims to create lasting benefits for Buddhism, the nation, and the global community.

Luang Pu Jai Inthasuvanno, or Phra Ratchamongkol Wutthajarn of Wat Sedet in Muang Mai district, Amphawa, Samut Songkhram province, was a highly respected Buddhist monk deeply revered by residents throughout the Mae Klong river basin.

Originally named Jai Kham Sonchai, he was born on November 23, 1861 (B.E. 2405) in Bang Kung subdistrict, Bang Khun Thi district, Samut Songkhram. His family later relocated to Muang Mai, Amphawa, Samut Songkhram.

At the age of 21, he was fully ordained at Wat Bang Koh Thep Sak with Phra Achan Chui serving as his preceptor, and received the monastic name Inthasuvanno. He studied Buddhist doctrines, meditation techniques, and various esoteric disciplines under his preceptor. He was devoted to learning the Dharma in both Thai and Khmer scripts until achieving mastery. He also developed an interest in occult knowledge and studied meditation practices under Luang Pu Yim of Wat Nong Bua, a renowned monk in Kanchanaburi province.

In 1891 (B.E. 2434), Phra Achan Chui recognized his exceptional abilities, wisdom, and knowledge, deeming him capable of taking care of himself and leading a community well. At that time, Wat Yai Im, a newly constructed temple, was entrusted to his care. He dedicated his effort, body, and spirit to developing and expanding the temple, eventually making it one of Samut Songkhram's most prominent and beautiful monasteries.

On one occasion, His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch Somdej Phra Maha Samana Chao Krom Phraya Wachirayan Warorot, the Supreme Patriarch of Wat Bowornnivet, made an inspection tour of Buddhist communities in major cities and visited this temple. He bestowed a new name upon it: Wat Sedet.

Because of his familiarity with Wat Sedet, the Supreme Patriarch showed great compassion toward Luang Pu Jai. This was evident in the newly constructed ordination hall, which was financed and designed under royal commission. Additionally, members of the royal family who accompanied the Supreme Patriarch also contributed funds to the temple's construction.

During the period of building Wat Sedet, Luang Pu Jai frequently traveled to Kanchanaburi province to purchase timber for the temple. He made these journeys over many years until the temple was completed. Every year, he would visit Wat Nong Bua to pay respects to Luang Pu Yim, presenting him with areca nut as an offering, showing his deep reverence for his teacher.

One day, Luang Pu Yim told him that if he were interested in occult knowledge, he would pass it on. Luang Pu Jai immediately asked to become his student. Luang Pu Yim's first lesson involved testing psychic power: he lit a candle in a water vessel and instructed Luang Pu Jai to focus his mental energy on the flame to break it in half. Only when successful would the teaching be imparted.

Luang Pu Jai practiced for seven nights without success. After returning to rest, he decided that if the candle still did not break by the following night, he would return to Amphawa. On the eighth night, he succeeded.

Luang Pu Yim praised him, saying, "You are already more skilled than I was when I started," because Luang Pu Yim himself had needed to practice for fifteen days. Luang Pu Yim then fully transmitted to Luang Pu Jai all the knowledge of creating the Takrut Maha Rang Prap Hongsa and the famous candy-shaped Takrut talismans.

In 1953 (B.E. 2496), he was elevated to Phra Suthasarawutthajarn, a third-rank ecclesiastical title. On December 5, 1961 (B.E. 2504), he was again elevated to Phra Ratchamongkol Wutthajarn, a royal-rank ecclesiastical title.

He passed away on Saturday, June 23, 1962 (B.E. 2505), at the age of 100, having been a monk for 78 years.

Among the most popular objects attributed to him is the "Takrut Maha Prap" (Great Subduing Amulet). These takrut are no larger than five inches, created using a similar process to the Takrut Maha Rang Prap Hongsa but with some magical syllables omitted. Because the process for creating the Hongsa-subduing takrut is extremely complex, the Maha Prap version was developed as a simpler alternative, though it remains rare due to its intricate craftsmanship and the blessed power attributed to it. The Maha Prap takrut is highly sought after by collectors.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin chaired a meeting of the Committee for Flood and Drought Prevention and Management in the Eastern region on August 10 at Chachoengsao provincial hall, bringing together government officials, provincial governors, and relevant agencies to bolster disaster preparedness across eight provinces: Chachoengsao, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, and Nakhon Nayok.

Suchat stated that the government under Prime Minister Anusit Charnvirakul is committed to systematic, swift, and coordinated disaster management to help citizens efficiently. He ordered local authorities and the private sector to plan operations collaboratively, reduce redundancy, and support affected populations effectively. Key measures include installing pumps, opening waterways, clearing obstructions, and coordinating water drainage with the situation.

The minister instructed the Natural Resources Ministry to prepare fully with personnel, equipment, tools, and resources to provide immediate assistance when floods or droughts occur. The government will coordinate emergency shelters with sufficient capacity in collaboration with hotels and businesses, and health authorities are ordered to prepare medical personnel, vehicles, medicines, and 24-hour emergency services, prioritizing vulnerable groups.

Suchat established three sub-committees to oversee the eight Eastern provinces, monitor situations closely, assess problems, and report to the main committee for rapid solutions. All agencies are directed to integrate work through national disaster prevention and mitigation command centers and incident command centers at all levels to ensure unified coordination and reduce delays in public assistance. "People's hardship is urgent and cannot wait," Suchat said. "The state must prepare before disaster strikes, establish effective water management systems, and unite all sectors as one team to respond quickly and stand beside the people."

As of August 10, 2025, the Mekong River level measured 11.49 meters, up 72 centimeters from the previous day, and is approaching the critical threshold of 12 meters. Heavy rainfall lasting five to six consecutive days has inundated 20 shops beneath Phaya Naga pier, with merchants desperately evacuating goods including refrigerators, furniture, and retail stock. More than 30 households in the lower Noi community have been affected, with water levels reaching up to one meter in some homes, though some areas have receded to 30-40 centimeters. The Sawaen Nakhon riverside road, a popular tourist and exercise route stretching 3-4 kilometers, remains submerged under 1.5 meters of water. Authorities are monitoring six districts—Ban Phaeng, Tha Udon, Muang, Trat Phanom, Na Kaeng, and Sri Songkhram—for potential tributary overflows. Local rainfall measurements recorded up to 250 millimeters in Ban Phaeng and 222 millimeters in Muang Nakhon Phanom.

Bangkok's Mass Transit Organization (MRTA) and all four MRT line concessionaires are offering free MRT rides for mothers accompanied by their children on National Mother's Day, August 12, 2025. The initiative marks the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, which is also observed as Mother's Day in Thailand. MRTA is partnering with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM), which operates the Purple Line (Chalong Ratchadham Line) and Blue Line (Chalerm Ratchamongkol Line); Eastern Bangkok Monorail Company Limited (EBM), which operates the Yellow Line (Nakhon Phipatphon Line); and Northern Bangkok Monorail Company Limited (NBM), which operates the Pink Line (Vivat Nakhon Line).

Mothers traveling with their children need only present identification at ticket counters at any station throughout the day to receive a free coupon or transit card. Their children will pay regular fares. The promotion aims to facilitate family outings and tourism along the MRT network while strengthening family bonds.

For more information: Purple and Blue Lines (BEM) call 0 2624 5200 or visit Facebook (BEM Bangkok Expressway and Metro), X (same), or Instagram (mrt_bangkok), or use the Bangkok MRT mobile app. Yellow Line (EBM) call 0 2617 6111, Line @pinkyellowline, Facebook MRTYellowLine, or visit www.ebm.co.th or use The SKYTRAINs app. Pink Line (NBM) call 0 2617 6111, Line @pinkyellowline, Facebook MRTPinkLine, or visit www.nbm.co.th or use The SKYTRAINs app.