Ex-Pheu Thai Spokesman Demands Energy Price Overhaul, Questions Why Thai Oil Prices Aren't Falling With Global Markets. On July 4, 2025, Prommpong Noppruet, former spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, addressed the public's cost of living concerns. Global oil prices are trending downward, yet Thais continue questioning why fuel costs, transportation fees, shipping charges, and everyday product prices haven't declined accordingly. Thailand has a comprehensive energy management system, and the time has come for the government and related agencies to review the entire energy pricing structure.

Prommpong proposed three urgent reforms for public benefit: First, completely overhaul the energy pricing formula and implement proactive measures to ensure Thais benefit quickly and fairly when global energy prices drop, within legal and fiscal frameworks. Second, increase transparency by simplifying and regularly communicating complex energy price data to the public. Third, link budget spending to real-world impact as the 2570 budget bill advances through parliamentary committees—an opportunity to prioritize reducing citizens' living costs above all else, since good budgets must solve real problems, not just look good on paper.

Prommpong emphasized that good governance isn't about competing in debates but competing to lower people's living costs. The best budget isn't one that spends everything but one that measurably reduces living expenses. "Public confidence doesn't come from longer explanations but from people genuinely feeling their lives improve. Citizens don't expect government and opposition to defeat each other—they expect all sides to unite against the cost-of-living crisis. Ultimately, politicians are judged not by parliamentary rhetoric but by the quality of life and wellbeing of the people," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas stated at the Royal River Hotel in Bangkok on July 4, 2569 that the 400 billion baht emergency decree is essential as the Constitutional Court prepares to rule on the measure July 9. The decree already has legal force following its Royal Gazette publication. He explained that regular budget allocations are insufficient to address Thailand's current crises, particularly the cost of living crisis that stemmed from energy and input cost pressures. Without intervention, small businesses face collapse and deeper hardship. The decree funds critical relief programs like Thailand Helps Thailand Plus, which assists small merchants and incorporates AI training to improve their business skills. Ekniti emphasized that energy transition is equally vital, noting Thailand's heavy dependence on oil and natural gas—representing roughly 10 percent of GDP and the highest in Southeast Asia. Transitioning to clean energy like solar power will reduce electricity costs and enable households and businesses to sell power back to the grid. The decree allocates 200 billion baht for sustainable energy transition projects. He stressed that all funded projects must directly address one of three objectives: clean energy transition, transportation vehicle conversion, or human development—with no wasteful or arbitrary spending.

A U.S. billionaire has spent millions of baht to purchase a burial plot for himself, hoping to be a "neighbor" to the legendary actress Marilyn Monroe. In recent years, the United States has seen a trend of fans wanting to be buried near their favorite celebrities. Many are willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to rest eternally beside their idols after death, which has become a business model related to afterlife planning.

According to the New York Post, 62-year-old technology investor Anthony Jabin purchased a grave plot at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles for $195,000 (approximately 6.4 million baht) in 2024. He paid this substantial sum to be buried near the legendary actress Marilyn Monroe, with his plot located just one row away from hers. Jabin stated that for him, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a "neighbor" to his all-time favorite actress, which made him feel very excited. He also revealed that for decades, he has laid flowers at Monroe's grave every year on her birthday, and his love and admiration for her has never changed.

This is not the first or only case. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, a famous cemetery in Los Angeles, revealed that many people have expressed a wish to be buried near celebrities they love. Grave plots in celebrity zones start at around $200,000 (approximately 6.6 million baht), and if it's a custom-designed family mausoleum, prices can exceed 6 million dollars (approximately 197 million baht).

Meanwhile, 49-year-old artist Geoffrey Dicker spent more than $50,000 to purchase a niche near the late actress Judy Garland. He said that The Wizard of Oz accompanied him during his childhood and growing years, so he hopes to rest eternally beside his idol in the future.

Experts note that paying large sums to purchase burial plots near celebrities is not new. For centuries, many people have wished to be buried near saints, royalty, or heroes to demonstrate their status and devotion. However, today, the figures people respect and admire have shifted to actors, singers, and cultural icons, with the hope that eternal rest beside an idol will continue a relationship that could not happen while alive.

The Thai music scene is grieving the loss of Mong Wolfpack, bassist for the celebrated 1990s rock band, who has died after battling terminal liver disease. Teddy Loso, a fellow musician, announced Mong's passing on social media, sharing a heartfelt tribute to Phrachakan Wongchanghlo, known professionally as Mong Wolfpack. The bassist was a key member of Wolfpack, credited with hits including "Not (Ours)," "Words (Some Words)," and "You (Only You)," as well as contributing to the soundtrack of the film "2499: The Ghost Fleet."

Loso explained that Mong had been diagnosed with advanced-stage cirrhosis and cancer. In April 2025, Loso had announced Mong's condition and appealed to the music community for financial assistance to cover medical and living expenses, which temporarily helped ease the burden. Loso expressed deep condolences to Mong's family, wishing him peace in the afterlife. Funeral arrangements will be announced by relatives, and further details will be shared with the public.

Man Karin has revealed details about the Thao Wessuwanna Luang Pu Sila "Million-Era Wealth" amulet, explaining it is far more than a beautifully crafted sacred object. The Tiger Leaf Jade team undertook extraordinary efforts to source rare and sacred materials, ensuring each amulet is filled with genuine spiritual power.

Man Karin emphasized the team's meticulous attention to every detail—from locating materials and selecting components to the actual carving and authentic consecration of each piece. "This version is truly remarkable," Man Karin stated. "It's not just about Luang Pu Sila's reputation or our team's name. We witnessed every step of the process from start to finish, and the feeling people get from holding this amulet comes from our genuine intention and effort."

The materials sourced were extraordinary and difficult to obtain. The team hunted for sacred woods like the "lightning-struck tamarind" (a tamarind tree struck by lightning) from Wat Pruet Udom, an extremely rare source. They also used "elephant tusks"—tusks from elephants that broke them fighting each other—and "wild boar fangs," which are solid throughout rather than hollow like normal teeth. Additionally, they sourced a natural stone called "Sila Siri," carving hundreds of amulets from it.

Remarkably, each of the 100 stone amulets has a unique pattern—a characteristic of natural stone. Beyond aesthetics, the Thao Wessuwanna amulets embody the Tiger Leaf Jade team's dedication and transmit Luang Pu Sila's spiritual power to those who wear them, helping them achieve their aspirations.

"Every amulet is not coincidental," Man Karin concluded, "but born from faith, intention, and meticulous ritual performed with genuine care at every stage."

Europe is reeling from a record-breaking heat wave that has claimed at least 5,606 lives across the continent. France's Health Minister Stéphanie Risset reported 2,025 deaths during the week of June 22-28, a 29 percent increase from the previous week and a 62 percent spike in the Île-de-France region covering Paris and its suburbs. Deaths have been particularly severe among those over 45 years old, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez noting that drowning deaths have also surged, with at least 72 recorded since June 18. Beyond France, Belgium recorded a historic 1,222 heat-related deaths—39 percent above normal with nearly half among those 85 and older—while Spain recorded 1,029 deaths, Germany 810, the Netherlands 480, and smaller tolls in the UK, Poland, Italy, and Romania. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, making it the fastest-warming continent and driving increasingly severe heat waves, wildfires, and water shortages.