On the evening of August 14, 2026, a reporter met with Kamsung Pongchai, 75, a resident of the Samsamliam 4 community in Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province, who witnessed the day when Hiang Pimsiree, owner of land deed number 61945 covering approximately 21 rai, donated the property to Luang Por Phai Panyadharo, the former abbot of Wat Pa Adulyaram, in 1990.

Kamsung recalled the event vividly because on that day, when Hiang, then serving as village headman, presented the land deed to Luang Por Phai during a temple merit-making ceremony, he was about 35 years old. As a photography enthusiast, when he learned the temple was holding the event, he traveled there with his Canon camera equipped with a flash and photographed the moment Hiang presented the deed to the abbot before the abbot accepted it.

"I can confirm that on the day Hiang donated the land deed to Luang Por Phai, Hiang was of clear mind and sound judgment," Kamsung said. "After I took the photograph, I walked around the temple grounds before heading home. As for the camera I used to record that image, I cannot remember where I kept it because so much time has passed."

Kamsung expressed confusion about why a dispute has arisen between Hiang's heirs and the temple, given that Hiang had already donated the land. "Hiang intended to donate the entire plot of land to the temple for its construction in accordance with his wishes," he said.

Police Major Kobchoke Lektrakkul, commander of Ban Pong Police Station in Ratchaburi Province, has been unanimously selected by a selection committee to receive the 2568 Creative Person and Person of Virtue award. The recognition honors his dedicated service, volunteer spirit, and continuous collaboration with the public and other agencies.

One of his recent achievements was leading an investigation team to pursue a case in which a former acquaintance threw bathroom cleaning solution in the face of his ex-girlfriend inside an eyewear shop in Ban Pong District on July 30.

Kobchoke and his investigative team immediately worked the scene and aggressively pursued the suspect, resulting in an arrest and case filing within a single day. This swift action restored public confidence and safety in the area.

The work demonstrates policing that is rapid, professional, and genuinely concerned for the public, earning wide recognition and making him a most fitting recipient of the Person of Virtue award.

On August 14, the Strong Against Corruption Club's Suratthani Facebook page posted images of lunch served at Wat Pradu Subdistrict Municipality School 1, criticizing the meal quality. The post noted that kindergarten children were served spicy curry they could not eat, with menus alternating between small fried chicken pieces with sauce, boiled eggs cut into quarters, half fried eggs, and noodles with beans on different days.

Wat Pradu Subdistrict Municipality responded with a statement clarifying that the photographs were genuine images from the school lunch program taken on May 26 and 28, and July 9-10 and 14, 2024, but were captured after students had already eaten and after requesting additional servings. The municipality confirmed that the school operates a monthly lunch program following the Thai School Lunch guidelines with nutritionally balanced meals, provides adequate portions, and allows students to request seconds without restriction.

The municipality stated that menus are announced five days in advance to contractors and shared with parents via the school's Facebook page. A meal inspection committee including external members has been appointed to oversee the program. The municipality said it will conduct further fact-checking and report findings to supervisory authorities.

On July 14, 2569, the Royal Gazette published a royal decree in which His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved the elevation of Phra Phrom Dilok to the rank of Somdet Phra Ratchakhan with the royal title Somdet Phra Maha Wachirakhun Dilok Sri Priyattinayok Khanathon, among other honorifics. The newly elevated prelate will hold the position with ten monastic ranks in his name.

Somdet Phra Maha Wachirakhun Dilok, formerly known as Euang Klinsali, was born on July 13, 2488, in Ayutthaya Province. He pursued studies in the Dharma at Wat Sam Phaya, earning successive degrees in Buddhist philosophy and later obtained a Master's degree in Pali and Education from Banaras Hindu University in India in 2526, followed by a doctorate in 2529.

Returning to Wat Sam Phaya, he became a trusted disciple of the late Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Buddhagosacharya and served as instructor of Buddhist texts, overseeing educational and religious affairs at the temple. Over his monastic life, he received successive ranks: ordinary Ratchakhan in 2530, royal Ratchakhan in 2537, divine Ratchakhan in 2542, and Dharma Ratchakhan in 2547. In 2553, he was appointed as deputy head of the Ratchakhan order.

On May 24, 2561, the monk faced serious legal proceedings but was ultimately acquitted by the court. On March 18, 2566, he received another royal decree recognizing his elevated monastic rank.

Actress Ying Rathaa Podeang has been dealing with acute bronchitis and throat problems from grueling daily rehearsals for a musical theatre production ahead of its gala premiere. She appeared at the TCX 2026 event at Paragon Hall's fifth floor and updated on her health condition, confirming that while her body is not at 100 percent, she is managing with medication and continuing to support her husband Tuul Tulathep's first solo HYROX competition entry.

Ying explained that her voice has deepened significantly due to the bronchitis from nonstop rehearsals. She contracted dust allergies, a cold that developed into bronchitis, complicated by pre-existing airway damage from COVID-19. She admitted the condition heavily impacts her musical theatre work, which demands constant vocalization and breath support. Phlegm buildup from dust exposure can lead to bacterial infections if not properly managed through nasal hygiene and cleaning.

She plans to request time off in October after the theatre production closes, hoping for a brief vacation. To cope with her demanding schedule, she has adjusted her morning runs to gym sessions and reduced their intensity slightly, though she maintains exercise because it helps her mental clarity. Her doctor advised her to avoid dust exposure, prompting her to wear masks offstage and use allergy medications and protective gels. She experiences frequent throat irritation and must sip water constantly, leading to frequent bathroom trips during performances. Despite her health challenges and anxiety about performing, she will focus on supporting her husband's HYROX competition as a spectator rather than participating herself.

Authorities raided an illegal wood-processing factory with Chinese backing in Thung Yai district, posing as an abandoned mill. Officers discovered massive logs hidden in 15 concealed rooms and large quantities of Chinese machinery. All seized materials are being held pending the owner's appearance.

On August 14, 2025, Kriangsak Nobnanth, director of the Natural Resources and Environment Office of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, joined with provincial industry officials, Thung Yai district administration, forest police, Forest Resources Management Unit 12, and Thung Yai Provincial Police to announce inspection results. The wood-processing factory had been officially closed for two years but was still engaged in illegal wood processing of unauthorized types and unauthorized wood exports for shipment.

The facility appeared clean and undisturbed during initial inspection, but officers discovered large quantities of logs hidden in darkened sealed rooms—more than 15 rooms total—each containing substantial amounts of lumber. Further inspection of the building revealed imported wood-processing machinery with all labels in Chinese; industry officials confirmed no import permits had been filed for this equipment.

A large sealed warehouse locked with Chinese-language padlocks was also found; staff had to climb the wall to inspect it and discovered finished wood products ready for shipment in the form of plywood sheets and panels in large quantities.

When questioned, workers who came to open the facility stated that Chinese nationals had requested to continue leasing the property but workers were unaware of their activities. Officials seized all materials and filed charges including illegal wood-product manufacturing, equipment importation for processing operations, using the facility under false pretenses as a rubber wood buyer, and possession of large quantities of illegally obtained timber. The owner is expected to appear for further proceedings.