On July 1, 2025, Fujifilm (Thailand) partnered with the Liver Foundation, the Disease Control Office Region 7 in Khon Kaen, and three hospitals in Kalasin province—Khao Wong Hospital, Huai Phueng Hospital, and Na Ku Hospital—to conduct aggressive liver cancer screening for 200 at-risk residents at Khao Wong District Office in Kalasin.

The program aims to detect liver cancer in its early stages using the GALAD Score, which combines three liver cancer biomarkers (AFP, PIVKA-II, and AFP-L3) with patient age and gender data to improve detection accuracy and ensure timely treatment access.

Liver cancer remains a critical public health priority in Thailand. According to the National Cancer Institute, liver and bile duct cancer is the leading cancer killer, with 19,491 new cases annually (53 per day) and 14,971 deaths per year (41 per day). A major concern is that liver cancer often shows no early symptoms, causing many patients to seek treatment only at advanced stages when treatment options and survival rates are significantly reduced.

Prof. Wattana Sukeepisalchaiyong, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Srinakharinwirot Hospital, Khon Kaen University, and chair of the Liver Foundation, noted that liver cancer incidence continues to rise, particularly in the Northeast, where hepatitis B and C infections are prevalent. Many patients remain unaware of their infection status and lack proper monitoring and care.

The Liver Foundation's mission is to raise awareness, prevent, and reduce hepatitis in the Northeast. In collaboration with Fujifilm, they are introducing the GALAD Score biomarker panel alongside ultrasound screening to enhance early detection accuracy before symptoms appear—a critical window for effective treatment intervention.

Kalasin province is an important area for liver disease surveillance. Epidemiological research from Khon Kaen University found that liver and bile duct cancer incidence averaged 16.32 cases per 100,000 population annually from 2019 to 2023, with significantly higher rates in males. Cases are clustered in multiple areas, highlighting the need for expanded screening access at the district level.

Dr. Jira Saksisathit, Deputy Director of the Disease Control Office Region 7 in Khon Kaen, noted that Khao Wong District has relatively high rates of hepatitis B and C infection, with some patients also having cirrhosis—major risk factors for liver cancer. Public awareness and aggressive community screening are critical mechanisms for early detection, timely patient referral, and long-term reduction of liver cancer mortality.

The Kalasin screening program builds on the success of a pilot liver cancer screening initiative in the Northeast region.

The story of "Ko Kao" was not written by chance, but woven from sweat, disappointment, resilience, and the spirit of the man who created the iconic "young boy with dark glasses in a judo suit" into a culinary legacy that has accompanied Thai society for decades.

Sweat, pioneering spirit, and dignity that never surrendered

The legend began around 1966 when Chu Kiat Ruay Chareon Throp established a confectionery factory with determination on Ekkachai-Bangbon Road before marrying Jiraphon. With the vision that "good snacks usually start with the word 'mom,'" he named it "Mae Ruay Factory Company Limited." His first product to achieve remarkable success was "shrimp rice crackers."

But a major test arrived when competitors began using dangerous fabric dyes to create colorful crackers that sold so well they damaged his sales. Driven by his integrity and loyalty to customers, Chu Kiat refused to compromise. He immediately stopped selling the profitable product, declaring with a statement that revealed his true character: "Selling well but harming customers is like killing them slowly. I won't do it."

He was willing to start over, turning to "layered peanuts." In those early days, Chu Kiat personally handled all sales, driving from shop to shop. What he always carried in his truck was not just snacks, but "hammers and nails" to help repair customer shops with genuine care.

Snack formula crisis and kitchen innovation

The path of a fighter is always tested. When the person who created his snack formula wanted to leave, Chu Kiat was forced into a corner and had to invent the recipe himself. He spent long hours in the kitchen experimenting. From early 1975, the first drops of coconut cream touched peanuts, creating "crispy peanuts coated in coconut cream"—a product unlike any other. By the end of 1975, he had relocated his factory to expand production.

With his unconventional thinking, Chu Kiat deliberately named the brand "Ko Kao" and chose a logo of a fluffy-haired boy wearing dark glasses and a judo suit. In that era, this choice was widely mocked. Even shops joked that "snacks like this fluffy-headed thing won't sell."

Worse, the first batch released to market "didn't sell well" because the original opaque packaging prevented customers from seeing the product inside. Rather than admit defeat, Chu Kiat immediately pivoted by switching to "clear packaging" to reveal the delicious appearance and quality of the coconut-coated peanuts. He also created a short but powerful slogan that stuck in the ears of Thais everywhere.

Eventually, Ko Kao detonated into an overnight "big hit." From the image of the young boy with dark glasses and judo suit playing guitar and singing in television commercials, the insult was transformed into a beloved household snack that captured the hearts of people of all ages.

"Whether eaten at home, at work, while watching a favorite football match, or shared among friends... Ko Kao connects people and delivers 'every bit delicious' in every moment of life."

From a small space to Thailand's culinary legacy

When the product became the talk of the town, orders flooded in so heavily that the original Bangbon factory could no longer handle the demand. Chu Kiat and his family made a major decision in late 1975, relocating to build a new empire on Rama 2 Road across more than 30 rai of land.

From just a handful of employees to an international standard factory exporting Thai pride across the globe, what never changed was "Chu Kiat's heart."

Unknown perpetrators have carried out bombing attacks on two PTT gas stations in Pattani province—the Yaring and Sai Buri branches—causing severe damage in a coordinated strike on the night of June 28. This marks the fourth incident at the Sai Buri station, where previous attacks had targeted a Krungthai Bank ATM, a truck, and another ATM at an adjacent convenience store without directly damaging the station itself. However, this latest attack has caused extensive structural damage to both fuel and gas dispensers, forcing all approximately 20 staff members out of work. Branch Manager Abdulaziz revealed that damage assessment is ongoing in consultation with contractors, with repairs estimated to take roughly five months before reopening. The company has received some employee support assistance, though additional compensation from the company may be necessary. Preliminary damage is estimated at not less than 10 million baht. When asked if the repeated attacks have discouraged him, the manager acknowledged feeling disheartened but resigned to accepting the situation after multiple incidents.

Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Tongsri stated on July 1, 2569 at Government House regarding Grit (Pongsakorn Saoton) that he acknowledged having no involvement with the audio clip falsely attributed to Songsak. According to Grit's account, he provided this information to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) as well, consistent with his interview with a news channel. When asked if he was aware that Grit had apologized and denied Songsak's involvement, the Deputy Prime Minister said that while Grit spoke in that manner, he remained unsatisfied because the person who made the statements caused him damage and then retracted them while society was still watching. Songsak stated he believed the public remained skeptical of him, prompting him to assert his rights over being named and damaged, seeking justice for the harm caused. Therefore, the complaint against Grit will continue. He emphasized using all legal rights because his name was used to cause damage through false information, requiring maximum accountability from those responsible. He noted that when such news circulates widely among hundreds, thousands, and millions of people, they will believe it, which is psychologically damaging. He questioned how proceeding with the complaint addresses this. "When damage occurs, is an apology alone sufficient?" he asked. "But for society and the public who learn of my name being involved, how much can they really reverse their beliefs? Because bad news spreads widely while good news reaches far fewer people."

Results from the Lao PDR government lottery, officially known as the Development Lottery and administered by the Development Lottery State Enterprise under the Ministry of Finance, for the drawing on July 1, 2025, are as follows:

6-digit prize: XXXXXX 5-digit prize: XXXXX Last 4 digits: XXXX Last 3 digits: XXX Last 2 digits: XX

5/45 Development Lottery drawing for 1/7/69 The 5/45 format numbers drawn are: XX, XX, XX, XX, XX

Lao Lottery Payout Rates and Prize Calculation Ticket holders can calculate winnings based on purchase amount in kip as follows:

4 digits: 6,000 times payout (example: 1,000 kip purchase yields 6,000,000 kip) 3 digits: 500 times payout (example: 1,000 kip purchase yields 500,000 kip) 2 digits: 60 times payout (example: 1,000 kip purchase yields 60,000 kip)

About the Lao Lottery or "Development Lottery" The official Lao lottery, called the Development Lottery, is operated by the Development Lottery State Enterprise under oversight of the Lao PDR Ministry of Finance. It is the legally authorized government lottery of Laos.

Schedule and Broadcasting Channels Drawing days: Monday through Friday, with 5/45 drawings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Time: Live broadcast begins at 8:00 p.m. Thailand time Channels: Lao National Radio and Lao National Television Channel 1 (LNTV)

How to Check Lao Lottery Results The lottery system draws one 6-digit number, which is then broken down into multiple prize categories based on regional preferences. The most common format uses the last 4 digits. The lottery also includes dream number (4/40) and animal name games, which are unique to Laos.

Charoensuk Shabu, a popular buffet restaurant chain based in Bangkok, has announced the permanent closure of its The Scene Town in Town branch. The branch closed its doors on June 29 after operating for an extended period. In a Facebook announcement, the restaurant thanked all customers for their continued support, trust, and patronage. The management expressed hope of welcoming customers again in the future and promised to announce any updates regarding potential reopening. This closure follows temporary shutdowns of two other Charoensuk Shabu locations: the Anusawari branch on June 15 and The Jazz Rama Intra branch on June 23.