A giant teak log floating upstream into Chui Canal in Moo 4, Bang Ja Krang subdistrict, Muang district, Samut Songkhram, has stirred excitement throughout the village after residents discovered the unusual timber near their boat dock. When village headman Supap Khongraksaa and Sirasophorn Fooklin, a subdistrict administrator, brought in a crane to lift the log, the machine failed twice to raise it despite attempts to add weight with a pickup truck, prompting them to halt operations out of safety concerns.

After consulting with local spiritual leaders, the community decided to hold a formal blessing ceremony on Thursday, August 6, at 9 a.m.—coinciding with Teacher's Day, considered an auspicious date. A new crane and ritual offerings will be brought to the village shrine at the mouth of Chui Canal, a sacred site revered by residents. Headman Supap recalled her initial disbelief upon hearing the discovery, noting the log's enormous girth—so thick that three or four people could barely encircle it. She explained that when residents asked the spirit of the log to follow them to the village, it began floating upstream behind their boat in a remarkable fashion.

The incident has sparked fascination with numerical coincidences: the rescue boat's registration is number 07, and when firecrackers were lit to call upon the spirit, the tail number that emerged was 70—the reverse sequence. Administrator Sirasophorn added that the crane operator, experienced with heavy lifts, was shocked by the wood's refusal to budge, and that the log appeared to follow villagers' boats of its own accord, as though determined to join the community. The case has been widely viewed as extraordinary.

Bangkok authorities have asked the public to stop distributing free food along Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, saying the practice has contributed to growing gatherings of homeless people following recent fights that raised public safety concerns.

The measure took effect on Tuesday after officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), police and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security inspected the area.

Gen. Niphat Thonglek, chief adviser to Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, said food donations made with good intentions had become a key factor drawing homeless people to the area to wait for handouts. He said the gatherings had led to problems including disorder, littering, blocked walkways, violent altercations and safety concerns for residents and visitors.

Authorities have designated the area as a surveillance zone and will increase patrols by municipal officers and police, particularly from 18:00 until the following morning, when homeless people typically begin gathering. Mobile patrol units will also monitor the area.

The BMA will install signs informing the public of regulations under the Public Cleanliness and Orderliness Act and enforce the law against violations. It is also urging residents and charitable groups not to stop their vehicles to distribute food along Ratchadamnoen Klang Road until further notice.

Niphat said the city's objective was not to drive homeless people away without support but to encourage them to use Baan Imjai, a BMA shelter that provides accommodation, meals and access to social services. He described Ratchadamnoen Road as "the country's living room" and said it should remain clean, orderly and safe for the public, tourists and young people.

Pol. Gen. Adis Ngamjitsuksri, another adviser to the Bangkok governor, urged donors to channel food assistance through Baan Imjai or one of the Food Banks operated by Bangkok's 50 district offices. He said the system would ensure food reached those in need while reducing homeless gatherings in public spaces and improving safety for pedestrians and road users.

Tragedy struck during a Go-Lok FA Cup football match in Narathiwat when Sofwan Aewa, a Yala FC player, was struck by lightning on the field and died shortly after signing with the club. On August 4, 2025, FC Yala posted a sorrowful condolence message expressing sympathy to the family of the new player. The unexpected incident occurred at the football stadium in Sukhirin District, Narathiwat Province, when lightning struck the footballer during the Go-Lok FA Cup match, causing severe injuries that proved fatal. Two other athletes were also injured in the incident. Sofwan Aewa was a former player for Pattani FC and had recently signed with Yala FC just days before this tragic accident.

Siam Kubota has acknowledged that the agricultural machinery market in 2025 is slowing due to economic headwinds, with new machinery sales declining for the first time in years during the first half. However, after-sales service business is growing counter to the trend, reflecting farmers' tendency to extend equipment lifespan rather than purchase new machines.

Economic slowdown dampens machinery market but service business thrives in reverse

Waipoj Hamala, Head of Customer Solutions at Siam Kubota Corporation, revealed that the overall agricultural machinery market in 2025 has been hit by weak economic conditions and reduced purchasing power among farmers, resulting in the first drop in new machinery sales in the first half in years. Full-year sales are still expected to hover near 50,000 million baht, matching last year's performance.

However, despite the slowdown in new machinery sales, the after-sales service business continues to grow. Service work volume in the first half increased by approximately 6%, as farmers choose to repair and extend equipment life rather than invest in new purchases. Although average repair values have declined about 3% as customers opt for essential repairs only to manage cash flow during the incomplete economic recovery, this signals that after-sales service plays a vital role in customer retention, Waipoj noted.

"Economic conditions make farmers more cautious about spending. Many choose repairs over new purchases, increasing service work volume. Although repair values per case have dropped, it shows that after-sales service is critical to maintaining our customer base," he said.

Elevating after-sales service to build confidence throughout equipment life

Waipoj stated that although Thailand's agricultural sector retains growth potential—with the Agricultural Economics Office estimating first-quarter 2025 agricultural economic expansion at 2.4%—farmers still face risks from volatile weather, rising energy costs, and higher production expenses.

As a comprehensive agricultural solution provider, Siam Kubota has made after-sales service a key strategy alongside agricultural machinery development. The company aims to build customer relationships throughout the product's operational life under the concept "Purchase Once, Lifetime Confidence" or "Choose Kubota, Value That Never Ends."

The company has invested in personnel, technology, management systems, and dealer networks to reduce machinery downtime during critical planting and harvesting seasons—periods crucial to farmers' income.

77% of customers prioritize service over price

A company survey found that approximately 77% of farmers consider more than just product price; they prioritize long-term value, spare parts availability, service centers, and quick repair turnaround. Machinery downtime during the growing season can directly impact farmers' income.

Customers receiving fast service and timely problem resolution are more likely to return and recommend the brand to other farmers, resulting in Siam Kubota achieving a service satisfaction score of 978 out of 1,000—or 97.8%.

Leveraging AI and a database of over 820,000 machines to elevate proactive service

Waipoj stated that the company is accelerating the adoption of digital technology and AI to develop its service system by linking usage history, repair history, machine types, and maintenance schedules to build a customer database from all available contact channels. The company currently maintains a database of over 820,000 machines in its system, connected to the tracking platform.

Young actor Tao Sethapongsanun has become the latest victim of ransomware, a type of malicious software that encrypts and locks a victim's NAS (Network-Attached Storage) device—a private network data storage system. In response to the crisis, Tao has turned to social media to urgently seek help from IT specialists or data recovery teams. He posted on his personal Instagram account: "Please help! My NAS has been hit with ransomware. If anyone can recover the data or knows an expert who can help, please DM me. Thank you so much."

PHUKET: Phuket tourism officials and private-sector operators are stepping up efforts to attract more Russian and Belarusian visitors ahead of the launch of direct flights from Minsk later this year.