Following the commotion at the 2026 International Novel Festival involving an incident between event participants and security personnel, GMM TV has released an updated statement on the case. After the incident occurred, both parties filed mutual complaints with investigators. On July 27, 2026, both sides met to discuss and clarify the situation, reaching an amicable resolution by withdrawing their complaints and agreeing not to pursue further legal action. The event participant voluntarily removed all related posts and content from their personal channels.

The security officer previously placed on temporary suspension has been reinstated following the settlement. GMM TV requests cooperation in respecting the privacy of both parties by not sharing personal information, images, clips, or content in ways intended to harass, insult, or incite hatred.

The company acknowledges the incident caused concern and disappointment among many fans and apologizes to those affected. GMM TV affirms its commitment to treating all event participants equally regardless of nationality or ethnicity, while also ensuring fair treatment of all staff and workers. The company will use this incident as a lesson to improve future event management and safety protocols, with clearer communication of rules to all participants and systematic guidelines for handling violations. GMM TV requests all event attendees to review and follow established rules to ensure smooth and safe events for everyone.

Bangkok has intensified inspections of service establishments and similar businesses across the city, checking 865 venues out of 1,204 targeted locations (72 percent) to enforce safety standards and verify business licenses. Deputy Bangkok Governor Porprom Na-Nagara Vikitsarthet announced that inspectors classified businesses into three groups: 168 establishments passed safety standards with valid licenses; 618 require improvements, with 570 given advisory notices for minor defects and 48 issued formal correction orders after previous warnings; and 79 ordered to cease operations, including 19 music venues lacking entertainment licenses and 60 businesses with no valid operating permits.

Deputy Permanent Secretary Nirat Pongsitthathawon revealed on July 28, 2569 at the Ministry of Interior that answer sheet verification for the 2568 local government employee examination has been completed. Out of 279,949 test-takers whose answer sheets were reviewed—including those who tested from December 2568 through February 2569—the department initially certified 55,193 candidates but later discovered irregularities and fraudulent practices. The correct roster has now been reinstated after a 10-day verification process conducted between July 17-27. Of the revised results, 50,064 candidates passed, with 11,030 confirmed as legitimate passers and 5,925 identified as having altered scores—including 5,129 who failed but were marked as passing, and 790 who passed but had their scores changed for unknown reasons.

Next week, the central examination committee will meet to determine how to handle each group: those who already passed legitimately (status unchanged, remaining able to serve); those who were appointed based on fraudulently inflated scores of around 5,000 people; and those whose scores were altered despite already passing. The department is consulting with the attorney general's office, the comptroller general, and parliament's anti-corruption committee on whether to blacklist the university responsible for the procurement and administration of the exam, given the widespread damage caused. Deputy Secretary Nirat emphasized that the 11,030 legitimate passers retain their civil service status even if their rankings may shift, as they earned their scores through their own ability. A total of 14,988 candidates were appointed, including both legitimate passers and those whose scores were altered.

On July 28, 2569, the Po Teck Tung Foundation, led by vice-chairman Sak Kaosaengreu, vice-chairman Wichit Chinvongwarakul, board member and treasurer Charuratna Kunatthananon, and board member Wisidit Limprana, along with foundation executives and affiliated organizations, presented flowers before a royal portrait and signed a message of royal blessing to His Majesty the King on his birthday at the Sala Samthaysamakorn in the Grand Palace, Bangkok. From July 28-30, 2569, the Tai Hong Kong Jade White Shrine will illuminate decorative lights around the shrine until 9 p.m. in honor of the occasion. Devotees can pay respects to Luang Phu Tai Hong and the sacred deities at the shrine until 6 p.m., with more information and the shrine's location available at https://linktr.ee/TaihonggongshrineTH

The Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Culture, has organized a training session for staff conducting the royal ceremony in which the King presents candles to monks during Asahna Bucha Day in fiscal year 2569. Department Director Chaipon Sukeiam opened the training at the Film and Video Consideration Office conference room, attended by executives and participating officials.

Chaipon stated that the royal candle presentation ceremony on Asahna Bucha is an important ritual where the King graciously invites 350 senior monks, newly ordained monks, and senior novices from temples throughout Bangkok and the provinces to receive royal candles at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. The ceremony in 2569 will be held on July 29, 2569.

To ensure the ceremony proceeds with proper order, grace, and dignity, the Department of Religious Affairs is training staff to build knowledge and understanding of the royal ritual, religious ceremonies, and correct procedures according to royal tradition. Trained staff will be responsible for assisting participating monks, facilitating their seating and movement, and carefully distributing the royal candles they receive. These tasks require precision, accuracy, and seamless coordination, necessitating intensive training and rehearsal to ensure all procedures proceed flawlessly and with appropriate reverence.

On Asahna Bucha and the beginning of the Buddhist Lent, the King and Queen will proceed to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram. Before entering the ordination hall, student winners of the 2569 chanting competition will be stationed in 12 pavilions surrounding the temple to chant traditional verses welcoming and honoring the royal procession, preserving Thailand's valuable cultural heritage.

Additionally, Department of Religious Affairs officials appointed as chanters of the Maha Chat (Great Life) scripture will participate in the chanting within the ordination hall while the King presents candles to 350 monks, reflecting the nation's commitment to maintaining beautiful customs and all sectors' dedicated support for this important royal ceremony.

Luang Pho Yuang Aphassaro, the former abbot of Wat Bodhi Sri in Ratchaburi, was a highly respected Buddhist master who studied esoteric teachings directly from renowned teachers. He was born on December 21, 1932, and ordained at age 23 in 1955, going on to master several disciplines including Khmer script writing, sacred stone amulet consecration, and various spell-casting techniques learned from celebrated mentors like Luang Pu Nak of Wat Chong Lom and Luang Pu Pong of Wat Nong Krathoem. He established Wat Bodhi Sri in 1964 and devoted himself to helping the local community through spiritual practices and protective talismans. Known for his compassion, strict adherence to monastic discipline, and warm reception of visitors, he gained a large following throughout Thailand and became one of Ratchaburi's most beloved spiritual figures after the passing of the legendary Luang Pu Muang. He passed away from old age on August 31, 2021, at the age of 88 with 66 years of monastic service. Among his many amulets and talismans, his tailor-made cord amulets and hanging silver talismans became widely famous. His first-edition amulets, cast in 1976 in brass, copper, and nickel-plated copper during the temple's main ordination ceremony, featured a distinctive bodhi-leaf design with integral loops on the obverse side showing a full-form seated Buddha in meditation.