Koji Iwanami, president and CEO of Honda Automobile (Thailand), announced that following consultations with six Japanese automakers and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Honda is calling on the Thai government to lower import tariffs on Japanese vehicles to improve fair competition and give Thai customers more choices. Honda is also requesting extended timelines for current hybrid models that may not meet new regulatory standards, though the company is preparing components to comply with requirements for new models, which cannot all be ready immediately among the four out of six models produced in Thailand.

For the expansion, Honda has allocated 12 billion baht to set up production lines for two new vehicle models, with the first launching and going on sale by year-end and the second following in 2025. This makes Thailand the only country outside Japan where Honda produces eight vehicle models in total, demonstrating the country's importance and growth potential.

Currently, Honda's Thai plant produces 110,000 vehicles annually from a full capacity of 150,000 units operating two shifts, serving domestic demand of 76,000 units and exports of 35,000 units. The company aims to reach full capacity by 2025.

Honda's latest model, the Super-ONE, a compact electric vehicle imported from Japan tuned for performance close to fuel-powered cars, launches at 990,000 baht with only 30 units available this year. Interested buyers can reserve online at www.honda.co.th/e-quotation on Monday, August 17, 2025, from 10:00 to 17:00 only.

On August 14, the Thai Meteorological Department issued a 24-hour weather forecast warning of persistent heavy rain in many areas, especially the eastern region, caused by a monsoon trough passing through Myanmar and northern Thailand converging with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. A strong southwest monsoon is affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Residents are urged to beware of dangers from heavy and accumulated rainfall that could trigger flash floods and flash floods, especially in hillside areas near water channels and low-lying areas, as well as riverbank overflow in the northeastern region. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are fairly strong, with wave heights of 2–3 meters, and more than 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. Fishermen are advised to navigate carefully and avoid thunderstorm zones, while small boats in the upper Andaman should stay ashore.

Regional forecasts from 6 p.m. today to 6 p.m. tomorrow:

Northern Region: 60% thunderstorms with some heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, and Tak provinces. Low 22–28°C, high 32–35°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

Northeastern Region: 60% thunderstorms with some heavy rain in Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani. Low 24–26°C, high 33–35°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

Central Region: 40% thunderstorms with some heavy rain in Saraburi and Kanchanaburi. Low 25–26°C, high 34–36°C. Southwest wind 10–25 km/h.

Eastern Region: 60% thunderstorms with some heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok and Prachuap Khiri Khan, and very heavy rain in Chanthaburi and Trat. Low 24–28°C, high 31–34°C. Southwest wind 20–35 km/h. Sea waves about 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Southern Region (East Coast): 40% thunderstorms mainly in Chumphon, Suratthani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat. Low 23–26°C, high 31–35°C. Southwest wind 20–35 km/h. Waves 1–2 meters inshore, about 2 meters offshore, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Southern Region (West Coast): 60% thunderstorms with some heavy rain in Trang and Satun. Low 23–27°C, high 32–35°C. From Phang Nga northward: southwest wind 20–40 km/h, waves 2–3 meters, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorms. From Phuket southward: southwest wind 15–35 km/h, waves 1–2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms.

Bangkok and Metropolitan Area: 60% thunderstorms with some heavy rain. Low 26–27°C, high 32–34°C.

The book "Buddhailand: Kingdom of Faith and Modern Thai Temples" is written by Pinyaphan Patchanalavanya, published by Matichon Publishing House, and costs 330 baht. The book examines how Thai temples have become tourist attractions resembling amusement parks. It addresses this phenomenon through three main discussion topics: diverse Buddhist concepts and religious site construction; giant architectural structures and Buddhailand's formation before the 1997 economic crisis; and Thai-style spiritual entertainment parks after the 1997 crisis.

Nationally, the 1997 economic crisis marks a critical turning point that brought government tourism support policies and the development of roads accessing off-main-route areas. This made temples and Buddhailand-style religious sites more accessible by private vehicles, aligning with contemporary cultural changes influenced by popular culture conveyed through various media such as dramas, films, and cartoons from both Thailand and abroad. Different areas within temples resemble different zones of an amusement park. Temples reputed to bring good fortune attract crowds of people hoping for success in work and romance, filling these sites with visitors.

Across the country, the geographical locations of temples and religious sites vary. Sacred objects and structures are often linked to specific regions: Luang Por Srivichai in the North, Naga in the Northeast, Somdet Phra Phutthacharoen (Luang Por Sodh) in the Central region, and Jatukham Rammathep, Luang Por Tuat, and Ai Khai in the South. However, some sacred objects have expanded in popularity across regions, such as Somdet Phra Phutthacharoen, Luang Por Tuat, Ai Khai, and Naga. Certain sacred objects enjoy widespread popularity with no geographical limits, such as Guan Yin and Thao Wessuwan, which became extremely popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic and life stress from the pandemic marked a major turning point that brought significant changes to Buddhailand-style temples and religious sites.

Readers can find answers in this edition of Buddhailand.

Other book recommendations include "Religion: A History of Faith Among Humanity," translated by Sunantha Wannasin Bel from Richard Holloway's work, published by Bookscape, which presents world religious history vividly and reflects how religion overlaps with social, political, and cultural dimensions. The book costs 365 baht. Also recommended is "Jataka Tales: 50 Stories Teaching Children to Be Good People," compiled by MIS Editorial Team, which curates 50 jataka tales with moral lessons suitable for children.

On August 14, Tisana Choonhavan, a former Bangkok MP from the Thai Democrats Party, posted on Facebook announcing her resignation from the party. She stated that she has signed and submitted the formal resignation documents through an authorized representative.

Choonhavan said the decision was made carefully and was not impulsive. Throughout her political career, she has held that political position or party affiliation should never supersede principle, correctness, human dignity, and accountability to the public. When she determined that her path and the organization's could no longer move in the same direction, she chose to leave openly and honestly, which she considers the most appropriate and sincere course for herself, the organization, and the public that once trusted her.

She thanked all those who supported and worked with her over the years, and said she retains respect and goodwill for many colleagues and party members. Leaving the party does not mean abandoning her social responsibility. "I will continue as a free citizen to work on human rights, democracy, justice, and the public good as I always have, with or without political position or party affiliation. I will use my voice and platform to support what I believe is right," Choonhavan said.

Kasikornbank Research Center has raised its forecast for foreign tourists visiting Thailand in 2025 to 31.3 million people, with tourism revenue expected to reach 1.54 trillion baht. The research center indicates a slight improvement in the trend of international arrivals in the remaining months of 2025, provided Middle East tensions do not escalate to disrupt international travel and airspace remains open. Recovery in European and Middle Eastern tourist markets is expected to drive growth in the fourth quarter, traditionally a peak season for European travelers.

Data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports shows that from January 1 to August 8, 2025, foreign tourist arrivals totaled 19.15 million, down 2.9% compared to the same period last year. Key headwinds include Middle East tensions, intensifying international tourism competition, and economic challenges in several countries affecting foreign travel plans.

However, Kasikornbank Research Center has upgraded its 2025 forecast to 31.36 million foreign tourists—a 4.9% decline from 2024—compared to its earlier estimate of just 30 million in April. This reflects better late-year recovery prospects than previously anticipated. Key support comes from European and Middle Eastern tourists, provided Middle East tensions do not escalate. Additionally, airfares on many routes are declining from conflict-driven peaks, though still above prior-year averages, while airlines are running promotions to stimulate travel.

Other factors expected to boost late-year tourism include global conferences and events in Thailand, such as the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings 2026 and the Tomorrowland Thailand music festival, along with year-end holiday promotions.

However, the market faces multiple risks. Kasikornbank Research Center notes that the foreign tourist market remains fragile, particularly due to intensifying tourism competition and changing tourist behavior. Regional competitors like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia continue to attract growing numbers of foreign tourists. Thailand's key declining markets include South Korea, Malaysia, India, and Indonesia. Indonesian tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2025 fell 23.2% year-on-year, partly due to rupiah depreciation—approximately 7% weaker against the baht as of August 5, 2025.

The South Korean market faces pressure from economic and stock market headwinds, with South Korean outbound travel declining 5.9% in June and July, preventing full recovery in arrivals to Thailand. Additionally, advance flight bookings to Thailand for August through November 2025, as of July 31, declined 2.1% from projections on July 16, reflecting market uncertainty. Most flight reductions are in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly from India, Indonesia, and South Korea.

Foreign tourist revenue in 2025 is forecast at approximately 1.54 trillion baht, down 3.1% from the prior year, while average spending per person per trip is estimated at around 49,000 baht, up 2% from 2024. Overall spending patterns remain relatively stable.

Saturday, August 15, 2026 marks the 156th death anniversary of Luang Por Sam Inthasuvanno, the former abbot of Talad Mai Temple in Wisetchai District, Ang Thong Province. A highly respected scholar of ancient medicine and keeper of sacred amulet-making traditions throughout the Mae Nam Noi basin, he was born on August 15, 1870 at Ban Lak Khon in Huay Khan Lhaen Subdistrict, the son of Jeen Seung and In Sae Lee. He took the surname Seesuwan and had three siblings.

During his youth, he studied at Talad Mai Temple and became literate. At age 24, he was ordained on July 15, 1895, with Phra Athikar Dee of Fang Temple serving as his preceptor. After spending only two rains-retreats at Talad Mai, he traveled to study Pali at Rakbang Kosit Aram Temple in Thonburi, then moved to Saroitong Temple in Bang Sue to pursue primary education, successfully completing three years of studies.

Phra Ajarn Prem, the head teacher at Saroitong Temple, recognized his diligence and appointed him as a teaching assistant. In 1900, he returned to Talad Mai Temple, concerned about the aging abbot Luang Por Kui. When his predecessor later transmitted ancient medical knowledge to him, he studied for three rains-retreats before Luang Por Kui passed away, after which he succeeded him as abbot.

As abbot, he began treating patients using the traditional medicine he had learned, earning wide renown for his healing success. However, when the Buddhist clergy issued orders forbidding monks from practicing as traditional doctors, and as he grew elderly, he ceased patient treatment. Yet villagers continued to seek his remedies; when he had no prepared medicine, he would write down formulas for them to purchase themselves. His compassion for his community was genuine, and to this day, traditional medicine shops still prepare remedies according to his teachings.

Beyond medicine, he created protective amulets—sacred objects that disciples kept as reminders. He crafted them every Sunday, Tuesday, and Saturday, pausing only on Buddhist holy days. The number created each day matched that day's numerical significance: six on Sunday, eight on Tuesday, ten on Saturday. The ritual involved a simple altar, placing cowrie shells on a tray with mercury and lead, invoking the Buddha and celestial and earthly deities for permission. He would chant incantations to transmute minerals, pour mercury into the amulet, seal it with lead, recite protective chants, cover it with aluminum foil, then meditate and consecrate it while simultaneously creating protective cloth talismans.

Today, Luang Por Sam's protective amulets have become increasingly rare and difficult to find. He was a celebrated teacher of Ang Thong, unmatched in esoteric knowledge, said to have attained high meditative states and to possess clairvoyant insight into future events. His direct disciples included Luang Por Kham of Pohplam Temple, Luang Por Thong Bai of Obthom Temple, Luang Por Mee of Muang Kan Temple, and Phra Somphun Pramesak, abbot of Talad Mai Temple.

Luang Por Sam began declining in health from his 93rd year. He passed away peacefully on January 15, 1966, at the age of 94, having served as abbot of Talad Mai Temple for 63 years.