The Irrigation Department is accelerating repairs to Royal Canal 1 in Songkhla province and its associated structures following damage to parts of the infrastructure. The department has secured a 400 million baht budget and expects to sign the contract on August 18, 2025, with work targeting full restoration of drainage capacity by November to prepare for the southern monsoon season. Work will include concrete slab repairs, structural reinforcement of auxiliary structures, improvements to the canal-side road, and removal of water flow obstructions. The government has allocated funding for 66 water infrastructure projects across southern Thailand, totaling over 821 million baht, covering Songkhla, Satun, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces.

Residents living along Royal Canal 1 in Hat Yai have expressed concern about construction delays. Local resident Bun noted that while irrigation officials have inspected the area and conducted surveys, no heavy machinery has yet arrived for repairs. He cautioned that unless work progresses quickly, the full canal rehabilitation may not be completed before the heavy rainy season, and repairs should not wait until the monsoon arrives, as wet conditions would hamper construction work.

The area previously suffered severe flooding, with water entering homes and residents evacuating to temples due to strong water currents. Residents fear a repeat of the 2018 flooding if the canal remains damaged during heavy rains. Saksit Khao Thong, Songkhla District 9 representative, stated that Royal Canal 1 is a critical water management structure for the province and urged relevant agencies to monitor the project continuously to ensure repairs are completed on schedule before the late-year monsoon arrives.

The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit will present a khon dance performance of the Ramakien episode featuring Sida from November 5 to December 10, 2025 at the main auditorium of the Thailand Cultural Centre. The performance honors the late Queen's legacy and continues her commitment to preserving Thailand's high art forms for future generations. This grand annual khon performance follows the royal literary work of King Rama I and tells the story of Sida, a woman of pure virtue whose beauty sparked an epic war. Audiences will experience tales of love, separation, and loyalty as the characters undergo trials to prove their integrity. Tickets go on sale August 12 at prices of 2,000, 1,800, 1,000, 800, and 600 baht, with student discounts available at 200 baht (no online sales for student tickets). Tickets are available at Thai Ticket Major outlets nationwide, phone 0-2262-3456, and www.thaiticketmajor.com.

Jumpath Wannachart, Governor of Surat Thani Province, has clarified that the shotgun displayed as a prize at the 134th anniversary celebration of Village Headman Day on August 10 in Ko Pha Ngan District was only a symbolic representation, not an actual weapon. The province revealed that recipients of the award receive cash payments ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 baht, with the image of a shotgun used purely as a prize symbol. Whether recipients choose to use their winnings to purchase firearms is entirely their personal decision and must comply with all firearms licensing regulations.

The event, held on the grounds of the Ko Pha Ngan District Government Centre, was organized by the Village Headman and Subdistrict Administrator Association to boost morale among village leaders and local officials who assist with government work throughout the year. Paidet Tongjeim, the Ko Pha Ngan District Chief, stated that the award has been given annually as recognition and encouragement for village headmen and subdistrict administrators who support local administration. He emphasized that any purchase and possession of firearms must strictly follow legal procedures and regulations, with no exceptions for award recipients.

The clarification comes as the province is implementing stricter firearms control measures following recent security incidents. The provincial administration has instructed all district officials to enforce rigorous procedures for firearms purchase and ownership permits in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Over seven years have proven that small intentions can grow into places filled with countless memories. Camp Mai Mee Chue—the Nameless Camp—was born from the dream of Sam and Um, who wanted to transform a small hillside in Pong Yaeng village, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai into a peaceful retreat where people could escape the chaos and reconnect with nature.

Um recalls that the area was originally their father's lychee and longan orchards, with a small rice mill that once served as the center of family life. Though time has passed, the mill has been carefully preserved and now tells the story of the site's history.

The Nameless Camp's beginning was simple. In the first year, they installed a tent roof on a Volkswagen Beetle van, offering travelers a unique camping experience. Gradually, they added glamping-style bell tents, warmly received by both Thai and international visitors. Encouragement from guests helped the camp slowly develop into the welcoming resort it is today.

Currently, the Nameless Camp has eight rooms, all with unobstructed mountain views. Guests wake to fresh air and birdsong. During the rainy season, visitors experience sea mist blanketing the valleys. Winter temperatures drop as low as 7 degrees Celsius, drawing many tourists eager to experience Chiang Mai's cool season up close.

Beyond relaxation, the resort features a small vegetable garden for guests to pick fresh produce and cook their own meals—a simple activity that helps many experience a simpler, nature-connected lifestyle.

Over the past seven years, the Nameless Camp has been visited by Thai and foreign tourists, as well as artists, actors, and celebrities. What brings many back is not just the beautiful mountain views, but the warm, friendly atmosphere and the rare peace found there today.

If you're seeking a unhurried retreat surrounded by nature where you can truly slow down, the Nameless Camp may be the answer. Located in Pong Yaeng village, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai, it sits about 40 kilometers from Chiang Mai International Airport, approximately 45–50 minutes by car. Access is via the Mae Rim–Samoeng Road (Route 1096), turning toward Mon Chaem about three kilometers past the junction. The resort sits on the right side of the road and is accessible year-round.

Sometimes the best rest may not be traveling the farthest, but spending time in a place where your heart can truly find peace.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered a cabinet clampdown on firearm use, proposing a complete ban on removing guns from homes with no exceptions even for athletes. This threatens shooting sports disciplines that depend on firearms as competition equipment, prompting questions from the sports community and media about how athletes can train and compete. Yuthana Phanitphichaitvong, president of the Thai Shooting Association, and Chaloet Chantrabuksaha, secretary-general of the Thai Sport Shooting Association, expressed serious concern in interviews. Yuthana stated that Olympic sport shooting competitors are deeply troubled by the order. Competitive shooting is an Olympic sport where Thai athletes have won medals at Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games. Shooters disassemble their guns, store them in locked bags in vehicle trunks, and transport them only to firing ranges—this is lawful practice, not carrying weapons. Athletes have begun restricting their activities ahead of next month's Asian Games and fear breaking the law if they train. Chaloet explained that sport shooters must transport guns to training sessions to achieve excellence; this is not casual carrying. The association has produced Southeast Asian Games medalists, world champions, and two women ranked number two globally—all achievements requiring rigorous training. He urged the prime minister to understand that if shooters cannot transport guns to training, they cannot compete at all. Athletes traveling to national championships or provincial competitions must fly, not drive, making the ban impossible to follow. Foreign athletes bringing guns to competitions raise additional legal questions. The associations now fear leaving expensive guns (valued like cars) at ranges without liability protection. Chaloet noted that shooting associations lack legal authority to issue exemption certificates—police ultimately decide. Although associations verify athletes' clean criminal records and ensure safe weapon handling per sports law, when the highest official orders such a ban, no government agency will listen. International competitions are already booked with foreign athletes arriving to compete; banning gun transport may violate laws and harm Thailand's shooting sports reputation if left unresolved.

Dr. Jetsadaporn Bunyavongvirojn, deputy director of primary care at Maha Sarakham Hospital, recommends five affordable vegetables that should be staples in every home kitchen. These nutrient-rich options can be prepared in multiple ways and form the foundation of long-term good health through everyday eating habits.

When shopping, most people prioritize meat, fish, or instant rice. But Dr. Jetsadaporn urges putting vegetables at the top of your list from the start. Vegetables offer fiber, potassium, folate, vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants that benefit your digestive system, blood pressure, blood sugar control, and heart health. You don't need exotic produce—your local market has plenty of nutritious options.

1. Kale: This often-overlooked common vegetable is rich in fiber, vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin K, and minerals. Vitamin K supports bone health and blood clotting, while fiber aids digestion and promotes satiety. Prepare it stir-fried with oyster sauce, with salted fish, blanched, or in mild curry. Just watch the cooking oil and seasoning.

2. Morning Glory (Water Spinach): An affordable vegetable found in nearly every market, its dark green color comes from multiple pigments including beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A for eye health and immunity. It also contains potassium, which helps regulate sodium balance and blood pressure—important for those eating salty foods regularly.

3. Broccoli: Pricier than some market vegetables but worth rotating into your diet. This cruciferous vegetable contains glucosinolates that break down into beneficial compounds like isothiocyanates when chopped, chewed, or digested. These compounds support cellular detoxification and stress resistance. Steam, blanch, quick stir-fry, or add to mild curry. Avoid overcooking to preserve nutrients.

4. Tomato: Though botanically a fruit, tomatoes function as a vegetable in the kitchen. Their standout nutrient is lycopene, a red carotenoid compound with significant health research behind it, making tomatoes an easy way to add color and nutrition to any dish.