England captain Harry Kane has praised Norway striker Erling Haaland as having the strength of a machine, while downplaying concerns about winning the Golden Boot award. Kane, who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, trails Haaland by one goal in the 2026 World Cup campaign. The two strikers are set to face each other in the quarterfinals.

When asked by reporters which striker is better, Kane emphasized they are entirely different players operating in almost two different positions. "It's impossible for me to answer," Kane said. "First of all, I think we are completely different players. I know we are both experienced forwards, but we play in almost two different positions."

"I see myself as a different type of player. While I can score just as much, I prefer to have a bit more contact with the ball, but I can also play as a target forward," he added.

Kane praised Haaland's incredible performances. "Erling has produced remarkable results. His body is as strong as a machine. He is an outstanding player. His finishing is at the highest level, and his goal-scoring statistics certainly speak for themselves."

The 32-year-old striker also stated he is not focused on winning the Golden Boot at this World Cup. "My main goal is to win the world championship with England, not the Golden Boot," he said.

"But I know I am a striker. I am number 9. So if I can score goals, it will definitely help the team," Kane concluded.

Weekly Horoscope Forecast (July 12-18, 2025) by Setsathawut

Aries: This week you may receive unexpected gains, though they could prove problematic or disappear quickly. You may earn modest income through hard work, but risk squandering it impulsively. Office troubles will weigh on you, and expected projects may shift direction—avoid being selective about work now.

Taurus: You'll work diligently but become irritable easily, making careless mistakes. Guard against accidents from recklessness and loss of valuables. You'll socialize with family but should avoid discussing old painful memories. Foreign friends may seem distant, yet your romantic partner will lift your spirits.

Gemini: You'll feel joyful and content like flowers blooming at dawn. Life brings happiness and your wishes materialize easily. People listen to you and elders offer support. Business prospers and you gain wealth and good reputation through new, vibrant friendships. Benefits may delay slightly, affecting your mood. Hobbies will expand your social circle. Avoid displaying weapons or metal objects carelessly—accidents could occur easily. Single natives will attract foreign admirers.

Cancer: You'll succeed in matters of romance. If coupled, passion and benefits await. If just friends, understanding is possible. Financial gains should be converted to assets immediately—keeping cash risks easy loss. Don't advertise any wealth received, as deception is possible now. Avoid trusting investment pitches or sales offers.

Leo: You may travel for social obligations or host many visitors. Don't carry much wealth when traveling alone to avoid robbery and emotional trauma. Verify documents carefully in all dealings. Your physical and mental stamina will decline. Financial problems may damage your credit and reputation. You'll feel unusually sensitive, and authority figures may trouble or burden you.

Virgo: [Text cut off in original]

A reflection on modern Buddhist practice notes: "Today people worship to gain, to ask, to earn merit for heaven and nirvana, hoping for results in this life and the next—a condition that has become a lasting spiritual affliction." This teaching comes from Luang Pho Cha Subhaddo of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani.

Among the oldest and most renowned "closed-eye" powder amulets in Chachoengsao province is the work of Luang Pu Chin from Wat Tha Lad Nuea, believed created around 1887. These amulets were made from blessed powder mixed with various sacred herbs, bound together and pressed into multiple mold designs including ankle cushion, bead cluster, large and small lotus petal, and cart support patterns. Most feature raised backs styled like roof edges or ridges, with multiple protective layers applied. Production occurred in limited batches over several periods because the manufacturing process was extraordinarily difficult, making authentic examples extremely rare and expensive today. Luang Pu Chin's powder amulets are considered the foundational prototype for this amulet type in the region.

Luang Pho Chum Buddhisaro of Wat Rajakom in Ratchaburi city was a highly respected spiritual master who created various sacred objects including talismans, amulets, and rings—particularly the prized "stamp coins" made in 1941 as commemorative pieces for supporters of the temple. These consisted of two small aluminum sheets featuring his image, embossed and hinged together, manufactured in Japan and commonly called stamp coins or shadow coins. The exact production quantity remains unclear.

The front displays a mesh pattern with his half-length image and four Khmer letters at the corners reading Na Ma Pa Tha (heart element), with "Chum" inscribed below. The back features a nine-cell auspicious yantra grid in the master's distinctive style, with four directional Khmer letters reading Ud, Ad, Pad, Pid along the corners. A Khmer inscription appears below the yantra grid. These are considered rare sacred objects highly sought by amulet collectors and Ratchaburi devotees.

In 2016, Luang Pu Tuan Pussavaro of Wat Chan Khunaram (Wat Pong Yang) in Kaeng Hang Maew, Chanthaburi, a renowned spiritual master, produced "ancient-style cast Sakyamuni amulets" in the Fulfillment edition to raise funds for permanent temple restoration. Created in multiple materials, these amulets feature an unbordered front with a triple-tiered seated Buddha image in glass encasement, a flat unbordered back with a "bell" code stamp and temple code, and Thai numerals identifying each piece—another valuable sacred object.

Returning to 2000, Luang Pu Tee Yanasophanom, former abbot of Wat Luang Rajawas in Udon Thani city, a renowned spiritual master of the Sak Kreng river region who was 88 years old, created "Buddha-image coins" in one edition: 188 silver pieces and 3,000 copper pieces. These large spherical coins lacked ear loops and featured a two-tiered border, with the center containing the Iti Piso 56 Buddhist Powers chant with Buddha imagery. Guardian yantras of Na the Great or Na the Millionaire flanked the Buddha image with Khmer letters below, while Khmer characters of the heart-mantra chant circled the border with temple code beneath the image.

The reverse featured a single-tier border with a five-row Khmer character grid in the center and directional Khmer letters at the four corners, with Thai script below the border reading "Buddha-image coin."

The "Phra Yok Chiang Rai" or "Phra Phuttharatanapkorn," officially named "Phra Phuttharatanapkorn Navuttiwassanusoranamongkol," is enshrined as the principal Buddha image in the Jade Buddha Hall at Wat Phra Kaew, a royal temple in Chiang Rai province. This ancient Lanna art temple was originally called Wat Pa Yia (Bamboo Forest), the site where the Emerald Buddha was discovered before being brought to Wat Phra Si Rattana Sasadaram in Bangkok. Chiang Rai residents have called it Wat Phra Kaew ever since.

Historical records state that around 1897, during the reign of King Mengrai over Chiang Mai, lightning struck an abandoned chedi. Inside, workers found a Buddha image covered in gold leaf. When the covering was removed, they discovered a green Buddha image carved from jade—the Emerald Buddha. The sacred image was subsequently moved to various cities: Lampang, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Thonburi, and finally to Wat Phra Si Rattana Sasadaram in Bangkok in 1778, where it remains to this day.

In 1990, to commemorate Queen Sirikit's 90th birthday on October 21 and to honor the Emerald Buddha's discovery at this location, a replica titled "Phra Yok Chiang Rai" was created. This new image was crafted to inspire reverence and to pay homage to Queen Sirikit, who brought progress and development to Chiang Rai.

The Phra Yok Chiang Rai is a Buddha image in meditation pose with dimensions closely resembling the Emerald Buddha, measuring 47.9 centimeters wide and 65.9 centimeters tall in Chiangsen artistic style. The image was carved from the finest Canadian jade, with ornaments and base made from precious gems and gold. The pedestal base, approximately one cubit high, was carved from Chiangsen lotus-style jade stone. Master sculptor Kanok Wiswakun created the prototype, which was then carved by skilled craftsmen at the Walinna Nango Factory in China. The dedication ceremony was held at Guangji Temple in Beijing, where Queen Sirikit bestowed the formal name "Phra Phuttharatanapkorn Navuttiwassanusoranamongkol," meaning "Buddha Lord of Jeweled Treasures, Memorial to the 90th Birthday," with the common name "Phra Yok Chiang Rai."

King Bhumibol Adulyadej graciously authorized the Grand Buddha Consecration ceremony at Wat Phra Si Rattana Sasadaram in the Grand Palace on September 20, 1991. His Majesty anointed the image and lit candles, assisted by Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Sangharaj Krom Luang Wachirayan Warorot. The image was then transported to Wat Phra Kaew and enshrined on October 19, 1991, with grand celebrations.

Although the Phra Yok Chiang Rai is a modern creation, it holds sacred significance and deep devotion among Chiang Rai residents as a representative of the Emerald Buddha and as a tribute to Queen Sirikit, the inspiration of all Chiang Rai people. Within the temple's ordination hall, another sacred Buddha image is enshrined: the Phra Chao Lanthong, one of Thailand's most beautiful and majestic Buddha images. The temple also contains an ancient chedi registered by the Department of Fine Arts as a national historical monument in 1935, along with architectural structures reflecting traditional Lanna design.

Sala Chalerm Krung Palace Theater and the Sala Chalerm Krung Foundation are celebrating their 93rd and 21st anniversaries with a religious ceremony on Thursday, July 2, 2025, led by Air Vice Marshal Supichai Suntharabura, Deputy Secretary to the Palace.

The auspicious day begins with a monastic ceremony at 8:00 a.m. inside Sala Chalerm Krung Palace Theater, followed by a royal salutation ceremony at 9:09 a.m. at the theater's entrance. A traditional dance performance titled "Goddesses Bestowing Blessings" will be presented by Sala Chalerm Krung's khon performers, invoking seven goddesses—Uma, Lakshmi, Surasvatee, Suchadha, Dhani, Ganga, and Pohsop—to bestow victory and prosperity.

At 9:45 a.m., scholarships from the Sala Chalerm Krung Foundation's Thai Dance and Music Arts Fund will be distributed. One scholarship will be awarded to Watchramone Aranyanak, a Thai music expert specializing in string instruments at the Graduate Institute of Fine Arts. Additionally, four medical assistance scholarships will be given to senior performers facing health challenges, represented by Namngern Bunhak, Kanda Namayyampaen, Chumsakdi Sutheetharm, and Komkrit Yuttiyong.

Sala Chalerm Krung is Thailand's first royal theater, established in 1931 with royal funds exceeding 9 million baht from King Rama VII to commemorate Bangkok's 150th anniversary. It was the country's first cinema for sound film projection and was the most modern theater in Asia at the time, featuring air conditioning. The building was designed by architect Mom Chao Somjai Kridakorn, a graduate of prestigious French institutions. The theater officially opened on Sunday, July 2, 1933.

The theater has served as the center of Thai cinema, home to producers, directors, actors, and production crews, as well as an institution training personnel in film, khon dance, drama, and Thai classical dance. In 2024, on the occasion of the theater's 92nd anniversary, King Maha Chakri Maharaj approved a comprehensive renovation and landscaping project completed on May 15, 2025. The restored theater now stands as a testament to Thailand's first royal theater, serving as a premier institution for cultural and artistic performances and an important national monument that has operated for 93 years.

Japan is supporting Thailand in addressing cross-border heavy metal contamination by developing a monitoring network spanning Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos to safeguard water quality. The initiative includes installing arsenic removal systems for community water supplies to protect public health.

On July 11, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin directed the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to advance cooperation with the Japanese government and international organizations to expedite solutions for water pollution and transboundary heavy metal contamination. The collaborative effort seeks to coordinate Thailand, Myanmar, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic in surveillance, monitoring, and systematic water quality management to reduce immediate public health impacts while establishing foundations for long-term joint management.

Dr. Surin Vorakitthummrung, PCD Director, revealed that on July 10, the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Thailand, the Japanese Embassy in Thailand, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) met with the PCD to establish cooperation frameworks for addressing transboundary water pollution. The initiative prioritizes protecting water sources in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Mekong River Basin to ensure safe public water access, while promoting a water quality monitoring network across Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.

Initial collaborative efforts will see the PCD and UNIDO jointly develop an integrated arsenic management plan, provide water quality test kits with training for agencies and communities to strengthen community-based monitoring systems, and install arsenic filtration systems for village water supplies. Field missions to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are scheduled for July 16-17, 2025, to consult with provincial governors and relevant agencies for concrete implementation.

Dr. Surin added that the PCD is also collaborating with JICA on a Third Country Training Program (TCTP) proposal to enhance the capacity of officials from Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos in monitoring water quality and sediment in transboundary rivers, leading to a robust and sustainable expert network and joint surveillance system across the Mekong subregion. Additionally, the PCD and UNIDO are exploring project development approaches to secure support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF-9) to promote chemical-free Thai silk production following circular economy and clean production principles, elevating Thai silk manufacturing sustainability, reducing hazardous chemical use, and improving resource efficiency throughout the production chain in line with national sustainable development goals.