Luang Pho Chum Putthasaro of Wat Rajakham in Muang District, Ratchaburi, was a highly respected Buddhist teacher admired by Ratchaburi residents for his compassion and tireless efforts to help the suffering and heal the sick. He was born on Thursday, June 26, 1879, in Khung Nam Wan Subdistrict to parents Thoum and Lamjai Klin Thepkasem. At age nine, he was sent to study Khmer and Thai with Luang Pu To at Wat Rajakham, and at sixteen he ordained as a novice. At age twenty, he received full monastic ordination on May 1, 1898, at Wat Tha Suwan under the guidance of Phra Achan Phu, receiving the monastic name Putthasaro.

At Wat Rajakham, he studied vipassana meditation under Phra Achan Phu and Phra Achan In. In 1905, when Phra Achan Phu passed away, Luang Pho Chum was appointed abbot and undertook extensive restoration and development of the temple. He commissioned the construction of an ordination hall, teaching pavilion, bell tower, Buddha footprint replica, and notably established a Dhamma school for monks and a public school for local children called Prachaban Chum Prachanukul School. He also assisted other temples in Ratchaburi with construction projects.

Throughout his tenure, Luang Pho Chum earned appointments as abbot (1905), preceptor (1912), district sangha leader (1918), and senior monk (1922). He was skilled in traditional medicine, spell-casting, water blessing, and amulet consecration, and became renowned for his wandering pilgrimages that extended over three years at a time, sometimes reaching Myanmar. He studied extensively under Luang Pu Suk at Wat Makham Tao in Chai Nat around 1903, and later encountered General Chumphon Khet Udom Sakkdi, who visited Wat Rajakham as a fellow disciple. During his travels, he formed a close dharma friendship with Luang Pho Rung of Wat Tha Krabeua.

In his later years, as illness and age took their toll, his disciples cared for him devotedly, though his condition continued to decline. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 16, 1954, at 4:30 a.m., at the age of seventy-seven in monastic years and fifty-seven in ordination, and was cremated on March 24, 1955. He left behind many blessed amulets for his disciples and close followers, including talismanic cloth, metal cylinders, rings, and other sacred objects. Most notably, the first edition amulet coins, created in 1943, were specially commissioned for his closest disciples and relatives and remain highly sought after and cherished.

The Labor Ministry has ordered the Institute for Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (IOSHE) to urgently alert entertainment venues nationwide to check fire escape systems and fire prevention measures, to prevent further tragedies like the fire at the Ladprao beer bar.

On July 13, 2025, Dr. Nanthachai Pannasurit, director of IOSHE, expressed deep condolences to families of the deceased and injured, and confirmed that Labor Minister Julphand Amornvivatana has instructed IOSHE to accelerate active coordination with relevant agencies to promote safety knowledge and practices among business operators, especially at high-occupancy venues.

"The minister has directed IOSHE to accelerate proactive measures including safety advice, coordination with relevant agencies, and promoting business operators to verify fire suppression systems readiness to manage risks and handle emergencies effectively," Dr. Nanthachai stated.

Dr. Nanthachai noted that fires in enclosed entertainment spaces spread rapidly and cause severe losses quickly if fire alarm, suppression, smoke control, and evacuation systems lack adequate efficiency. Although the cause remains under investigation, the rapid flame spread and thick smoke indicate the critical need for comprehensive risk management including electrical systems, fuel gas systems, interior materials, fire alarms, automatic suppression systems, and functional evacuation routes.

Safety data shows most fire deaths result not from direct flame but from inhaling toxic smoke and hot gases, which can cause unconsciousness within minutes. Therefore, rapid alarm systems, immediate evacuation decisions, and adequate unobstructed escape routes are essential to reducing loss.

Dr. Nanthachai urged restaurant, entertainment, pub and bar operators nationwide to urgently inspect electrical and gas systems, fire alarm and suppression systems, and fire extinguishers; ensure adequate unobstructed escape routes; install exit signs and emergency lighting functional without power; conduct regular evacuation drills; and control occupancy according to building capacity and limits.

Public patrons should always note exit and escape route locations, evacuate immediately if fire occurs without retrieving belongings, crouch or crawl through thick smoke, and avoid confined spaces like bathrooms with no exits.

Ioshe will gather facts from this incident to develop technical recommendations and enhanced fire prevention measures for entertainment and high-occupancy venues, in coordination with relevant agencies.

Infinix has launched the HOT 70 smartphone targeting the younger generation with a "HOT-NON-STOP" concept for users who juggle multiple activities throughout the day—from studying and working to gaming, content creation, and socializing. The device combines premium design with solid performance at an accessible price starting at 4,999 baht.

The HOT 70 showcases a unique design with a special Quiet Violet color featuring Dynamic Shine Design with Baby-Smooth Finish that creates dimensional light and shadow effects. A Thermo Orange variant offers a temperature-changing feature that shifts colors with heat, adding a playful element to daily use.

The phone is equipped with a robust 6,000 mAh battery and 45W Lightning FastCharge technology, which can charge from 1% to 50% in just 25 minutes. It features durability with SGS 5-Star Drop Resistance and IP65 water and dust resistance for everyday protection.

Performance-wise, the HOT 70 runs a Helio G100 Ultimate chipset with a large 6.78-inch 120Hz display for smooth visuals, Always-On Display, and XOS 16 operating system. Infinix offers a guarantee of up to three Android OS upgrades and five years of continuous software and security updates, demonstrating commitment to long-term user value. The company is a Hong Kong-based technology brand focused on innovation, delivering cutting-edge technology, distinctive design, and performance suited to modern lifestyles.

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Phuket — The Governor of Phuket, Chotinarin Kerdsom, has directed sweeping safety inspections across the province’s entertainment venues, hotels, and restaurants following a deadly fire in Bangkok that claimed multiple lives. Our previous story:  Bangkok A fire ripped through the “Rong Beer Na Lad Prao” bar, restaurant, and entertainment venue near Soi Lad Phrao 1 […] Phuket Governor Orders Safety Crackdown After Bangkok Fire Tragedy -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

Thailand's Office of Trade and Strategic Policy identifies vertical series—a rapidly growing global format—as a key opportunity for the Thai content industry to expand its identity internationally. Nanthapong Jiralertsphong, director of the Office of Trade and Strategic Policy, explains that vertical series are short dramas displayed in 9:16 aspect ratio specifically for smartphones and tablets, typically 1–2 minutes per episode, with fast-paced, easy-to-follow narratives punctuated by dramatic turns to maintain viewer interest.

The format meets the needs of modern consumers with limited time who want immediate content gratification and is gaining popularity worldwide, with China dominating the market. According to a joint report by China's state broadcasting authority and private sector partners on AI-driven micro-drama innovation, the global short-drama market is worth nearly $18 billion in 2025, while China's share alone reaches $14 billion—77.78 percent of the total. Other markets combined account for $3.6 billion.

Multiple countries show strong growth trajectories: South Korea's short-drama market was valued at $490 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2029, while India's market is expected to hit $1.5 billion in 2026 and grow at an average rate of 31 percent annually, reaching $4.5 billion by 2029.

Usage of vertical series applications is also climbing. China's Netcasting Service Association reported that Chinese users spent an average of 2 hours daily on short-drama apps during the first eight months of 2025, up 25.9 percent from January. Leading apps in China include Hongguo Short Drama, followed by Hippo Theater and Fanhua Theater. Outside China, foreign downloads of short-drama apps exceeded 730 million in the same period, a 370.4 percent increase year-over-year.

According to SocialPeta, the most popular global apps (excluding China) are Reelshort, DramaBox, ShortMax, and GoodsShort. Platforms typically generate revenue through four models: pay-to-unlock systems where viewers access the first 10–15 episodes free then purchase digital coins for additional content; subscription memberships; advertising; and affiliate marketing that allows merchants to embed purchase links.

Thailand's vertical series market currently lacks formal valuation but shows significant regional potential, though market research firm SocialPeta notes the assessment remains incomplete for the first half of the year.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Piyarat Tiyapairat and her delegation visited Lampang province on July 12, 2025, to present agricultural and cooperative policies, meet with farmers, and inspect the Hang Chat Agricultural Cooperative, where they distributed production materials. Welcoming officials included Kulthon Ratanaseri, director of the Khiw Lom-Khiw Khaw Maa water supply and maintenance project, and Athiw Thung Jet, director of the Lampang irrigation project.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is advancing development under the concept of "innovative agriculture for sustainable Thai farming," with five key policy areas: upgrading production through technology and innovation, increasing farmer income, developing farmer potential through reskilling and upskilling, market-led production, and systematic water resource management. She stressed the need for all sectors to support cooperatives as centers for product collection, value-added processing, and marketing, while integrating digital technology and innovation to reduce costs and adapt to climate change.

Hang Chat Agricultural Cooperative is the leading cooperative in its district and the only one in Lampang province with a rice mill and rice sales operations for both white and colored rice. Last year, it collected approximately 7,000 tons of paddy rice from members and processed over 717 tons of milled rice, while developing premium products including mineral spring rice and refined rice to add value for members. The cooperative's rice mill holds GHPs, HACCP, FDA, Thai industrial standards, and green cooperative mill certifications, and uses modern technology including color-sorting machines and UTD RF (BiO-Q) radio-frequency milling systems. The cooperative has 2,404 members, approximately 480 million baht in operating capital, and operates a complete agribusiness cycle including credit, savings, supply, product collection and processing, and member welfare services.