Phra Thep Sakamuni, known as Luang Pho Kaew Suwannjochato, the former abbot of Wat Suddhi Watvarataram (Wat Chong Lom) in Samut Sakhon and former provincial sangha leader, was born on December 25, 1903, in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. His birth name was Kaew Thansuwan, born to parents Kan and Wongsa Thansuwan. At age 12, he was ordained as a novice at Wat Chumbock Masai in Prachuap Khiri Khan on July 1, 1915, where he studied elementary level Buddhism and became highly proficient in reading and writing both Thai and Khmer. He received his full monastic ordination on March 19, 1923, at the age of 20, under the guidance of Phra Panyasuddham as his upajjhaya and received the ecclesiastical name Suwannjochato.

After studying at Wat Maha Pruettaram in Bangkok, he passed the highest Buddhist scriptural exams between 1937 and 1938. His administrative roles began in 1939 as a chanting master, and in 1945 he was appointed abbot of Wat Khlong Tan Ratsadorn. In 1952, he became abbot of Wat Chong Lom when the position became vacant, and was simultaneously appointed provincial sangha leader of Samut Sakhon. During his tenure, he oversaw extensive temple development including the construction of monastic quarters, a sermon hall, kitchen, gate structures, a waterfront pavilion, and a new main ordination hall, all funded entirely by donations from the community without government budget.

Luang Pho Kaew placed great emphasis on education, establishing scholarship funds and supporting Wat Chong Lom School, including printing Buddhist curriculum materials. He undertook major community projects including building the Sakor Bridge, constructing a road connecting Ta Chin and Bang Ya Phraek subdistricts, establishing a temporary police station, and supporting the construction of a health clinic in Ta Chalom subdistrict. His exemplary temple development inspired other abbots throughout the region to visit and learn from his work.

On October 26, 1965, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit presided over a royal robe-offering ceremony at the temple. The king granted the temple its formal name Wat Suddhi Watvarataram, bestowed a royal insignia, and presented a nine-tiered white umbrella. King Bhumibol reportedly visited the temple many times during his reign and spent long hours in conversation with Luang Pho Kaew, after which the temple became widely known throughout Thailand. Luang Pho Kaew passed away peacefully on the morning of September 9, 1983, at the age of 79 and 59 years as a monk. Throughout his life, he created many sacred amulets and talismans that gained widespread popularity, with the Phra Somdej Kaew Suddhi remaining the most highly sought after.

The Thailand Open mountain bike and road cycling championships, held under royal patronage, took place on August 15-16, 2025 at the BMX Stadium in Khao Yai, Chainat Province. The road race opening ceremony on August 16 was presided over by Jitthana Yingthaweelap, Chainat Provincial Administration Organization (PAO) Chair, with support from Vice Admiral Thitporn Noirake, Secretary-General of the Thailand Cycling Association under Royal Patronage, and government officials.

General Decha Mekhaseri, vice-president of the Asian Cycling Confederation, president of the ASEAN Cycling Federation, and president of the Thailand Cycling Association, revealed that the third round of the Thailand Open in Chainat was a tremendous success, with over 1,000 athletes arriving from all directions to compete across the two-day event—a truly packed house, reflecting the strong popularity of this championship.

"Importantly, the cycling association deliberately excluded national team cyclists to serve as a platform for emerging talent and rising stars to display their full potential," Decha said. "Young and youth riders with outstanding skills have the opportunity to advance to the national team. The association will consider sending them to compete in various international events, including the Youth Asian Games, Youth Olympic Games, and Youth World Championships, to build experience and develop their abilities as future pillars of Thailand's national cycling team."

Jitthana Yingthaweelap, Chainat PAO Chair, noted the competition received excellent public response, with thousands of athletes and supporters traveling to Chainat. She thanked the Thailand Cycling Association for allowing the province to host this national championship, which provided excellent economic stimulus. Hotels in town filled up, and overflow accommodation spread to nearby districts. Shops and restaurants were packed with competitors and followers spending heavily, giving merchants a significant sales boost.

The provincial chair added that the finish line was positioned atop Khao Plong viewpoint, offering 360-degree views of Chainat that impressed athletes and spectators alike. Chainat Province and the PAO welcomed the cycling association back for next year's championship, having received excellent cooperation from all sectors and expecting more partners to join after witnessing this event's success—which will further stimulate the economy, promote tourism, and raise Chainat's national profile.

The road race was streamed live on the Thailand Cycling Association Facebook page and TCA Channel, plus YouTube, reaching over 25,000 views across two days totaling 45,000 views. Results included the men's amateur category (68.6 km): winner Wittawat Waree of the Grant team.

Gulf Development Public Company Limited is expanding its Green Energy Green Network for Thais programme to bring renewable energy expertise to remote communities. The second project site for 2025 is located at the Pong Nam Ron-Wung Ka Sang Early Childhood Development Centre in Kamphaeng Phet province, where solar panels have been installed to improve child welfare, safety, and educational opportunities.

The clean electricity also powers the village assembly hall and sports field, allowing residents to benefit jointly and spurring economic development, job creation, and improved livelihoods. Wararat Pootuer, the centre's director, said the solar installation has been transformative: adequate lighting and power now enable teachers to produce modern educational materials, proper ventilation to control insects, and security cameras to reassure parents. She added that clean energy has become a gateway for children in remote areas to receive quality education on equal terms.

Duang Jumongkol, village headman, noted that residents use the community facilities day and night for meetings and activities, and can charge communication devices and farm equipment at the solar-powered charging station. Over three years, Gulf has delivered clean solar energy under this programme to 13 sites across Thailand, covering highland, island, and border areas, improving the quality of life for over 8,000 people.

A woman driving a Mercedes became an overnight sensation after being rear-ended on an expressway. The other driver bowed apologetically, and she immediately decided not to pursue the matter. She confirmed she had no intention of creating viral buzz for "The Tom Thailand 2026," Thailand's first tom pageant. She explained that she understood the situation—it was raining, the road was slippery, and the driver was apologetic.

When her name was revealed as Rain Pornpan Thongthanee, an executive at Snoopy Thailand and one of dozens of sponsors backing "The Tom Thailand 2026," the story took on new dimensions. Pageant license holder Lek Bunnadat and director Nan Wailak, working with Bob Pattaya and New Sumana, opened a luxury home in the Rama Intra area for an exclusive workshop featuring audition finalists.

A reporter had the chance to speak with Rain about the viral incident. She explained: "Honestly, I didn't plan for this to become such a big clip. I was driving back from work when my colleagues called asking what happened. The accident had just occurred, so I got out and talked to the other driver. It was raining, so I understood—the road was slippery. I could see the driver's car hit mine, and I know about insurance and procedures. I didn't want to make trouble for them. The driver was so sweet, getting out and asking if there was anything they could do to help. I just told them it was fine. The driver was very polite and apologized.

I didn't see why I should be angry. The world is already so stressful these days, with nothing but heavy news. A smile between us seemed better. I got my happiness back from that moment, and later we met again. I even joked with the driver about taking a photo together. I wasn't angry at all. The damage was minimal, and because it's a Mercedes, it's pretty sturdy—I could barely see the damage."

When asked why she wasn't upset—most people would be frustrated by a rear-end collision—she said: "Well, it was raining. I'm not the type to get angry easily anyway. The driver was so sweet. Honestly, when someone bows, apologizes, and you don't even know them, everything changes."

When asked if a good conversation softened the moment further, she nodded: "Yes. The driver apologized and was genuinely kind. If everyone had that reaction, no one would be angry. I never got upset with them. I just told them to be more careful driving next time. They said their brakes failed, which I understand. When it rains, roads are slippery."

She never expected it to go viral: "Not at all. I'm still confused, honestly. A close friend sent me a line saying 'You're famous now, Rain.' I asked what happened. Apparently someone recorded me from across the street. With the music and everything added, it made me smile watching it. It made me feel like when the world sees something like this, it heals the heart. Everyone commented saying 'I'm glad you're so kind-hearted' and things like that. It gave me positive energy."

As for her new nickname: "Now I have a new nickname—kind-hearted Mercedes, kind-hearted Rain, Mercedes angel—things like that."

When some social media users suggested she might have deliberately staged it: "No, no, no. (Laughing) Oh no, it wasn't deliberate. This is real. It really happened."

KRABI: Ten tourists, a guide and a boat skipper were all safely rescued after a longtail boat capsized off Laem Hang Nak in Krabi province yesterday (Aug 15).

Volleyball 7HD – The 7HD Sports Championship 2026 student volleyball finals were held on August 15 at Nimibutr Sports Building, National Sports Complex. In the boys championship final, the Red Eagles Bangkok team from Assumption College Bangkok defeated Kham Tha Sae Suwittaya School in Nakhon Ratchasima 3-2 sets with scores of 25-20, 26-28, 28-26, 26-28, and 15-12, claiming their first-ever boys championship title and 150,000 baht in prize money.

In the third-place boys match, Baan Samleuk Municipality School in Khon Kaen defeated Ta Khram Phitak School in Chon Buri 3-2 sets with scores of 27-25, 17-25, 21-25, 25-21, and 15-13.

In the girls championship final, Kanjanapisek College Krabi defeated defending champion Nakonnon Sports Academy 6-3 with scores of 30-28, 25-22, and 25-22, successfully claiming the girls title and 150,000 baht in prize money.

The third-place girls match saw Thapmongkol Rangsit School in Kanchanaburi defeat Suranaree University School in Nakhon Ratchasima 3-1 sets with scores of 20-25, 25-18, 25-12, and 25-21.

There were also three special awards for both boys and girls. The Best Scorer award went to Thunwa Thabpromrach from Kham Tha Sae Suwittaya School and Natchaya Daphaeng from Kanjanapisek College Krabi, who each received an educational fund of 10,000 baht, a health check-up package worth 20,000 baht, and a trophy, presented by Dr. Theerawasit Chatsirimit, Deputy Director of Bangkok Hospital 1.

The Best Setter award went to Natthakon Juekwoen from Assumption College Bangkok and Tithaya Yingyong from Kanjanapisek College Krabi, who each received an educational fund of 15,000 baht, presented by Pramont Thoopboocha, representing Thai Wiwat Insurance Company.

The MVP award went to number 5 Natthakon Juekwoen from Assumption College Bangkok and number 7 Sudaratna Lewarn from Kanjanapisek College Krabi, who each received a Yamaha Fascio Hybrid Light motorcycle worth 49,900 baht, presented by Ukrit Phakwiworn, Senior Vice President of Sales Planning and Marketing at Thai Yamaha Motor, and Patthanpong Nupun, Managing Director of Channel 7HD, who also presented MVP Jackets from Varix Sport Company and volleyballs from Mikasa, along with trophies.

The 7HD Sports Championship 2026 student volleyball competition was supported by Chulalongkorn University, Varix Sport Company, Thai Sports Authority, National Sports Development Fund, Department of Physical Education at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thai Volleyball Association, and various beverage, sports equipment, and business partners.

The excitement of the 7HD Sports Championship 2026 continues! Preparation is underway for the 7HD Sports Championship 2026 Sepak Takraw student competition, which for the first time this year will include a girls team category. School registration opens from August 17-19. Details are available at https://www.ch7.com/champ7hd/sepaktakraw2026. The preliminary round will be held September 21-23 at Island Hall, Level 3, Fashion Island Shopping Center. Sports fans can follow competition details, news, and tournament updates on Channel 7HD.