New Buddhist Prayer Guide Offers Thai Translations for Deeper Understanding

A new Buddhist prayer guide featuring full Thai translations of chants aims to deepen practitioners' understanding and meditation practice across all experience levels. The manual, recommended by Mokkhaplarama Forest Monastery, helps devote

24 Jul Khaosod

The book "Buddhist Lay Practitioner's Guide to Chanting and Dharma Teaching: A Path to Peace" is a comprehensive prayer manual with full Thai translations of all chants, designed for Buddhist devotees of all levels including monks, novices, laypeople, and the general public. By understanding the Pali and Buddhist principles through the translations, practitioners can develop deeper concentration and wisdom during practice. As recommended by Dhammatan Foundation at Mokkhaplarama Forest Monastery, "When chanting, contemplate the meaning of each verse. The translations help generate both joy and meditative concentration, leading to wisdom." The article also reviews two other recent Buddhist books: "Chanting Rituals with Translations" (40 baht) by Phra Rajvajjarangsee, a popular manual with well-organized chanting sequences for auspicious and inauspicious occasions, and "A Guide to Ancient Lanna Art" by Professor Sakshai Saisingham, which explores the rich artistic and cultural heritage of eight northern Thai provinces including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampoon, and Lampang.

No. 01 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Community

Revered Buddhist Monk Luang Pu Saen Remembered

The seventh anniversary of revered northeastern Buddhist monk Luang Pu Saen Pasanno is observed this Saturday; the spiritual master, who lived to 112 and led Wat Ban Nong Chik in Sisaket Province, was celebrated for his profound wisdom and

24 Jul Khaosod

The seventh anniversary of the death of Luang Pu Saen Pasanno is observed on Saturday, July 25, 2026. A celebrated Buddhist monk from the northeastern region, he was known for his profound spiritual wisdom and lived at Wat Ban Nong Chik in Khun Han District, Sisaket Province. His strict adherence to monastic discipline and moral virtue made him a pillar of support for lay devotees and monks alike, earning him widespread recognition and the title "Deity of Phu Fai Mountain" near the Cambodian border.

He was born in 1907 as Saen Kumkhrop and ordained as a novice at a young age, studying Buddhist scriptures under the renowned teacher Luang Pho Mum. He later pursued additional studies in Cambodia, learning from Khmer masters with a focus on knowledge that would help others. After completing his worldly responsibilities, he returned to monastic life and eventually settled at Wat Ban Nong Chik, where he revitalized the neglected temple through his dedication and attracted monks to practice there.

He served as abbot and continued his spiritual practice, often engaging in intensive forest meditation. By age 93, he remained active in temple affairs. When he reached 97, concerned relatives persuaded him to return full-time to Wat Ban Nong Chik, where he spent his remaining years. He rarely commissioned amulets or blessed objects, preferring to allow close disciples to do so, yet his amulets—such as half-body coins and bell pendants—became highly sought after. He passed away peacefully on the night of July 25, 2019, at the age of 112.

No. 02 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Five Religions Hold Blessing Ceremony for King's Birthday

Leaders from Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Sikhism held a joint blessing ceremony for the King's July 28 birthday at Bangkok's National Art Gallery, with about 500 participants offering prayers and merit according to their re

24 Jul Khaosod

On Thursday, July 16, 2025, the Ministry of Culture through the Department of Religious Affairs organized a grand multi-faith religious ceremony to offer blessings to His Majesty the King on the occasion of his birthday on July 28. The event was chaired by Sabeeda Thai-sae, Minister of Culture, and was attended by Prasop Riang-ngern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Chaiyapol Sukiam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, ministry executives, and leaders from all five religions, along with partner agencies and staff at the National Art Gallery in Bangkok's Huay Khwang district.

The ceremony marks an important occasion when Thai citizens express their loyalty and gratitude toward His Majesty the King, who has dedicated his reign to the welfare of the people and has equally supported and promoted all religions in Thailand throughout his reign. This has fostered harmony and unity among people of all faiths, which serves as a foundation for Thai society.

The Ministry of Culture, through the Department of Religious Affairs and in partnership with religious organizations, organized the multi-faith blessing ceremony both at the central and regional levels. Religious leaders, believers, and people from all five religions—Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Brahminism-Hinduism, and Sikhism—participated in religious ceremonies according to their respective traditions to offer merit and blessings to His Majesty the King and to express their loyalty, harmony, and unity.

The central ceremony featured approximately 500 participants including government representatives, religious leaders from all five religions, believers, and members of the public at the National Art Gallery. The ceremony included blessing rituals and religious observances such as Buddhist chanting, Islamic prayers, Christian prayers, Hindu mantras, and Sikh devotional singing. The event also included displays of religious artifacts from all five religions, offering the public an opportunity to learn about the historical and cultural significance of each faith. Community products from religious organizations and cultural performances were also showcased.

For provincial regions, the Department of Religious Affairs requested coordination from provincial cultural offices to work with government agencies, religious organizations, private sectors, temples, and religious institutions to organize multi-faith blessing ceremonies so that believers of all religions could participate in offering merit and blessings to His Majesty the King at appropriate times and locations in their respective provinces. The public, government agencies, private sector, temples, religious institutions, and schools are also encouraged to display portraits of His Majesty the King along with national flags at government buildings, temples, religious institutions, and educational facilities.

No. 03 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Doctor Claims Corruption in Nurse Volunteer Selection Exam

A former parliamentary candidate alleges corruption in the Public Health Ministry's nurse volunteer selection process after appointed committee members differed from provincial nominations, prompting the department to reissue appointments.

24 Jul Khaosod

Dr. Suphatthorn Hasuwon, a former parliamentary candidate for Songkhla District 2 representing the Democratic Party, has posted allegations of clear and serious corruption in the Public Health Ministry's volunteer nurse selection examination. The ministry designed the selection process to rely entirely on interviews conducted by six-person committees from each province, with no written exam component. The Department of Health Service Support instructed each province to submit the names of six committee members for ministry appointment, but the announced appointments did not match the nominations submitted by the provinces. This discrepancy has sparked complaints across multiple provinces via LINE group chats, prompting the department to cancel its original order and reissue appointments matching the provincial submissions. Dr. Hasuwon warned that the selection may favor high-scoring candidates and could involve position trading similar to corruption scandals in local government exams. He called on the Public Health Minister to provide an urgent explanation and suggested canceling the exam altogether if public confidence in the fairness cannot be assured. The volunteer nurse program costs the state 1.3 billion baht annually, and the budget commission should conduct a full review of the program's allocation.

No. 04 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Thailand Car Output Cut to 1.45 Million Units on War, Tariff Impact

Thailand's automotive industry has cut its 2026 car production forecast to 1.45 million units, a 3.33% decline blamed on Middle East conflict and U.S. trade tariffs that have slashed regional exports by 38%. Motorcycle production targets we

24 Jul Khaosod

The Federation of Thai Industries has reduced its 2026 automotive export forecast by 50,000 units to 900,000 vehicles—a 5.26% decline—bringing overall car production down 3.33% from the previously targeted 1.5 million units to 1.45 million. Surapong Paisitpattanapong, automotive group advisor and spokesman for the Federation, attributed the cut to the prolonged Middle East conflict and U.S. trade restrictions, which have caused Middle Eastern exports to fall 38.35% in the first half of the year. Regional competition from Chinese electric vehicles and tightening emission standards among trading partners have also weighed on prospects.

Despite headwinds in the auto sector, the Federation raised its 2026 motorcycle production target from 2 million to 2.05 million units—a 2.50% increase—with domestic sales forecasts climbing from 1.6 million to 1.65 million vehicles. The motorcycle market benefits from broader global demand and has been shielded from war-related disruptions. Supporting factors include Thailand's economic stimulus program "Thai Helping Thai Plus," rising fuel prices encouraging two-wheeler adoption, and new microfinance schemes expanding consumer credit access.

No. 05 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Lawmaker Flags Massive Fraud in Local Government Exams Nationwide

A Pheu Thai MP alleges nationwide fraud in local government entrance exams, citing a 2025 pass rate of 22.16%—nearly four times higher than the standard 1-7% range seen in civil service exams, suggesting score manipulation or altered benchm

24 Jul Khaosod

Pol. Lt. Col. Tawee Sodsong, a Pheu Thai party list MP, posted on Facebook on July 24, 2025, alleging a "massive saga of corruption involving bribery in local government exam fraud spread nationwide." He called for investigations to reach senior policymakers and officials directing the exams.

Tawee highlighted statistical irregularities in local government entrance examinations over the past five years: In 2025 (Srinakharinwirot University), 213,030 applicants took the exam with 47,208 passing, a 22.16% pass rate—abnormally high compared to previous years. In 2021 (Burapha University), 281,968 applicants resulted in 18,874 passes (6.69%). In 2019 (Kasetsart University), 249,235 applicants produced 9,893 passes (3.97%). In 2017 (Burapha University), 477,102 applicants yielded 32,369 passes (6.78%). In 2014 (Suan Dusit University), 280,625 applicants resulted in 4,864 passes (1.73%).

Comparison with standard national civil service exams conducted by the Civil Service Commission showed pass rates consistently between 1% and 7%. In 2025, 450,000 candidates applied with 19,488 passing (4.33%); in 2024, 384,906 applied with 28,571 passing (7.42%); in 2023, 333,500 applied with 15,485 passing (4.64%); in 2022, 369,437 applied with 4,744 passing (1.28%); and in 2021, 719,805 applied with 11,349 passing (1.58%).

Tawee's analysis concluded that the 2025 local government exam pass rate of 22.16%—nearly four times the natural average of 7%—cannot result from normal score distribution among candidates. Instead, it suggests irregularities in data processing, altered benchmarks, or computer system manipulation of raw scores, pointing to exam fraud. The lawmaker noted that Burapha University, which had successfully administered local government exams twice with no fraud allegations and at a cost of only 275 baht per applicant (82.5 million baht for roughly 300,000 candidates in 2566), was replaced by other universities for subsequent exams, raising further questions about the process.

No. 06 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Lawmaker Flags Interior Ministry's High-Fee Training Programs and Stalled Construction

Lawmaker Sirikanya Tansakul challenged the Interior Ministry's practice of charging up to 200,000 baht per training course while requesting additional budget funds, and flagged delays in the ministry's administrative center construction due

24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, 2025, at Parliament, Sirikanya Tansakul, Pheu Thai party list MP and deputy party leader, discussed the 2570 fiscal year budget bill review by a special parliamentary committee examining the Interior Ministry's budget allocation. While the committee has already cut some items, particularly from the Department of Public Works and Town Planning, concerns remain about project allocations to elite-tier contractors and off-budget revenue schemes. The ministry has organized various training courses charging participants up to 200,000 baht each, generating tens of millions in revenue, yet still requesting additional central budget funds. The committee also noted delays in the Interior Ministry's administrative center construction. The ministry's permanent secretary explained that the contractor bid the project 50 million baht below market rate, making it financially unviable for timely completion. The contractor is the same entity facing financial difficulties and wage payment arrears across multiple state projects, while the project supervisor also has liquidity problems compounding delays. The project was originally scheduled to complete in 2569 but has only achieved one-third progress, causing operational damage as the ministry continues using outdated facilities pending completion of the new center.

No. 07 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

US Imposes 12.5% Tariff on Thai Imports

PHUKET: Thailand has been hit with a new 12.5% US import tariff after the Trump administration announced fresh duties on 60 trading partners, replacing temporary global tariffs that expired yesterday.

24 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: Thailand has been hit with a new 12.5% US import tariff after the Trump administration announced fresh duties on 60 trading partners, replacing temporary global tariffs that expired yesterday.

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Narathiwat Commander Invokes Martial Law to Hunt Militants

Narathiwat's military commander invoked martial law following a July 22 attack that killed 45 Rangers, granting troops expanded powers to search, detain suspects, and use force against militants in the province.

24 Jul Khaosod

The Narathiwat Task Force commander has issued Martial Law Order No. 131/2567, signed by Major General Yodkhun Pungpaktr on July 22, invoking the Martial Law Act B.E. 2457 to enforce strict tactical and security measures across Narathiwat province. The order grants military authorities expanded powers to establish checkpoints, search vehicles and homes, and detain suspects linked to the unrest. It authorizes the use of armed force against militants deemed an immediate threat, provided actions meet necessity and proportionality standards. Civil authorities are directed to support military operations in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping efforts. The measures take effect immediately and remain in force until revoked. This escalation follows the July 22 attack on the 4509th Ranger Task Force unit in Tan Yong Mas subdistrict, Rangae district, which killed 45 Rangers. Authorities believe the attackers remain hidden in the area, posing serious risks to innocent civilians and their property, prompting the decisive action to secure the region and protect public safety.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Regional

Korat Candle Festival Returns With Anutin, Lisa Sculptures

Thailand's Korat Candle Festival returns July 28–30, 2026, featuring drone shows, traditional pottery art, and satirical candle sculptures of PM Anutin and pop star Lisa to celebrate Buddhist Lent traditions and boost local tourism.

24 Jul Khaosod

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — The Korat Candle Festival 2026 is set to return with a blend of Buddhist art, traditional craftsmanship, technology and pop culture, featuring a drone show, Dan Kwian pottery-inspired art and candle sculptures resembling Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and global Thai pop star Lisa.

The festival, themed "Buddhist Art and the Light of Faith," will take place from July 28–30, 2026, around the Thao Suranari Monument in Muang Nakhon Ratchasima district.

At a press conference on July 22, Nakhon Ratchasima deputy governor Wijit Kijvirat joined Nakhon Ratchasima Mayor Dr Wannarat Chankunakul and representatives from police, tourism, sports and cultural agencies to announce preparations for the annual event.

Organisers said the festival aims to preserve the traditional Buddhist Lent candle parade, promote local candle-carving craftsmanship and boost tourism in the province.

One of this year's major highlights will be a drone show combining modern technology with Buddhist history. The performance will depict the Buddha delivering his first sermon to the Five Ascetics on Asalha Puja Day through lights in the night sky.

The festival will also incorporate the traditional pottery craftsmanship of Dan Kwian into candle sculptures and Buddhist artworks, creating opportunities for young people and members of the public to learn local techniques and develop them for future candle floats.

Former deputy prime minister Suwat Liptapanlop is scheduled to preside over the opening parade, which will feature at least 13 candle floats.

The festival will also host competitions for Buddhist Lent candle floats for the royal trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in categories A, B and C. A Pong Lang music competition for trophies from the prime minister and deputy prime minister will be held on July 29.

A distinctive feature of the Korat festival is its satirical political candle sculptures. This year, Phimai district has prepared a surprise with a 1.9-metre-tall wax figure resembling Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Candle sculptor Watchara Nadee said the figure depicts Anutin standing and making a hand gesture associated with the government's "40-60 Thai Chuai Thai Plus" economic stimulus measure.

The figure is intended to add colour, capture current trends and attract more tourists, organisers said.

Phimai district will also hold its own "Join Merit, Join Worship: Phimai Buddhist Lent Candle Parade" on July 28–29 at Phrommathat grounds before its floats move to the provincial event for the main competition.

Among the major contenders is Wat Derm in Phimai, a former champion of the royal trophy in Category A. Its enormous 20-metre-long, 5.15-metre-high and 4-metre-wide float uses around 8 tonnes of wax.

Candle craftsman Kiattisak "Chang Ko" Duangthong said the float has taken three months to create and is now more than 85% complete.

The float will depict the Buddha's journey to Tavatimsa Heaven.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

AIS PLAY Launches All-in-One Sports Package for 199 Baht

AIS PLAY launched its PLAY ALL package at 199 baht monthly, offering live coverage of major international sports including the Bundesliga, NBA, NFL, and ATP tennis, plus exclusive Manchester United and Real Madrid channels. Thai viewers als

24 Jul Khaosod

AIS PLAY has reinforced its position as Thailand's top video streaming and entertainment platform by launching the "PLAY ALL" package, billed as an all-in-one sports and entertainment experience. The service delivers world-class content including the Bundesliga, NBA, NFL, ATP tennis, and major golf tournaments (LPGA Tour, PGA Tour, DP World Tour), along with exclusive access to Manchester United TV and Real Madrid TV channels. Thai sports fans can also watch live coverage of the Thai national team competing in the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, as well as complete local football league coverage and five major Muay Thai events from Rajadamnern Stadium.

The PLAY ALL package is priced at just 199 Baht per month, making premium international sports content and entertainment significantly more accessible to Thai audiences. The subscription includes live broadcasts, full-match replays, and highlight compilations across all sports categories. AIS PLAY positions the offering as part of its broader mission to deliver seamless entertainment through advanced mobile and broadband network infrastructure, combining top-tier global sports and entertainment partnerships into a single, affordable package.

No. 11 of ∞ Read at source → Next