Venerable Dhammachedee, formerly known as Phra Zoom Phanthulo, was a senior Buddhist monk greatly revered by the people of Udon Thani. He was a principal disciple of the renowned meditation master Luang Poo Chan Khemiko and served as ordination preceptor to several celebrated teachers, including Phra Ajarn Farn Acharo, Luang Poo Khao Analayo, Luang Poo On Yanasiri, and Luang Ta Maha Boowa Yanasampanno.

Born Zoom Chantrawong on Thursday, April 24, 1874, in Tha Uten village, Nakhon Phanom province, he was ordained at age 20 on March 9, 1891, at Wat Mahajai in Nong Bua Lam Phu district, Udon Thani, with Phra Kru Saeng Thammatho as his ordination preceptor. He then studied Buddhist teachings and monastic discipline under Phra Ajarn Sao and Phra Ajarn Man at Wat Leb forest monastery in Ubon Ratchathani province.

Venerable Dhammachedee passed away peacefully on July 11, 1961, at Siriraj Hospital at the age of 74 with 55 years of monastic life. In 1961, his disciples commissioned the creation of amulet coins to distribute to those making merit in his honor.

The coins feature a leaf-shaped design with a loop attachment, made of darkened bronze metal. The obverse displays the monk's portrait facing forward with his name "(Zoom) Chantrawong" inscribed below. The reverse features a seated Buddha image in meditation posture within a flame-shaped arch, with Dharmic script inscriptions on both sides. The second edition coins are nearly identical to the first, though observers may notice the Buddha image on the reverse is more sharply defined compared to the first edition.

On Sunday, June 28, 2026, Department of Religion Director-General Chaiyapol Sukhiam launched the "Dharma Milk Teeth" activity as part of the fiscal year 2026 moral and ethics promotion initiative. The event, held at True Digital Park's West branch in Bangkok, brought together officials, educators, corporate representatives, and 100 families with preschool-aged children.

Chaiyapol explained that the Department of Religion prioritizes instilling moral values in young children during a critical developmental period when cognitive, emotional, and behavioral foundations are being established. In partnership with True Corporation and the Minddrive Institute, the program integrates psychology, natural art, and ethical principles to help children learn through direct experience and practical application in daily life.

Participants engaged in both indoor and outdoor learning stations designed for young children and families. Facilitators from Minddrive Institute began with mindfulness exercises and the song "Peaceful Step," followed by meditation practice to prepare participants physically and mentally. Activities included creating "nature mandalas" from natural materials, Silent Time, and Deep Listening sessions to build concentration and attentiveness, plus structured games like "The Mindfulness Journey," "The Messenger of Peace," and "The Silent Tower."

Parents and children collaborated to write "mindfulness pledge letters" committing to incorporate mindfulness into daily life for three months and displayed their intentions on "mindfulness boards." A gallery walk allowed families to share their nature mandala artwork and exchange learning experiences. The program aims to shift parents from controllers to mentors and help children develop mindfulness, emotional regulation, communication skills, and healthy relationships—crucial foundations for growth into well-adjusted adults.

Fans are in for another hilarious ride as the beloved couple returns in "Peach and Me," the sequel to the popular series "Me and Thee." The new series chronicles the post-wedding life of Khun Theerawat (Pond Naravit) and Peach (Phuwinart Tangsakdiyuen) at the Aseeni mansion. After swearing to be more mindful, Khun Theerawat immediately insists on weekly honeymoons for six consecutive months, forcing Peach to request time off for work. Meanwhile, Rome (William Chakkraphath) steps in to manage the mansion as Khun Theerawat focuses more on his company, GMM Thee V. Viewers will witness whether Khun Theerawat can truly love mindfully and what chaos awaits at the Aseeni estate.

Pond commented on the series: "It's the post-wedding life story of Khun Theerawat and Peach. This installment has everything—humor, romance, and drama. I'd say the happiness quotient is even greater than before. The atmosphere on set remains warm and welcoming, and the catchphrases fans loved from the previous season are back and even better. Everyone will definitely laugh."

Pond also explained the challenges: "The difficulty lies in balancing the character. We've been away for about five months, so we had to review the script and understand Khun Theerawat again. This installment feels more complete and fulfilling. It's definitely pressurizing—it's a special season and everyone wants to watch it. Our team and I always say this isn't bonus content; we're giving it our all like the first season."

Phuwinart added: "This is a special season continuing the fun. It's neither particularly long nor short, but I believe fans of 'Me and Thee' will love 'Peach and Me' just as much. In the original series, it was Peach telling Khun Theerawat to be more mindful. This time, 'Peach and Me' reflects Khun Theerawat saying he's already mindful—but is he really? You'll have to watch the series to find out. Peach is just as chaotic this time around!"

Watch "Peach and Me" every Saturday at 8:30 p.m. on GMM25 and stream online at 9:30 p.m. on iQIYI app and iQ.com starting Saturday, July 11.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have jointly officiated the opening of the new road linking the Sadao Border Checkpoint in Songkhla province with the Buki...

The National Housing Authority (NHA) has launched the "Easy Purchase, Easy Payment" campaign under Social Development and Human Security Minister Nikorn Somklang's policy direction. The initiative covers 69 housing projects across Thailand, including 37 affordable housing projects, offering maximum price reductions of 20% along with credit and rent-to-own financing options. These measures aim to give low-income earners, seniors, people with disabilities, and vulnerable groups access to quality housing at fair prices.

On July 10, 2025, NHA Governor Thaveepong Wichaidit announced the agency has accelerated support measures through housing price reductions, special interest rates, and expanded financing and rent-to-own options to ensure all Thais can access housing equitably.

The campaign targets those rejected by commercial banks, allowing them to enter rent-to-own agreements directly with NHA. Standard projects feature tiered interest rates: years 1-3 at 2.5%, years 4-5 at 4.00%, years 6-10 at 5.75%, and years 11-40 at 6.70%. Selected projects offer special rates: year 1 at 0%, years 2-3 at 2.5%, years 4-5 at 4.00%, years 6-10 at 6.5%, and years 11-40 at 6.75%.

Borrowers can choose higher monthly payments to pay off loans faster. Credit bureau checks are waived for affordable housing, community housing, and social housing development projects. The campaign runs through September 30, 2025.

Current NHA renters can convert to rent-to-own contracts. Social housing projects require 1,000 baht deposits, while commercial projects require 5,000 baht. All participating units will be delivered in move-in condition or buyers can select a price discount for self-repairs under specified terms.

The campaign aims to increase housing access, reduce financial burdens, build housing security, improve living standards, and stimulate the real estate and national economy. For more information, contact NHA's Call Center at 1615 or visit www.nha.co.th.

WASHINGTON: ChatGPT-maker OpenAI released its most powerful artificial intelligence model to the public yesterday (July 9), with its chief executive saying the company made “many changes” to the system during a security review with the US government.