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Over 600 Ancient Buddha Amulets Unearthed at Ratchaburi Temple

More than 600 ancient Buddha amulets were discovered in ceramic vessels buried beneath a statue at Wat Khlong Suwan Kiri temple in Ratchaburi during renovation work. The amulets, bearing marks of a revered 19th-century monk, vary in conditi

Over 600 Ancient Buddha Amulets Unearthed at Ratchaburi Temple
25 Jul Khaosod

A remarkable discovery was made at Wat Khlong Suwan Kiri in Ratchaburi when workers demolishing a hall to build a new one uncovered two ancient ceramic vessels containing over 600 powder Buddha amulets buried beneath the base of a large Buddha statue. The amulets bear the imprint of Luang Pu Phu from Wat Indrawihan, Bangkok, a venerated monk from an earlier era and a contemporary of the revered Somdej Toh of Wat Rakang.

The first vessel yielded 295 amulets, while the second contained 328, for a combined total of 623 pieces in varying conditions. Some show intact surfaces with patina, while others are discolored or fragmented into pieces. The amulets include several styles: large and medium-sized pieces, square forms, roof-topped variants, seven-tiered designs, and rounded-arm styles. However, scholars have not yet confirmed whether they are definitively from Luang Pu Phu's era.

Construction workers Chittathep, 20, and Nattapol, 34, who discovered the vessels while clearing a corner of the hall, recalled being startled to find the ancient ceramic containers filled with Buddha amulets. They immediately reported the discovery to the abbot. The abbot, Phra Khru Bai Tikasupoj Theerawattho, explained that the temple is renovating its grounds and plans to relocate buildings for a better layout. The initial construction budget stands at approximately 650,000 baht, with an additional 300,000 baht allocated for interior improvements. The temple is seeking donations for the project and will later determine pricing for those wishing to sponsor individual amulet plaques. A temple committee will meet again to finalize details.

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Police

Drunk Myanmar Driver Crashes Into Motorcycles, Kills Two

A drunk Myanmar driver with a blood alcohol level of 239 mg% crashed his pickup truck into motorcycles on a Phuket road, killing two people and injuring three others on July 25.

Drunk Myanmar Driver Crashes Into Motorcycles, Kills Two
25 Jul Khaosod

A heavily intoxicated Myanmar man drove a black Suzuki pickup truck that struck a motorcycle before fleeing and colliding with several other motorcycles parked in front of a shop, resulting in two deaths and three injuries. Officers measured the driver's blood alcohol level at 239 mg%.

At 7:30 p.m. on July 25, 2025, Sergeant Major Niwat Timketu of Thalang Police Station received a report of a vehicle crashing into multiple motorcycles on the road leading to Ton Sai Waterfall in Thalang District, Phuket Province. He reported the incident to Pol. Col. Nikorn Chutong, commander of Thalang Police Station, and proceeded to investigate with relevant officers.

At the scene, police found a black Suzuki Caribian pickup truck with a Phuket license plate driven by 42-year-old Myanmar national Aung Min Oo. Four motorcycles were damaged, including a black Honda Click ridden by 24-year-old Thanawichaya (injured), a blue Honda Scoopy ridden by 60-year-old Kanut (injured), a Honda Wave ridden by 36-year-old Nirun (injured), and a red Honda Wave ridden by 45-year-old Mariam (injured).

Investigation revealed that Thanawichaya was riding from the Thalang side toward Ton Sai Waterfall when the pickup truck driven by Aung Min Oo, coming from the waterfall direction, struck him. The pickup driver then attempted to flee toward Thalang but lost control and hit three other motorcycles parked in front of a shop, damaging vehicles and injuring additional people.

Officers detected signs of intoxication and conducted a blood alcohol test, which showed a level of 239 mg%, leading to the driver's detention and preliminary charges. At 9:40 p.m., Thalang Hospital reported that Thanawichaya, 24, and Mariam, 45, had died from their injuries, bringing the total death toll to two with three others injured. Thalang Police investigators are gathering evidence and will proceed with legal action against the pickup driver.

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Police

Police Escort Vehicle Hits Motorcycle Couple Heading to Grandchild's Wedding

A police escort vehicle struck a motorcycle couple in Udon Thani province on July 25, killing both riders who were heading to their grandchild's wedding.

Police Escort Vehicle Hits Motorcycle Couple Heading to Grandchild's Wedding
25 Jul Khaosod

On July 25, 2025, investigators from Na Kha Police Station received a report of a collision between a police pickup truck escorting a detainee and a motorcycle at the intersection of Ban Dong Phak Naam–Ban Du in Ban Khao subdistrict, Muang district, Udon Thani province. Both motorcycle riders sustained severe injuries and were rushed to Udon Thani Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.

The two victims were identified as Sida Suwannajak, 57, and Sanguan Chansawang, 62, a husband and wife. They had been traveling by motorcycle to attend their grandchild's wedding ceremony across the street when the police escort vehicle struck them. At the scene, the pickup truck showed damage to its front bumper and bumper guards.

Investigators determined that before the accident, the couple had left their home on their motorcycle to cross the intersection and reach the wedding venue. The police pickup truck, which was en route to deposit a detainee at Udon Thani Provincial Court, struck them with considerable force.

The intersection is known to be a frequent site of accidents due to speeding vehicles passing through the residential area and reckless teenage drivers. Residents are urging relevant authorities to install traffic lights, speed-reduction warning signs, and other safety measures to prevent future serious accidents. The pickup truck driver and commander have visited the hospital to check on the injured, though no discussions regarding compensation have yet taken place with the victim's family. Police investigators are continuing to examine the scene, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to determine the cause of the accident and proceed with legal action.

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National

Politicians Defend iLaw Director, Urge State Protection for Whistleblowers

Civil society is rallying at parliament July 26 to expose Senate election fraud and support iLaw director Pao Yingcheep, with politicians urging state protection for whistleblowers revealing alleged electoral misconduct.

Politicians Defend iLaw Director, Urge State Protection for Whistleblowers
25 Jul Khaosod

Civil society is preparing a major rally at parliament on July 26 to expose Senate election fraud and give voice to witnesses, while offering support to Pao iLaw (Yingcheep Atchanont), director of the Internet for People Law Project (iLaw), and other courageous whistleblowers. Political leaders including Deputy Opposition Leader Pricha Wattanasing will attend the event titled "Stop the Senate Fraud Scheme: Expose the Truth, Open the Witnesses' Hearts," which will invite the public, alternate senators, and former 2567 Senate candidates to participate.

Online campaigns are also supporting Pao iLaw and all whistleblowers with the message "You will never walk alone," vowing to continue fighting until the Election Commission (EC) files charges in court. Police General Thawee Sodsong, a party-list MP and Palang Pracharath Party leader, emphasized that society must protect those brave enough to expose Senate election fraud, citing a 2569 Constitutional Court ruling that establishes five key principles: strict standards for ministerial conduct and oversight; integrity as paramount; serious ethical violations resulting in lifetime disqualification from office; the state's duty to protect whistleblowers; and the need for the EC and DSI to work transparently together without political interference.

Meanwhile, Abhisit Vejjajiva, a party-list MP and Democrat Party leader, criticized politicians for filing defamation suits against Pao iLaw following his disclosure of nine individuals allegedly involved in the Senate fraud case, noting that the EC cannot withstand public scrutiny by silencing whistleblowers.

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Police

Thai Woman Files Police Report Against Italian Student Group on BTS

A Thai woman filed a police complaint against 48 Italian students who harassed her on Bangkok's BTS Skytrain after she asked them to be quiet, with their adult supervisor defending rather than disciplining the group.

25 Jul Khaosod

A 25-year-old Thai woman named Sukas filed a police complaint at Sam Saen Police Station after nearly five hours of questioning over an incident involving a group of Italian students. On the day of the incident, Sukas was traveling home on the BTS Skytrain from Siam to Bang Wa station when 48 Italian students boarded at Sala Daeng station and made loud noise throughout the journey until Chong Nonsi station. When Sukas politely asked them in English to be quiet, they responded with rude Italian remarks, crude gestures, sexual harassment, and racist bullying toward Asians. Notably, an adult supervisor accompanying the group defended the students' behavior instead of disciplining them, saying "How can a large group be quiet?" and making sarcastic comments about bringing money to Thailand. The students continued their offensive behavior until getting off at Thonburi station, while no other passengers came to Sukas's aid.

Sukas decided to file a police report to pursue legal action and to prevent such behavior from being treated as acceptable. While grateful for the public support and viral attention that led to identifying the group, she emphasized wanting sincere apologies to Thailand and Thai people collectively, not just to herself. She also urged against using violence in response, noting that it would damage Thailand's reputation. She is cooperating with police in gathering evidence for charges against the Italian students and stressed the importance of respecting others' rights, saying that a gentle warning should be sufficient to teach proper conduct.

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National

Thailand Crushes Laos 5-0 in ASEAN Cup 2026 Opener

Thailand's mixed squad dominated Laos 5-0 in the ASEAN Cup opener on July 25, with a red card to Laos in the first half helping the hosts run riot in the second period.

Thailand Crushes Laos 5-0 in ASEAN Cup 2026 Opener
25 Jul Khaosod

Thailand's mixed squad delivered an impressive performance, routing Laos at home in the opening Group B match of the 2026 ASEAN Cup on July 25, 2026, at the Laos National Stadium. Under head coach Anthony Hudson, Thailand opened the scoring in just 11 minutes with a corner kick, as Saraç Öyüzen set up Thiersakchai Paipamai for the header. Thailand doubled the lead in the 27th minute when Saraç Öyüzen intercepted a ball in midfield and passed to Kanena Khamyok, who finished with his right foot.

Before the end of the first half, Laos was reduced to ten men after Petchdawan Somsanit was sent off with a red card for fouling Yossakorn Boobpah on a clear chance. Thailand went into halftime leading 2-0. In the second half, Thailand added three more goals with a man-advantage: Yossakorn Boobpah in the 49th minute, Saraç Öyüzen in the 52nd minute, and Kanena Khamyok again in the 59th minute for his second of the match. Thailand won 5-0 to secure three points and a perfect start in the ASEAN Cup.

Thailand's next match will be at home against Malaysia at Suphachalasai Stadium on August 1, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.

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National

Senators Raise Funds for Border Road in Surin

Three Surin senators raised 500,000 baht for a border road project at Chong Samet, a strategic crossing near recent Thai-Cambodian clashes, with funds covering construction costs before the rainy season.

Senators Raise Funds for Border Road in Surin
25 Jul Khaosod

On July 25, 2026, at Suttithamaram Temple in Surin, Lieutenant General Boonchan Nualsai and fellow senators Rujiphas Meekusol (Surin) and Sakol Phoolsirigun (Nakhon Phanom) presented 500,000 baht in donations collected from the "Jungle Cloth for the Nation" fundraiser to Luang Pu Yuen Khantipoло, the provincial abbot of Surin.

The funds will support road improvements at Chong Samet in Pamondongrak district, a strategically important border point where Thai forces have reinforced sovereignty following recent combat. The money covers operational costs including fuel for trucks and heavy machinery, as well as food and water for personnel constructing the 2.5-kilometer road.

The senators and local representatives organized the fundraiser after obtaining recycled asphalt materials from Highway 24 but lacking sufficient budget for construction. Lieutenant General Boonchan thanked all senators and the public for their support, emphasizing the urgency of completing the road before the rainy season to ensure continued supply and troop operations.

Regarding the Thai-Cambodian border situation in Surin, security forces maintain close surveillance of Cambodian military movements. Over the past year since recent clashes, there have been frequent provocations, though border residents continue normal activities with heightened vigilance and ongoing readiness amid unpredictable circumstances.

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National

Wat Phra Mahathat Becomes Thailand's 9th UNESCO Site

At the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, UNESCO officially inscribed Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat as a cultural World Heritage Site, making ...

25 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

At the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, UNESCO officially inscribed Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat as a cultural World Heritage Site, making ...

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Man Arrested for Fatally Stabbing Salad Vendor in Chumphon

A 38-year-old man has been arrested in Chumphon after fatally stabbing a 48-year-old salad vendor on Petchkasem Road; the suspect confessed to the killing and police recovered an 8-inch knife at the scene.

Man Arrested for Fatally Stabbing Salad Vendor in Chumphon
25 Jul Khaosod

At 3:51 p.m. on July 25, Ta Sae Police Station in Chumphon received a report of assault resulting in death at Nong Nui Salad Shop on Petchkasem Road in Ta Khaam subdistrict, Ta Sae district. Officers responded and found the body of Naree Chulkham, 48, a local vendor, who had been stabbed with a knife and lay dead in a pool of blood inside the shop.

Investigators identified the suspect as Sutin Rakkeua, 38, from Hin Kaew subdistrict, Ta Sae district. Police quickly tracked him down and made an arrest, recovering an 8-inch knife believed to be the murder weapon.

During initial questioning, the suspect confessed to stabbing the victim before fleeing the scene. Police are holding him at Ta Sae Station for further investigation to determine his true motive and gather additional evidence before formally filing charges and proceeding with legal action.

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National

National Sports Fund Overhauls Budget Allocation by Athletic Potential

Thailand's National Sports Development Fund will overhaul budget allocation starting 2027, shifting from historical baselines to a merit-based system that ranks sports associations by athletic potential and capability.

National Sports Fund Overhauls Budget Allocation by Athletic Potential
25 Jul Khaosod

The National Sports Development Fund has introduced allocation criteria based on athletic potential for the first time, ending the practice of distributing budgets based on historical baselines beginning in fiscal year 2027. This follows Thai Triathlon Association President Dr. Wijit Sittinavawin filing a petition with the Central Administrative Court requesting disclosure of sports budget allocation data from fiscal years 2024–2026.

The fund expressed gratitude to all sports associations for their feedback on budget allocation, payment delays, and operational procedures. It confirmed that all concerns raised have been continuously acknowledged and that reforms have already begun for fiscal year 2027 under the management committee's supervision, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Thongsri, with Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Punprachaiwong as vice chair. The committee approved these reforms at its ninth meeting on July 23, 2025.

The reform includes two key initiatives. First, the fund has revised budget allocation criteria to account for the different potential and needs of each sport. Previously, allocations were based on historical baselines, raising concerns about fairness given the varying missions, costs, and development potential of different sports. The new system establishes clear, transparent, and auditable allocation standards based on each sport's actual capability and requirements.

Second, the fund has established a tiered allocation framework for 10 sports associations in the first phase, drawn from 90 associations using the title "of Thailand." Budget allocations are grouped into four capability levels, with the highest-potential sports receiving up to 35 million baht per association, and tiers below determined by assessed potential. The new approach employs zero-based budgeting principles to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and equitable distribution across all funding sources, departing from discretionary decisions tied to previous allocations.

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Police

Court Grants Bail to Three Members of 'Pho Thippy' Gang

A Bangkok court granted bail to three members of the "Pho Thai Thippy" gang accused of illegally registering birth certificates for nearly 1,500 foreign children. The Chinese nationals and Thai suspect were ordered to surrender passports an

Court Grants Bail to Three Members of 'Pho Thippy' Gang
25 Jul Khaosod

On July 25, 2569, the Criminal Court on Ratchadamri Road heard the first custody hearing for four suspects including Mong (Mongkhol), Vor (Vorthmet), known as "Pho Thai Thippy," Hu, and Chinese national Xi in connection with an illegal birth registration scheme. Prosecutors from Huai Khwang Police Station presented charges of joint use or presentation of false evidence and submission of falsified or forged data to computer systems. All four defendants denied all charges.

The court approved temporary detention for all four suspects. Xi Tang, 39, and Zhenshan Hu, 40, both Chinese nationals, requested release on bail in two separate cases (2063/2569 and 2064/2569). The court granted bail at 41,250 baht per case per person, imposed travel restrictions prohibiting departure from Thailand without court permission, and ordered their passports seized and reported to immigration authorities.

Mongkhol, 50, in case 2064/2569, was granted bail at 17,500 baht with a cash security requirement. Vorthmet, 25, in case 2063/2569, did not request bail and was immediately remanded to Bangkok Special Prison.

The "Pho Thai Thippy" network was found to have illegally registered birth certificates for nearly 1,500 foreign children, with the gang claiming affection for Thailand and desire to grant citizenship to the children.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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