Monday, July 13, 2025 commemorates the 99th death anniversary of Phra Rajawichit Molee (Boonmee Paripunno), a distinguished senior Buddhist monk of Phichit province renowned for his virtuous conduct, strict adherence to monastic discipline, and genuine dedication to Buddhism. Originally named Boonmee Taengpan, he was born on Wednesday, July 13, 1927 at Ban Dan in Phichit city to parents Nai Hae and Nang Took Taengpan. He attended primary school at Wat Had Mun, completing fourth grade before ordaining as a monk at age 20 on March 26, 1948, receiving the monastic name Paripunno. He relocated to Wat Tha Luang to study Buddhist scripture, and by 1951 had earned bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Buddhist studies. After serving as a scripture instructor for over a decade, he was appointed to various monastic administrative positions, becoming abbot of Wat Tha Luang in 1986, district monastic leader in 1993, and eventually provincial monastic adviser in 2007. He championed Buddhist education by establishing secular curriculum studies within the temple and creating scholarship funds for economically disadvantaged monks and novices. In religious outreach, he established the Buddhason Merit Camp in 2000 for youth moral education and created a medicinal herb garden at Wat Tha Luang. He received numerous ecclesiastical ranks conferred by royal decree throughout his monastic career.

"The inner struggle is to overcome your own mind and endure all emotions," according to Luang Pho Cha Suphatto of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani. Luang Pho Song Anupuppo, a highly respected monk at Wat Nong Muang in Bang Pae district, Ratchaburi province, became famous for creating distinctive amulets, most notably his first-edition coin amulets from 1968. These oval-shaped copper amulets with loop attachments were cast in a single piece and blessed by the monk himself. Originally produced without date markings, later batches were modified with the year 1968 engraved on the reverse, making the undated versions exceptionally scarce. The obverse features a half-figure portrait with inscription below reading "B.E. 2511, Phra Kru Anurak Vorakun, Wat Nong Muang," bordered by Thai script. The reverse displays the monk's personal yantra symbol, making these amulets highly sought-after collector's pieces.

Luang Pu Bua Thamako, formally known as Phra Kru Sangkhakij Buriphon, was the abbot of Wat Sri Buripharam in Wang Krachae, Trat province, and became a renowned spiritual teacher throughout the region. His most popular amulet was a portrait coin created in 1981 to commemorate the temple's boundary consecration ceremony. The copper amulet was pre-cast in 1980 by his disciples with permission. Featuring an oval shape with a loop attachment, the obverse displays a half-figure portrait with the inscription "Commemorative Amulet for Wat Sri Buripharam's Boundary Consecration, Trat" above and "Phra Kru Sangkhakij Buriphon" below. The reverse bears a central yantra symbol with the year 1980 inscribed beneath, and these first-edition coins have grown increasingly rare.

Another significant ancient amulet is the "Phra Phuttha Trairatna Nayok" coin from Wat Phananchoeang in Ayutthaya province. Cast in copper with silver, gold, or blackened finishes, these arm-shaped amulets feature raised borders and wire-like edging. The obverse depicts the central Buddha figure in Mara-victory posture seated on an elevated throne, flanked by standing disciples Phra Mokkallana and Phra Sariputta. Thai script above reads "Phra Phuttha Trairatna Nayok." The reverse displays a "Yantra 3" symbol containing four Khmer characters reading "I Swa Su I," representing the essence of the Triple Gem. Thai script curved around the yantra reads "Wat Phananchoeang, Ancient City," with four Chinese characters at the base. These amulets remain popular collector's items.

Luang Pho Pao Buddhaisaro of Wat Tham Tao Ko in Khao Samor Khon, Tha Wung district, Lopburi province, was a revered local teacher who rarely commissioned amulets. Only two editions exist, both highly collectible, particularly the second edition with clearer historical documentation. The first edition, created in 1927 to commemorate temple restoration donors and boundary consecration, features a stupa form with connecting loops. The obverse displays a portrait with Thai script below reading "Phra Phuttha Saracharn Pao, Wat Tham Tao Ko." The reverse bears a square yantra surrounded by Thai script stating "In commemoration of the temple restoration and boundary consecration," with the production year 1927 at the bottom. These amulets are highly valued and rare in the region.

Luang Pho Chun Ratanalopa (Phra Kru Mongkhon Ratanaphirak) of Wat Khok Bam Ratsadorn in Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi, was a venerated Buddhist scholar whose wisdom commanded deep respect throughout the district. According to local accounts, even the Christian temple of Saint Anthony needed his blessing when casting religious medals. Born on October 20, 1899, in Wat Kaew, Bangpae, to parents Tim and Lamyai Iba Bon, young Chun studied Thai and Khmer literacy under Phra Ajarn Chaeng at Wat Kaew before moving to relatives in Don Kruai. At age 23, his relatives arranged his ordination at Wat Khok Bam Ratsadorn, where he received the monastic name Ratanalopa under the guidance of Luang Pho Hua. He spent ten monsoon seasons at Wat Khok Bam Ratsadorn before returning to Wat Kaew for eight seasons to care for his ailing father until the latter's death. Upon completing funeral rites, he returned to his original temple. In 1943, when the previous abbot passed away, villagers invited him to succeed as head monk. In 1954, during Luang Pho Rat's tenure, the temple underwent major reconstruction and received royal recognition for its monastery boundary in 1913. He rose through monastic ranks, receiving the titles Phra Kru Chaen Prathuan in 1961 and Phra Kru Chaen Sanyabat in 1971. His scholarship was so formidable that even respected teachers from neighboring temples acknowledged his exceptional knowledge. Beyond studying with local monks, Chun pursued esoteric knowledge including water blessing, protective amulets, and ritual cloth-making with various masters across Ratchaburi. Among his legendary accomplishments was a rain-stopping banner said to command miraculous power over wind and weather—stories tell of how during new chapel construction, rain mysteriously ceased around the flag for an entire year until villagers convinced him to remove it. A compassionate educator, Luang Pho Chun supported orphans through their schooling, helping many achieve success in their studies and monastic careers, including his eventual successor Luang Pho Prom. He died of old age on January 29, 1971.

On July 12, Bangkok Thonburi University held its 2569 Teacher Appreciation Ceremony at the BANGKOKTHONBURI HALL with President Professor Dr. Bangon Benjatikul presiding. The ceremony was designed to cultivate students' respect, gratitude, and sincere reverence for their teachers and instructors. In his remarks, Dr. Bangon encouraged students to understand the value of moral conduct and Thai cultural traditions, emphasizing their role as inheritors of intellectual and professional knowledge. He called on students to apply diligence, perseverance, and patience to achieve their educational goals. During the event, the university flags and faculty banners were presented to student representatives, and certificates of recognition were awarded to outstanding alumni and current students. The ceremony brought together faculty, administrators, undergraduate and graduate students, international students, alumni, artists, actors, and athletes affiliated with BTU. Additionally, various university departments organized a "mentoring and caring" program to strengthen bonds of mutual support and unity between faculty and students.

JAS, holder of exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasting rights in Thailand, joined forces with MONO streaming platform to turn Bangkok's early morning hours into a festive celebration for football enthusiasts. Thousands of fans arrived before daylight to claim spots at Vachirabenjatas Park (Railway Park) and watch the World Cup quarterfinals on a massive LED screen during the "FIFA WORLD CUP FAN PARK THAILAND 2026: LIVE THE GAME, SHARE THE MOMENT" event on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The festivities kicked off at 4 a.m. with Norway versus England, with fans from both nations wearing national jerseys, waving flags, and cheering enthusiastically. Norwegian supporters created an impressive Viking Row with drums and Nordic-style chanting that echoed throughout the park. Later that morning, before the Argentina versus Switzerland match, a pre-match discussion panel featuring four prominent football analysts—Guy-Nathapol Damronrojwattana, Yak-Jitkor Srikhomkrua, Jay-Waraphat Arunphakdi, and Game-Supavut Srikwan—discussed tactics, predicted outcomes, and entertained the crowd.

When the Argentina versus Switzerland match began, all eyes remained fixed on the giant LED screen. Throughout the event, stage activities offered merchandise from JAS and partners, creating a fan park experience completely different from watching at home. The event demonstrated football's unique power to unite people in shared excitement and emotion in an outdoor green space, breaking away from traditional home viewing and fostering creative community connection among supporters.

For details about upcoming events, follow JAS Group's Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/JASGroupFanpage

On July 12, 2569 (2026), Lieutenant General Winthaya Suvaree, army spokesperson, addressed criticism from Thavee Sodsong regarding the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC). The army said Thavee presented incomplete information in a misleading manner that failed to show the full picture and could confuse the public. The army is the primary unit providing personnel support to ISOC Region 4 Forward in addressing security challenges in the three southern provinces.

The army outlined three key points in response. First, regarding ISOC's 2570 (2027) budget of 5.737 billion baht with only 44.3 million allocated directly to salaries, the remaining 5.314 billion baht (92.6 percent) was distributed through other operational expenses according to Budget Bureau guidelines and accounting standards, not hidden through manipulation. Nearly all ISOC personnel work on loan from other government agencies, receiving monthly allowances of 2,500 baht plus daily meal stipends, which the Budget Bureau properly categorizes under "other expenses" following standard procedures.

Second, regarding the 4.305 billion baht allocated for southern operations, 2.341 billion represents personnel compensation in the form of allowances rather than salaries—a transparent distribution method mandated by the Budget Bureau's accounting regulations. This budget allocation pattern has remained consistent year after year, with roughly 75 percent dedicated to addressing the three southern provinces' security needs and approximately 70 percent of that going toward compensation for roughly 49,000 military, police, civil administration, and other government personnel.

Third, the army rejected claims of duplication, noting that the three southern provinces face uniquely complex and severe criminal challenges unlike other regions, directly impacting national security. The government assigned ISOC responsibility for addressing this distinct crisis. ISOC Region 4 Forward was established as the area-level command overseeing multiple specialized missions with military, police, and civilian personnel working in non-duplicative roles. The army noted that the Songkhla Regional Military Command focuses on development and public safety through law enforcement and social justice—roles distinct from ISOC's counter-insurgency mission.