The 2569 Inter-School Bridge Sports Championship, organized by the Department of Physical Education, concluded with Ban Wang Daeng School claiming the under-12 title, Watchrawitthaya School winning the under-15 division, and Sangkhomwittaya School taking the under-18 championship. The competition took place June 27-28 at the Sirikit Queen 60th Anniversary Sports Complex in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, with the closing ceremony presided over by Chayavat Phaetsaetsit, chairman of the Thai Bridge Sports Association, along with representatives from Bangkok Bank and other sponsors awarding medals to champions.

The tournament, jointly organized by the Thai Bridge Sports Association and the Department of Physical Education under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, aimed to develop young bridge athletes and provide a platform for them to showcase their talents as future representatives of Thai bridge at international competitions. The event featured three age categories—under-12, under-15, and under-18—with over 200 students from schools nationwide participating.

In the under-12 division, Ban Wang Daeng School's team of Araya Thogthabjuntra, Thanyanok Laongeok, Ranilda Punchhai, and Aphiwich Phaeng won gold. The silver medal went to Rajabhat Phibulsongkram Demonstration School, while two teams shared bronze: Benjamrachaleigh School and Wat Suthad School. In the under-15 category, Watchrawitthaya School's quartet of Siripat Chittariyapong, Kittiwat Nutthayothin, Kiatiwai Saengpharae, and Surivibha Chanwongkit claimed gold. Under-18 gold went to Sangkhomwittaya School's team of Phibat Namlai, Krisana Ruangravingka, Adisak Phitakwapee, Thanawat Lakkhaeng, Phimwat Muangmaiithong, and Pongsagorn Thongsong.

Farieda has been admitted to hospital urgently with minor bleeding, according to lawyer Pattana's announcement on June 29. This comes after weeks of public attention following her revelation that she is pregnant with the child of young singer Tinitini of New Country, which required DNA testing to confirm paternity. DNA results confirmed the child was indeed Tinitini's, and after learning the results, he stated his willingness to take responsibility. Both parties subsequently resolved the matter publicly on a talk show in a friendly manner. Recently, lawyer Pattana posted on Facebook with an image of Farieda sitting on a hospital gurney, stating: "She is currently at the hospital awaiting examination with the doctor. Her initial symptoms show minor bleeding." Following the post's release, numerous comments poured in expressing concern for Farieda and her unborn child, with many sharing similar experiences from their own pregnancies and urging her to be cautious. Some commenters warned that even minor bleeding during pregnancy can be serious, citing their own experiences of miscarriage preceded by light spotting. Updates on her condition are awaited from lawyer Pattana or Farieda herself, with well-wishers hoping for the safety of both mother and child.

On June 29, Surapong Intharawat, Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), announced progress in the investigation of state officials accused of misconduct and corruption in connection with a 2025 local government recruitment exam scheme. The alleged fraud involved rigging recruitment tests to favor certain contractors and candidates, enabling over 3,000 individuals to be hired as local government employees in exchange for bribes starting at 300,000 baht each.

The NACC office stated that it has completed preliminary investigations and compiled evidence to present to the commission for formal inquiry and prosecution within the coming week. The case involves charges of officials performing or failing to perform their duties improperly or with corruption, causing damage to the public. The NACC will coordinate with investigation officers on related offenses including document forgery and false data entry under the 2017 Computer Crime Act.

Parallel investigations into the financial transactions and asset audits of those involved are underway. The commission will cooperate with any fact-finding committee established by the Ministry of Interior. The NACC has set a work framework to complete the investigation within 3-6 months given the high public interest in the case. Further updates will be announced periodically.

At 2 p.m. on June 29, a reporter met with Ms. Kannika (surname withheld), 23, at an apartment building on Sai Wad Soi 3, Pak Nam subdistrict, Mueang district, Samut Prakan province. The victim presented CCTV footage, a daily record log, and medical certification showing a fractured lip after being punched by a male resident while she was holding her infant son.

Ms. Kannika explained that on June 28 around midday, while she was resting in her room with her young son, the child suddenly woke startled by noise. The male resident from the same building was talking loudly on his phone on the stairwell leading to the second floor without concern for others. Disturbed that her sleeping child had awakened, she muttered insults out loud in frustration. The man apparently heard her, interpreted it as directed at him, and came to her room door cursing at her with crude language. When she came out to speak with him, a heated argument ensued. Without warning, he struck her face violently while she was still holding her baby in her arms, showing no concern that the child could be harmed if she fell.

After the incident, she went to Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station to file a complaint and request action against the man. However, after police called the man in for questioning, they told her that she was at fault for cursing at him first. Shocked and confused, she tried to explain that the man's loud phone call had startled her sleeping child, but police dismissed her explanation. They even warned her that if she pursued the case in court, she would still be found at fault.

Felt unjustly treated—struck and bleeding yet deemed responsible—she is appealing through the media to senior police officials at Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station for justice and intends to pursue the case against the perpetrator to the fullest extent.

A man from Kunming, Yunnan province, China posted a complaint on June 28 after his luxury red Ferrari, valued at 3.6 million yuan (approximately 17.6 million baht), was damaged by four children climbing and playing on it. The car owner explained that while he was away on business, he parked his vehicle in a designated parking area. Upon returning, he noticed scratch marks and checked security camera footage, which showed four children climbing onto the car's roof and gleefully sliding down for several minutes. He immediately returned to inspect the damage and found numerous scratches—both short and long—along with a cracked bumper, totaling at least 14 damage points concentrated on the roof and front fender area. After reporting the incident and attempting mediation with the children's parents, the parents initially offered only a few hundred yuan before increasing their offer to 1,000 yuan (approximately 4,800 baht), and finally proposing a total compensation of 5,000 yuan (approximately 24,000 baht). The car owner felt the parents were not genuinely taking responsibility and decided to pursue legal action, demanding full repair costs. The car has already been serviced twice with expenses approaching 30,000 yuan (approximately 146,000 baht). Many internet users have shown support for the car owner's decision to pursue legal action, with comments such as "They must pay in full," "Don't let disobedient children off the hook so easily," and "Children behave badly because parents don't discipline them, so parents must take full responsibility."

ANG THONG — 29 June 2026, A rare Garuda sculpture in a flying posture has been found at a temple hall in Ang Thong, drawing attention for its unusual design. Unlike traditional depictions of the mythical figure in seated or standing poses, this soaring Garuda is believed to be one of a kind. A temple official has revealed some of its history, but the reason behind its distinctive design remains known only to the artisan.

On Monday, reporters visited Sri Maha Pho Temple in Rong Chang subdistrict, Pa Mok district, Ang Thong province, to inspect the striking stucco sculpture, estimated to be around 60 to 70 years old. The "Flying Garuda" is positioned on the pediment of the temple's refectory and stands out from the more common seated or standing Garuda figures typically seen in Thai religious architecture.

The temple's abbot and Ecclesiastical Sub-district Head of Bang Sadet, Phra Kru Viboon Photharangkan, said the Garuda sculpture has been in place for many decades. According to historical records, it dates back to the tenure of a former abbot. While other parts of the temple have undergone renovations over the years, the refectory housing the Flying Garuda has remained unchanged.

An 87-year-old lay administrator at the temple said the refectory featuring the Flying Garuda, also referred to as the "Swooping Garuda," is likely at least 50 years old. He recalled watching the sculpture being created in his youth during the tenure of Abbot Phra Sansoen. According to him, it was crafted by an artisan named Krit, although the reason the craftsman chose to depict the Garuda in a flying posture remains unknown.

Former Fine Arts Department director-general Anek Sihamat said the area surrounding Sri Maha Pho Temple was an ancient settlement dating from the late Ayutthaya period to the early Rattanakosin era. Traces of historic religious structures remain visible today, including an ancient chedi, or stupa, behind the temple and temple bases decorated with Ayutthaya-period stucco crown motifs.

Regarding the refectory's pediment, Anek explained that royal artisans traditionally depicted Garuda figures in either seated or standing postures, making flying depictions extremely rare. He believes the Flying Garuda was the work of a local folk artisan who wanted to create a unique interpretation. As seen on the pediment, the Garuda is portrayed soaring with both feet raised while holding a naga, a mythical serpent, between its legs.

Garuda sculptures placed on temple pediments are traditionally believed to protect sacred buildings from harm, symbolise divine power and represent the official royal emblem of the Thai monarchy. The refectory also bears the inscription "Traimit Upatham."