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No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

PM Seeks T&G Partnership to Boost Thai Fruit Exports

PM Anuthin met with T&G Global in New Zealand to boost Thai fruit exports through integrating local agricultural products into the company's global distribution network. The partnership aims to improve cultivation standards and reach consum

PM Seeks T&G Partnership to Boost Thai Fruit Exports
1h ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnweerakul and his delegation held talks with T&G Global executives in Auckland, New Zealand on August 20 to explore expanded cooperation and investment opportunities in Thailand. According to Naruetan Thedtheerashakdi, secretary-general of the Board of Investment, the discussions centered on integrating Thai high-quality fruits and agricultural products into T&G's global distribution network to reach markets across the region and worldwide. The prime minister proposed applying T&G's experience in transforming local agricultural products into world-class branded apples to improve Thai fruit cultivation standards, harvesting, packaging, and value-added production.

Thailand's strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia connects it to over 700 million consumers and benefits from robust infrastructure including Laem Chabang Port, Suvarnabhumi Airport, cold chain systems, and logistics providers. This cooperation would benefit Thailand's approximately 6.4 million farming households, nearly one-third of the national workforce, by opening global markets for their produce. Both parties also discussed research and development partnerships, particularly in post-harvest management technology and agricultural storage methods to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables without chemical preservatives.

T&G Global, founded in 1887, is one of New Zealand's largest and oldest horticultural companies, operating integrated operations from crop research and development through cultivation, packaging, storage, logistics, and distribution. The company operates farms in 10 countries and sells fresh fruit in over 50 nations worldwide, with apples accounting for approximately 67 percent of revenue. Premium brands include ENVY, JAZZ, and Orchard Rd. T&G operates in Thailand through T&G South East Asia, headquartered in Bangkok since 2016, and has been granted investment promotion status for an International Business Center, making Thailand a key base for Southeast Asian operations.

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Police

Police Find No Evidence of Street Solicitation in Pathum Thani

Pathum Thani police found no evidence of street solicitation at the Rattanakosindr 200 Years estate after investigating viral social media reports of a woman soliciting near the housing development and Rangsit railway station.

Police Find No Evidence of Street Solicitation in Pathum Thani
1h ago Khaosod

Pathum Thani Provincial Police conducted an inspection of the Rattanakosindr 200 Years housing estate but found no sign of the reported woman engaging in street solicitation, contrary to earlier viral social media posts. Following reports circulating on social media in Pathum Thani province of a young woman displaying solicitation behavior—sitting on a chair along the roadside and on motorcycles near the Rattanakosindr 200 Years estate and Rangsit railway station while waving at passing drivers—multiple media outlets had previously covered the story. The Pathum Thani News Facebook page recently posted a 21-second video clip showing the Investigation Division of Pathum Thani Provincial Police deploying officers with an EOD vehicle to the area to investigate the complaints at the Rattanakosindr 200 Years housing estate. The police operation found no evidence of any persons engaged in illegal activity.

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National

Deputy PM Stays in Nan for Second Night to Oversee Flood Response

Deputy PM Yotchasnan Wongsudsadej stayed a second night in Nan Province to oversee flood response efforts, visiting evacuation centers and affected communities while water levels approached 1.5 meters in some areas.

Deputy PM Stays in Nan for Second Night to Oversee Flood Response
1h ago Khaosod

On August 20, 2569, following a briefing at the unified Single Command center for flood prevention and mitigation in Nan Province, Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Yotchasnan Wongsudsadej, along with the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Nan Provincial Governor Chairongon Wongyai, Nan Provincial Administrative Organization Chairman Naprat Thawong, former Public Health Minister Dr. Chonlanan Srikhaew, and former Nan MP Songyad Ramsoot, led a delegation to the affected areas to monitor the situation and provide moral support to residents.

The group visited evacuation centers at Nan Municipal Sub-district Municipality to meet with disaster survivors, finding them in good spirits, feeling safe, and preparing to return home soon to clean and restore their homes. The deputy prime minister instructed relevant officials to ensure adequate food, clean drinking water, bedding, medications, and medical supplies to support public health continuously through the post-flood period.

The delegation then traveled to Phumin-Tali communities to provide encouragement, drinking water, and relief packages. They proceeded to Klang Wiang Sub-district Municipality to distribute aid packages and assess conditions. At this second location, the team had to take boats to navigate through floodwaters reaching approximately 1.50 meters, with a new surge of water expected within two hours. The area houses elderly residents living alone and is the final collection point before water flows to downstream dams.

The delegation continued to the Department of Public Works Bridge crossing the Nan River, which had risen significantly and was impassable for residents. Water had also overflowed into surrounding communities, prompting officials and villagers to urgently place sandbag barriers to prevent further flooding.

Given the severity of the situation, the deputy prime minister decided to remain in Nan for a second consecutive night, maintaining 24-hour command center operations to monitor water conditions closely. He confirmed his readiness to coordinate emergency assistance if the situation worsens, and will remain in command until the flood crisis subsides.

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Regional

Village Residents Dispute Private Detective's Affair Allegations

A private investigator's report alleging an affair between a school principal and teacher in Buriram has drawn fierce denials from villagers, who claim the detective fabricated evidence and misrepresented photographs taken at a temple crema

Village Residents Dispute Private Detective's Affair Allegations
1h ago Khaosod

A controversy has erupted on social media after private investigator Boy released an investigation report alleging an affair between a school principal and a teacher. The teacher's husband, whose infant child is only four months old, hired the investigator after noticing his wife frequently leaving home at night claiming to shop at the market. Rumors had also circulated among villagers and school staff that the teacher and principal had grown unusually close at the school.

Boy's report claimed to show photographs and video evidence of the pair meeting and engaging in intimate behavior at a crematorium site within the temple grounds in Buriram province. However, when reporters visited Nong Bos Temple in Buri Ram, they found locals with a different account. A 46-year-old woman identified as Ms. A, a temple committee member, stated that on August 19 in the evening, a black Nissan with Bangkok license plates did park near the crematorium. About seven to eight people were present, and they watched two men get out to photograph the crematorium, temple, and surrounding forest. When villagers questioned them about the long parking, the men said they were smoking. Ms. A emphasized that no woman or principal was seen in the area, and the photographs published showing the crematorium were genuine, but the context and people depicted were not.

Ms. Om, a 53-year-old school cook, similarly refuted the report as entirely false. She noted the school has only seven teachers—five women and two men—most with children aged eight or nine, and no staff member has a two-month-old child. She also stated the school lacks a principal due to low student numbers and has only an acting director. However, she acknowledged that a suspicious black sedan had been circling the school, and her husband filmed its license plate. When police checked, the plate did not match the vehicle. Residents are questioning the investigator's claims and calling for him to provide clearer evidence.

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National

Anti-Corruption Agency Vows to Monitor TH-AI Passport Launch

Thailand's anti-corruption agency is investigating whether the Digital Economy minister gave unfair advantages to private firms in the TH-AI Passport project, launching August 31, while pledging to monitor for corruption throughout implemen

Anti-Corruption Agency Vows to Monitor TH-AI Passport Launch
1h ago Khaosod

The secretary-general of the National Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed on August 20 that the agency is investigating whether Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyachanok Chidchob has granted unfair advantages to private firms through specification locks in the TH-AI Passport project. The investigation is currently ongoing. When asked whether the agency would monitor the project for corruption when it launches on August 31, the secretary-general said the commission is already running legal and preventive measures in tandem, including both proactive and reactive work, enforcement, and investigations, with field officers already stationed to watch for misconduct. He added that while public concerns persist, project implementation remains the government's responsibility while the anti-corruption agency handles oversight, and no action should prevent the programme from going forward.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Arrest Notorious Scam Ringleader in Pumpkin Seed Betting Fraud

Police arrested a 71-year-old woman, the ringleader of a pumpkin seed betting scam that defrauded a Phuket man of over 9 million baht. The gang posed as land buyers and betting contacts to build trust before manipulating games and extractin

Police Arrest Notorious Scam Ringleader in Pumpkin Seed Betting Fraud
1h ago Khaosod

On August 20, 2025, police arrested Tiwali, alias 'Grandma So,' a 71-year-old woman wanted under court warrants from Phuket Provincial Court and Kalasin Provincial Court on charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and illegal gambling operation. She was apprehended in Phuket city.

The victim initially advertised land for sale in Phuket worth approximately 2 million baht. A gang posing as potential buyers, including figures known as 'Dom' and 'So,' approached the victim to build trust. When the victim showed serious interest, they introduced him to 'Hong,' a supposed wealthy woman with large cash holdings and a fondness for pumpkin seed betting.

The gang member 'Tiger' then convinced the victim to invest in betting games, teaching him what appeared to be winning strategies. In the initial rounds, the gang deliberately lost several times to encourage the victim to increase his bets. During the sixth round with much higher stakes, they secretly removed a pumpkin seed to manipulate the outcome in Hong's favor.

When results did not match expectations, Tiger blamed the victim for losing a seed, claiming he was responsible for the loss and must repay all bets. Using this deception repeatedly, the gang extracted over 9 million baht from the victim.

Upon realizing he had been defrauded, the victim filed a complaint. Police obtained arrest warrants and apprehended multiple gang members, including Tiwali. During initial questioning, she denied all charges. However, a criminal records check revealed she is a professional scammer with a 15-year history involving numerous cases nationwide, causing total damages exceeding 64 million baht. She was detained and referred for prosecution.

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National

Deputy PM Defends Local Ties, Denies Senate Takeover Link

Deputy PM Songsak Thongsri dismissed allegations linking him to a Senate takeover plot, saying his local connections stem from decades of government work and public service, not any conspiracy.

Deputy PM Defends Local Ties, Denies Senate Takeover Link
1h ago Khaosod

At 12:50 p.m. on August 20 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri responded to the opposition's plans to file a no-confidence motion, calling it normal parliamentary work. He said the government welcomes scrutiny of government affairs and is ready to be inspected on matters within the cabinet's responsibility.

When asked whether a Senate-related debate would concern the government, Songsak explained that the government comes from House of Representatives votes, and the Constitution does not show the Senate forming the government. Therefore, a no-confidence debate should focus on the Prime Minister and cabinet, while Senate matters would be for the Senate's judgment, particularly the Senate President's role in vetting the motion.

Regarding allegations by Preesat Wachrasindhu, a Pheu Thai list MP, that Withaya Kampuang, subdistrict mayor of Ponsah in Nong Khai, is linked to him and connected to a Senate takeover plot, Songsak laughed. He recalled attending a royal cremation the day before, where many people asked for photos with him. "Some I recognize, some I hardly know. If someone asks for a photo, I can't refuse," he said.

Songsak added that as former Interior Ministry official, he worked closely with local governments and developed local projects. "Of course I know local officials. I've been an MP since 1992, not just recently. People will naturally know me. I don't deny knowing many people, but I won't do anything illegal," he stated. He firmly denied any involvement in a Senate takeover scheme, saying such arrangements have their own legal framework separate from him.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Community

Rare Buddhist Amulets: Luang Pu Pha Medal from 1967

Rare Buddhist amulets from the 1960s-1930s, including medals from revered abbots Luang Pu Pha and Luang Pu Sonthie Khemyo, are increasingly sought after by collectors as their market prices continue to rise.

Rare Buddhist Amulets: Luang Pu Pha Medal from 1967
1h ago Khaosod

Meditation requires subtlety and touches the mind, revealing all things that can be seen within one's consciousness," according to Luang Pho Cha Subhadto of Nong Pa Phong Temple, Ubon Ratchathani.

The Luang Pu Pha medal from 1967, cast by the renowned abbot of Nohn Sai Temple in Kaseetsomboon District, Chaiyaphum Province, has an oval shape with a loop bail. The obverse shows a half-length portrait of Luang Pu Pha facing forward, with the name "Luang Pu Pha" inscribed to the lower right. The reverse bears two lines of text: "2510" on the first line and "Nohn Sai Temple" on the second. These amulets are now increasingly rare, and their market prices continue to rise.

Luang Pu Sonthie Khemyo, the former abbot of Aranyanabodhee Temple in Nakhon Phanom Province and a renowned sage across five northeastern provinces, had his first-edition medal cast in 1967. Luang Pho Suwang Chantachooto, abbot of Saphan Kham Temple in Sakon Nakhon Province, requested permission to produce the "First Edition Luang Pu Sonthie Medal" in copper with a fire-treated finish, made in limited quantities.

This medal is oval and features a loop bail. The obverse is bordered by two raised ridges, with a half-length portrait of Luang Pu in the center and an inscription reading "Ajahn Sonthie Khemyo, Aranyanabodhee Temple" from left to right. The reverse has a thick raised border with Pali characters below the loop bail reading "Asangi," "Sulopu," and "Saphubha," followed by "2510, Edition 1" indicating the Buddhist era and edition number. The first edition exists in two blocks: the first without stamps, and the second with the stamp "Sakon" on the obverse robe, signifying "disciples of Sakon Nakhon created this." A defect appears on the reverse with a scratch mark near the tail of the Thai numeral "6." Many editions of this medal were made with block errors, with the nickname mistakenly inscribed as "Khempanya" instead of the correct "Khemyo," making this version popular among collectors.

Luang Pho Poom Chantachooto, also known as Phra Kru Rattanarangsi of Bang Kolaen Nok Temple, Bangkok, had his first-edition copper medal become highly popular. Following the request of Phra Kru Vinayathorn Sawatsdi, the literary foundation of Somdej Phra Wan Rat (Heng Khemjari) of Mahathat Yuvaraj Rangsrit Temple, the medal was commissioned in 1934 to commemorate the 77th anniversary. The medal is oval, cast in copper, produced in an edition of 1,000 pieces. The obverse bears a half-length portrait of Luang Pho Poom, notable for deeply carved, sharp eyes, a small bead at the mouth, and thread lines within the robe. The reverse has two versions: one with a yantra touching the edge and one without. When the yantra touches, its tip aligns with the upper edge of the medal, and the "U" character differs from the non-touching version. These medals are now rare and command high prices.

Luang Pho Un Sukkamo, the former abbot of Talkong Temple in Phetchaburi Province, was a renowned teacher who once cast square-form amulets. Amulet collectors and enthusiasts affectionately call these "Somdej Hem" or "Somdej Khot Khanae" amulets, of which approximately 84,000 were produced.

Somdej Hem amulets are categorized as follows: approximately 4,000 with a clear rear yantra and "W.T.K." (Wat Talkong) abbreviation; approximately 30,000 with an unclear rear yantra and abbreviation due to wax paper marks; and approximately 50,000 with an unclear rear yantra due to mold wear. Among those with clear rear yantra inscriptions, approximately 500 are in reddish-brown test castings, and approximately 2,500 are in dark, oil-infused material. All amulets were consecrated in ceremonies beginning in 1954 and continuing until 1961, spanning eight years of continuous consecration before distribution to the monastic community.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Anti-Corruption Agency Probes Billion-Baht Trail in Exam Fraud Case

The National Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating a 2021 local government exam fraud case after discovering over one billion baht in financial flows linked to arrested suspects. Investigators plan to expand the probe across all relev

Anti-Corruption Agency Probes Billion-Baht Trail in Exam Fraud Case
1h ago Khaosod

The National Anti-Corruption Commission is accelerating its investigation into local government exam fraud after uncovering over one billion baht in financial flows linked to a 2021 cheating scandal. On August 20, 2025, Surapong Inthawarun, Secretary-General of the Anti-Corruption Commission, revealed that investigators are examining the financial trails of previously arrested suspects and have found more than one billion baht in circulating funds connected to the 2021 local government exam corruption case.

Inthawarun said the commission has decided to consolidate separate investigations into a special joint case after concluding that the offences involved a coordinated group. He stated that details about which individuals are involved, and whether the case connects to politicians or senior officials, cannot be disclosed while investigations are ongoing, but the task force has information and will expand the probe to all relevant parties.

For the financial investigation, the Anti-Money Laundering Office will assist. Inthawarun stressed that the commission has never faced pressure from political actors and that anyone implicated by evidence must be held accountable without exception. Charges will be pursued as either criminal or civil matters depending on the evidence.

Inthawarun emphasized that the Anti-Corruption Commission is an independent body and a pillar of the state. Past prosecutions have resulted in convictions at a rate of 98 percent. Despite the exam fraud case involving over 800,000 documents, he confirmed that clarity will be achieved within six months from June 2025. The investigation will employ technology to accelerate the process and will consider separating charges by category to speed up and clarify findings.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Agriculture Minister Mobilizes Relief Effort in Nan After Flooding

Agriculture Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit deployed emergency relief teams, water trucks, and pumps to Nan province's Pua and Phu Phiang districts after flooding and mud damage, with community kitchens established to feed residents whil

Agriculture Minister Mobilizes Relief Effort in Nan After Flooding
1h ago Khaosod

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit led a team to Pua and Phu Phiang districts in Nan province to rapidly assist residents affected by flooding and mud inundation. He ordered the mobilization of water-spraying trucks, pumps, and water trucks to restore affected areas, and established community kitchens to distribute food. He stressed that all agencies must accelerate recovery to return the areas to normal conditions as soon as water levels drop.

Suriya said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed the Agriculture Ministry to quickly assess the situation and assist residents. Water levels in Nan city have passed the critical threshold, peaking at approximately 8.5 meters rather than the feared 9 meters, minimizing severe impacts on the densely populated economic center. However, Phu Phiang and Pua districts suffered greater damage, particularly from mud inundating homes and public areas.

The Irrigation Department was ordered to begin immediate recovery work, deploying six water-spraying trucks to clean mud and restore homes. The Agriculture Ministry distributed food and relief supplies and set up a community kitchen in Phu Phiang district due to food shortages. Once water levels recede, all agencies will accelerate restoration efforts to return areas to their original condition.

The inflowing water, while damaging Nan areas, helped replenish Siriki Dam in Uthai Thani province by approximately 400 million cubic meters, which will benefit agricultural water management. The Agriculture Ministry will continue to closely monitor the situation.

Irrigation Department Director-General Withaya Kaewmee said the agency mobilized pumps to rapidly extract water from flooded areas, tasked staff with monitoring water levels closely, and committed to keeping residents informed continuously and promptly to minimize damage to homes, livelihoods, and assets.

Suriya instructed the Irrigation Department to expedite assistance and relief, and ordered preparation of machinery and water trucks to support area restoration and clear access routes so residents can resume normal activities quickly. He urged Nan residents to closely follow official announcements and advisories to prepare and collectively overcome this crisis.

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Community

Revered Monk Luang Pho Chum Remembered in Large Bronze Statue

A revered Buddhist scholar and abbot of Wat Rajkham in Ratchaburi, Luang Pho Chum (1879-1955) is now honored with a full-size bronze statue commissioned by his disciples. The respected monk was known for his teaching, monastery restoration,

Revered Monk Luang Pho Chum Remembered in Large Bronze Statue
1h ago Khaosod

Luang Pho Chum Buddhatsaro of Wat Rajkham in Mueang District, Ratchaburi, was a highly respected Buddhist scholar and teacher known throughout the province. He possessed diverse knowledge and wisdom, serving as a preceptor, teacher, and administrator, and was dedicated to serving all people. Born on June 26, 1879, in Khung Nam Wan Subdistrict to parents named Thoum and Lamyai Klintheprakes, he was taken at age nine to study Khmer and Thai texts with Luang Poo Toh at Wat Rajkham. At sixteen, he was ordained as a novice and received full monastic ordination at age twenty on May 1, 1898, at Wat Tha Suwan, taking the Pali name Buddhatsaro under the preceptorship of Phra Ajan Phu.

After Phra Ajan Phu's death in 1905, Luang Pho Chum became abbot of Wat Rajkham and devoted himself to maintaining and restoring the monastery's physical structures and promoting Buddhist studies. He also established Chum Prachanukul School for local children. He received several ecclesiastical appointments, including recognition as a preceptor in 1924 and later as a respected senior monk. He was skilled in traditional medicine and the practice of blessing sacred water and objects, earning widespread fame throughout the region.

Luang Pho Chum regularly undertook missionary journeys to study advanced practices, sometimes traveling to Burma and visiting Wat Makham Tao in Chainat Province around 1903, where he studied esoteric teachings from Luang Poo Suk. He developed a lasting friendship with Luang Pho Rung of Wat Tha Krabio. He eventually fell ill in his final years and passed away peacefully on November 16, 1955, at age seventy-seven in the monastic order, with his cremation held on March 24, 1956.

Luang Pho Chum created various sacred objects highly valued by devotees, including blessed cloths, amulets, and rings. Most notably, his disciples commissioned a full-size bronze statue in his honor, with casting beginning in 1897. Small one-inch statuettes were created as commemorative gifts for donors, with 1,110 bronze figures cast using brass and copper bases.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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