The Po Tek Tung Foundation presented royal blessings to His Majesty the King on the occasion of his birthday on July 28, 2026, at the Sahathaisamakhom Hall within the Grand Palace in Bangkok. On July 28, 2026, the foundation was led by vice-chairs Sak Kaosaengreu and Wichit Chinwongvorkul, treasurer and board member Charuratana Kunatthananont, and board member Wisit Limprapana, accompanied by foundation executives and affiliated organizations. They presented flowers at the royal portrait and signed the royal blessing document for His Majesty the King on the occasion of his birthday on July 28, 2026, at the Sahathaisamakhom Hall within the Grand Palace in Bangkok. From July 28-30, 2026, the Taihhong Shrine (White Jade) will illuminate its exterior lighting until 9 p.m. to commemorate the occasion of His Majesty's birthday on July 28, 2026. Devotees can pay respects to Luang Phu Taihhong and sacred deities within the shrine until 6 p.m. For inquiries, updates, and activities, as well as the location of Taihhong Shrine (White Jade), visit https://linktr.ee/TaihonggongshrineTH.

The Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Culture, has organized a training session for staff conducting the royal ceremony in which the King presents candles to monks during Asahna Bucha Day in fiscal year 2569. Department Director Chaipon Sukeiam opened the training at the Film and Video Consideration Office conference room, attended by executives and participating officials.

Chaipon stated that the royal candle presentation ceremony on Asahna Bucha is an important ritual where the King graciously invites 350 senior monks, newly ordained monks, and senior novices from temples throughout Bangkok and the provinces to receive royal candles at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. The ceremony in 2569 will be held on July 29, 2569.

To ensure the ceremony proceeds with proper order, grace, and dignity, the Department of Religious Affairs is training staff to build knowledge and understanding of the royal ritual, religious ceremonies, and correct procedures according to royal tradition. Trained staff will be responsible for assisting participating monks, facilitating their seating and movement, and carefully distributing the royal candles they receive. These tasks require precision, accuracy, and seamless coordination, necessitating intensive training and rehearsal to ensure all procedures proceed flawlessly and with appropriate reverence.

On Asahna Bucha and the beginning of the Buddhist Lent, the King and Queen will proceed to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram. Before entering the ordination hall, student winners of the 2569 chanting competition will be stationed in 12 pavilions surrounding the temple to chant traditional verses welcoming and honoring the royal procession, preserving Thailand's valuable cultural heritage.

Additionally, Department of Religious Affairs officials appointed as chanters of the Maha Chat (Great Life) scripture will participate in the chanting within the ordination hall while the King presents candles to 350 monks, reflecting the nation's commitment to maintaining beautiful customs and all sectors' dedicated support for this important royal ceremony.

Luang Pho Yuang Aphassaro, the former abbot of Wat Bodhi Sri in Ratchaburi, was a highly respected Buddhist master who studied esoteric teachings directly from renowned teachers. He was born on December 21, 1932, and ordained at age 23 in 1955, going on to master several disciplines including Khmer script writing, sacred stone amulet consecration, and various spell-casting techniques learned from celebrated mentors like Luang Pu Nak of Wat Chong Lom and Luang Pu Pong of Wat Nong Krathoem. He established Wat Bodhi Sri in 1964 and devoted himself to helping the local community through spiritual practices and protective talismans. Known for his compassion, strict adherence to monastic discipline, and warm reception of visitors, he gained a large following throughout Thailand and became one of Ratchaburi's most beloved spiritual figures after the passing of the legendary Luang Pu Muang. He passed away from old age on August 31, 2021, at the age of 88 with 66 years of monastic service. Among his many amulets and talismans, his tailor-made cord amulets and hanging silver talismans became widely famous. His first-edition amulets, cast in 1976 in brass, copper, and nickel-plated copper during the temple's main ordination ceremony, featured a distinctive bodhi-leaf design with integral loops on the obverse side showing a full-form seated Buddha in meditation.

Soomongkol Films International, Black Dragon Entertainment, and T+66 present the heartwarming Chinese drama "Dear You: A Love Letter to Mother," directed by Lan Hongchun. The film expands on the story of "Letters with Money," following young Xiao Wuyi who travels to Thailand searching for his father after receiving letters with money that were originally sent to his mother in China. His search uncovers hidden secrets in the letters, revealing that the person who wrote love letters to his mother all along was not his father as everyone believed.

This journey gradually reveals stories of love, sacrifice, gratitude, and family bonds, set against Teochew culture and the experiences of overseas Chinese that reflect displacement, homesickness, and memories passed across generations.

The film stars Li Shidong, Wang Yantong, Wu Shaoqing, Wang Xiaohui, Zheng Runqi, and Thai actress Uthsa Semukkam, with special appearances by Zhao Shuguang, Li Deru, and Li Shuhao.

Director Lan Hongchun revealed the origins and inspiration for the film: "I grew up in Teochew, a place where people often emigrated overseas. I heard stories of Kueh Fann (overseas workers) sending money and letters back home—stories that absorbed into me since childhood, along with tales my grandmother shared. The connection to these stories deepened in 2019 when I made a documentary called 'The Four Flavors of Teochew,' telling the settlement stories of overseas Teochew through food. I heard many stories from overseas Chinese that deeply moved me.

Before filming, we conducted extensive research in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Southeast Asian countries, interviewing Teochew Chinese in their 80s and 90s. The depiction of ancient Siam in the film represents the closest approximation to reality, based on their childhood photographs—clothing, hairstyles, all modeled from real data. The sacrifice of characters like 'Namkee' draws over 90% from true stories.

When writing the script, I cried heavily. We want to show the world that the path of Teochew people from the past to today, our cultural prosperity, has been supported partly by ancestors working abroad and sending money home. This bond of gratitude and connection is a precious spirit of Teochew people we wish to convey."

The director also explained his choice of new actors for the lead roles: "We needed to make an authentically Teochew film, so the Teochew dialect had to be accurate and natural—this was paramount. Finding actors who speak traditional Teochew is not easy. We searched extensively across China, but ultimately had to return to authenticity by casting native Teochew locals who grew up here. Whether you see Li Shidong, Wang Yantong, or Wu Shaoqing, everyone in the film feels natural because they truly grew up and live here. When audiences watch, they will feel connected and familiar.

On June 28, 2025, Khon Kaen Zoo held its 13th-anniversary celebration, with zoo director Tippawadee Kittakun officially announcing the name of a female pygmy hippopotamus cub, daughter of mother Nya Nya and father Na Dech and granddaughter of Moo Deng. The public naming vote, which began on May 25, drew 10,737 votes from citizens and tourists nationwide.

The winning name "Moo Namtok" (Waterfall Pig) received 7,948 votes, far ahead of runners-up Moo Yo with 1,072 votes, Moo Dung with 618 votes, Moo Ping with 576 votes, and Moo Deo with 523 votes.

"The announcement reflects nationwide public interest and affection for the cub," Director Tippawadee stated. "The name 'Moo Namtok' captures the cub's behavior and conveys brightness and charm. The grand prize winner receives membership in the Thai Zoo Association allowing free entry to all national zoos for two years, plus a car, four additional memberships, an adorable Moo Namtok plush toy, and special souvenirs."

The zoo director added that the 13th-anniversary event celebrates not only the zoo's achievements but also its conservation work through staff collaboration and community partnerships. She invited visitors to experience the cub's playful development and learn about rare animal conservation at Khon Kaen Zoo, open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Environment Minister Takes Action Against Fake AI Images of Polluted River

On July 28, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin revealed that he has been closely monitoring environmental news on social media. The ministry discovered a Facebook page called "Oronong Haeohaen" that posted messages and images claiming the Pasak River was pitch black with white foam covering the surface, describing residents of Saraburi province as fed up with repeated industrial wastewater discharge. The post, made on July 25, demanded accountability.

After investigation, officials confirmed that the images and content were artificially generated using AI and did not reflect actual conditions. The minister ordered the Pollution Control Department to urgently verify facts, clarify information to the public, and monitor the situation closely. He stressed that all government agencies must communicate information transparently, as the ministry is ready to listen to all complaints and work to resolve environmental issues for the benefit of the people.

Dr. Surin Worakitdhammrung, director-general of the Pollution Control Department, stated that the department continuously monitors and tracks environmental quality in Saraburi province and regularly releases environmental test results to the public. Regional environmental offices have been instructed to closely monitor social media reports to investigate complaints and identify false or misleading content that could cause public confusion or panic.

Regarding this particular case, the Region 7 Office of Environmental Quality and Pollution Control in Saraburi, working with relevant agencies, conducted field inspections and found no evidence of the reported incident. Officials confirmed the accompanying images were AI-generated, which could lead to public misunderstanding about the actual environmental situation. The department urges media and citizens to verify facts before sharing or spreading information to prevent social confusion. Anyone witnessing potential environmental or public health incidents can report tips to the Pollution Control Department hotline at 1650 or message the department's Facebook page for prompt field investigation and remedial action.