"A mind that thinks too much is a restless mind, bringing suffering upon ourselves," a teaching from Luang Por Cha of Nong Pa Phong Temple in Ubon Ratchathani. Luang Pu Du Brahm Panyo, the renowned meditation master of Wat Sa Kaew in Ayutthaya, is celebrated for his "Phra Above Brahma" powder amulets. These amulets feature the four-faced Brahma deity with a Buddha figure seated on its crown. The first series, created in 1974, consists entirely of white powder mixture, known as "Imperial Wheel Powder," hand-rubbed by the master himself. Some pieces display a yellow patina because they were steeped in tea that the master had brewed and consumed. In 1988, Luang Pu Du created a second edition incorporating hair relics with the same mold but sharper facial features on the Brahma face, and also produced versions in mixed metal alloy. Early "Phra Above Brahma" powder amulets were stamped with a chakra yantra symbol on the reverse. This stamp was applied posthumously by Wat Sa Kaew's committee after an inventory of all the master's possessions was conducted, implemented to prevent counterfeiting.

Luang Pu Bua Thamkho, a revered teacher from Trat Province and former abbot of Wat Sri Burpharam in Trat town, created numerous sacred objects across many editions, all of exceptional quality. The first-edition portrait medal was created in 1981, the year the temple held a major ordination ceremony. The medal is oval-shaped with a loop, cast in copper, featuring the half-length portrait of the master facing forward on the obverse, with an inscription above reading "In commemoration of the ordination ceremony at Wat Sri Burpharam, Trat" and below "Phra Kru Sanghakij Burpha." The reverse is raised along the rim with a yantra in the center and the year "2523" inscribed below it. These medals grow rarer with each passing year.

Phra Metta Vihari (Pad Tammatharo), the late abbot of Wat Khu Ha Sawan in Bangkok's Prasat Charoen district, was a highly respected teacher whose sacred objects, especially the first-edition half-length portrait medals from 1959, are particularly prized. These were originally cast in copper and silver-plated, and after supplies were exhausted, additional medals were produced with gold plating instead, totaling 5,000 pieces.

The Phra Metta Vihari medal of 1959 features a half-length portrait amulet form with integral loop, the master's portrait on the obverse with embossed Thai script reading "Phra Metta Vihari Elder" below, surrounded by an ornate peacock motif border. The reverse is plain with a five-Buddha yantra in the center and embossed script reading "Abbot of Wat Khu Ha Sawan, Thonburi" below. This medal is now considered highly collectible.

Luang Pu Hian Thawaro of Wat Bang Rakhong in Nonthaburi is another renowned teacher whose sacred objects command high prices in the collector market, including both amulets and talismanic items such as tubular charms, sacred cloth, and ritual knives. His most celebrated creation, the "Large Thawaro Bell" with small pikul flowers, cast in alnico metal, was made in 1981 to celebrate his completion of 84 years, with 50 pieces produced. The "Thawaro Bell" with large pikul flowers, created in 1985 to mark the completion of 90 years, was produced in 39 silver pieces and 29 alnico pieces with silver plating, plus 29 pieces in young-face mold with mixed-metal casting. These later editions grow scarcer with time.

Phra Thep Sakamuni, known as Luang Pho Kaew Suwannjochato, the former abbot of Wat Suddhi Watvarataram (Wat Chong Lom) in Samut Sakhon and former provincial sangha leader, was born on December 25, 1903, in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. His birth name was Kaew Thansuwan, born to parents Kan and Wongsa Thansuwan. At age 12, he was ordained as a novice at Wat Chumbock Masai in Prachuap Khiri Khan on July 1, 1915, where he studied elementary level Buddhism and became highly proficient in reading and writing both Thai and Khmer. He received his full monastic ordination on March 19, 1923, at the age of 20, under the guidance of Phra Panyasuddham as his upajjhaya and received the ecclesiastical name Suwannjochato.

After studying at Wat Maha Pruettaram in Bangkok, he passed the highest Buddhist scriptural exams between 1937 and 1938. His administrative roles began in 1939 as a chanting master, and in 1945 he was appointed abbot of Wat Khlong Tan Ratsadorn. In 1952, he became abbot of Wat Chong Lom when the position became vacant, and was simultaneously appointed provincial sangha leader of Samut Sakhon. During his tenure, he oversaw extensive temple development including the construction of monastic quarters, a sermon hall, kitchen, gate structures, a waterfront pavilion, and a new main ordination hall, all funded entirely by donations from the community without government budget.

Luang Pho Kaew placed great emphasis on education, establishing scholarship funds and supporting Wat Chong Lom School, including printing Buddhist curriculum materials. He undertook major community projects including building the Sakor Bridge, constructing a road connecting Ta Chin and Bang Ya Phraek subdistricts, establishing a temporary police station, and supporting the construction of a health clinic in Ta Chalom subdistrict. His exemplary temple development inspired other abbots throughout the region to visit and learn from his work.

On October 26, 1965, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit presided over a royal robe-offering ceremony at the temple. The king granted the temple its formal name Wat Suddhi Watvarataram, bestowed a royal insignia, and presented a nine-tiered white umbrella. King Bhumibol reportedly visited the temple many times during his reign and spent long hours in conversation with Luang Pho Kaew, after which the temple became widely known throughout Thailand. Luang Pho Kaew passed away peacefully on the morning of September 9, 1983, at the age of 79 and 59 years as a monk. Throughout his life, he created many sacred amulets and talismans that gained widespread popularity, with the Phra Somdej Kaew Suddhi remaining the most highly sought after.

The Thailand Open mountain bike and road cycling championships, held under royal patronage, took place on August 15-16, 2025 at the BMX Stadium in Khao Yai, Chainat Province. The road race opening ceremony on August 16 was presided over by Jitthana Yingthaweelap, Chainat Provincial Administration Organization (PAO) Chair, with support from Vice Admiral Thitporn Noirake, Secretary-General of the Thailand Cycling Association under Royal Patronage, and government officials.

General Decha Mekhaseri, vice-president of the Asian Cycling Confederation, president of the ASEAN Cycling Federation, and president of the Thailand Cycling Association, revealed that the third round of the Thailand Open in Chainat was a tremendous success, with over 1,000 athletes arriving from all directions to compete across the two-day event—a truly packed house, reflecting the strong popularity of this championship.

"Importantly, the cycling association deliberately excluded national team cyclists to serve as a platform for emerging talent and rising stars to display their full potential," Decha said. "Young and youth riders with outstanding skills have the opportunity to advance to the national team. The association will consider sending them to compete in various international events, including the Youth Asian Games, Youth Olympic Games, and Youth World Championships, to build experience and develop their abilities as future pillars of Thailand's national cycling team."

Jitthana Yingthaweelap, Chainat PAO Chair, noted the competition received excellent public response, with thousands of athletes and supporters traveling to Chainat. She thanked the Thailand Cycling Association for allowing the province to host this national championship, which provided excellent economic stimulus. Hotels in town filled up, and overflow accommodation spread to nearby districts. Shops and restaurants were packed with competitors and followers spending heavily, giving merchants a significant sales boost.

The provincial chair added that the finish line was positioned atop Khao Plong viewpoint, offering 360-degree views of Chainat that impressed athletes and spectators alike. Chainat Province and the PAO welcomed the cycling association back for next year's championship, having received excellent cooperation from all sectors and expecting more partners to join after witnessing this event's success—which will further stimulate the economy, promote tourism, and raise Chainat's national profile.

The road race was streamed live on the Thailand Cycling Association Facebook page and TCA Channel, plus YouTube, reaching over 25,000 views across two days totaling 45,000 views. Results included the men's amateur category (68.6 km): winner Wittawat Waree of the Grant team.

Gulf Development Public Company Limited is expanding its Green Energy Green Network for Thais programme to bring renewable energy expertise to remote communities. The second project site for 2025 is located at the Pong Nam Ron-Wung Ka Sang Early Childhood Development Centre in Kamphaeng Phet province, where solar panels have been installed to improve child welfare, safety, and educational opportunities.

The clean electricity also powers the village assembly hall and sports field, allowing residents to benefit jointly and spurring economic development, job creation, and improved livelihoods. Wararat Pootuer, the centre's director, said the solar installation has been transformative: adequate lighting and power now enable teachers to produce modern educational materials, proper ventilation to control insects, and security cameras to reassure parents. She added that clean energy has become a gateway for children in remote areas to receive quality education on equal terms.

Duang Jumongkol, village headman, noted that residents use the community facilities day and night for meetings and activities, and can charge communication devices and farm equipment at the solar-powered charging station. Over three years, Gulf has delivered clean solar energy under this programme to 13 sites across Thailand, covering highland, island, and border areas, improving the quality of life for over 8,000 people.

A woman driving a Mercedes became an overnight sensation after being rear-ended on an expressway. The other driver bowed apologetically, and she immediately decided not to pursue the matter. She confirmed she had no intention of creating viral buzz for "The Tom Thailand 2026," Thailand's first tom pageant. She explained that she understood the situation—it was raining, the road was slippery, and the driver was apologetic.

When her name was revealed as Rain Pornpan Thongthanee, an executive at Snoopy Thailand and one of dozens of sponsors backing "The Tom Thailand 2026," the story took on new dimensions. Pageant license holder Lek Bunnadat and director Nan Wailak, working with Bob Pattaya and New Sumana, opened a luxury home in the Rama Intra area for an exclusive workshop featuring audition finalists.

A reporter had the chance to speak with Rain about the viral incident. She explained: "Honestly, I didn't plan for this to become such a big clip. I was driving back from work when my colleagues called asking what happened. The accident had just occurred, so I got out and talked to the other driver. It was raining, so I understood—the road was slippery. I could see the driver's car hit mine, and I know about insurance and procedures. I didn't want to make trouble for them. The driver was so sweet, getting out and asking if there was anything they could do to help. I just told them it was fine. The driver was very polite and apologized.

I didn't see why I should be angry. The world is already so stressful these days, with nothing but heavy news. A smile between us seemed better. I got my happiness back from that moment, and later we met again. I even joked with the driver about taking a photo together. I wasn't angry at all. The damage was minimal, and because it's a Mercedes, it's pretty sturdy—I could barely see the damage."

When asked why she wasn't upset—most people would be frustrated by a rear-end collision—she said: "Well, it was raining. I'm not the type to get angry easily anyway. The driver was so sweet. Honestly, when someone bows, apologizes, and you don't even know them, everything changes."

When asked if a good conversation softened the moment further, she nodded: "Yes. The driver apologized and was genuinely kind. If everyone had that reaction, no one would be angry. I never got upset with them. I just told them to be more careful driving next time. They said their brakes failed, which I understand. When it rains, roads are slippery."

She never expected it to go viral: "Not at all. I'm still confused, honestly. A close friend sent me a line saying 'You're famous now, Rain.' I asked what happened. Apparently someone recorded me from across the street. With the music and everything added, it made me smile watching it. It made me feel like when the world sees something like this, it heals the heart. Everyone commented saying 'I'm glad you're so kind-hearted' and things like that. It gave me positive energy."

As for her new nickname: "Now I have a new nickname—kind-hearted Mercedes, kind-hearted Rain, Mercedes angel—things like that."

When some social media users suggested she might have deliberately staged it: "No, no, no. (Laughing) Oh no, it wasn't deliberate. This is real. It really happened."

KRABI: Ten tourists, a guide and a boat skipper were all safely rescued after a longtail boat capsized off Laem Hang Nak in Krabi province yesterday (Aug 15).