Phra Sophon Samajarn, also known as Luang Pu Hian Suvannacho, was the former abbot of Sri Upphalarama Temple (Nong Bua Temple) and former ecclesiastical chief of Muang District, Kanchanaburi Province. He is recognized as a devoted and close disciple of Luang Pu Yim, the venerable abbot of Nong Bua Temple in Muang District, Kanchanaburi, a highly accomplished Buddhist master renowned for his spiritual attainment. Notably, Luang Pu Hian taught many disciples who became celebrated Buddhist scholars specializing in esoteric studies, including Luang Pu Di of Nuea Temple, Luang Pu Jai of Sadet Temple, Luang Pho Sorn of Lad Ya Temple, Luang Pho Chaem of Chula Mani Temple, Luang Pho Hang of Nuea Temple, Luang Pho Dok Mai of Don Chedi Temple, and Luang Pho Muean of Klang Nuea Temple, among others.

Originally named Hian Ratsuwan, he was born on Saturday, January 6, 2419 (1876) at Nong Bua subdistrict, Muang District, Kanchanaburi, to Thai-Chinese parents Nai Pho and Nang Yaem Ratsuwan. He was one of seven siblings born into a farming family with modest means. Despite his humble origins and the necessity of helping his parents earn their livelihood, he pursued education diligently and became proficient in reading, writing, and the Thai and Khmer languages, earning respect from his community.

At approximately age 22, he underwent ordination at Sri Upphalarama Temple on July 6, 2440 (1897), with Ajarn Yim as his preceptor, Phra Kru Singkhipuran Kanajarn of Thewasangkharam Temple as his ceremony conductor, and Phra Ajarn Yue as his witness. He received the ecclesiastical name Suvannacho. He remained at Sri Upphalarama Temple throughout his monastic training under Luang Pu Yim, demonstrating humility and respect for his teacher and senior disciples.

When Luang Pu Yim passed away in 2454 (1911), the provincial ecclesiastical authorities appointed Hian as abbot of Nong Bua Temple. He later served as ecclesiastical chief of Muang District in 2458 (1915) and as a preceptor in 2473 (1930). He received royal ecclesiastical rank promotions: in 2461 (1918) as Phra Kru Niwit Samajarn, in 2490 (1947) as Phra Kru Sannyabat Chueng Aek, and in 2496 (1953) as Phra Ratchakanakha. He passed away peacefully from old age on December 27, 2503 (1960) at the age of 84, completing 63 Buddhist Lent periods.

Luang Pu Hian created many auspicious amulets and talismans, including takrut charms, wishing beads, beaded panels, sacred rings, and closed-eyed Buddha images modeled after Luang Pu Yim's designs but in smaller sizes. He distributed these freely to faithful devotees throughout his life. In his declining years, his disciples requested that he produce amulets as mementos to distribute to those who came to make merit. All of his amulet batches became highly valued, particularly the "Lion Tusk" amulet created in 2497 (1954), which was carved from elephant ivory in the form of a lion.

Firefighters in Phatthalung province responded at 12:30 p.m. on August 23, 2025, to a fire burning through a four-year-old oil palm plantation covering 12 rai in Village 6, Thamihram subdistrict, Muang district. The plantation owner entered the grove to tend to it when wasps attacked and stung him. He then lit a fire to burn the wasp nest, but hot, dry weather combined with strong winds caused the flames to spread uncontrollably, destroying more than half the plantation. Municipal firefighters took almost thirty minutes to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighboring rubber plantations. Keasamsak Sengsuen, mayor of Thamihram Tambon Municipality, warned the public that the current dry and hot conditions in Phatthalung have left vegetation parched, making fires a serious risk. He urged palm, rubber, and fruit plantation owners to take precautions and avoid starting any open fires during this period, as they could easily spread to surrounding agricultural land.

The premiere of the spicy musical Muang Marya The Musical took place the previous evening, featuring Pat Suthasinee, Amanda Obdam, James Mar, Ying Raththa, Chai Chataiyodom, Non Inthanont, Tawan Panwai, Kaowna Kittipat, and Pao Paworrada. Directed by Thakol Kiarti Veevanan, the story follows Piangdao, an established star actress, and Deenie, a rising newcomer hiding sinister intentions while scheming to reach the pinnacle of the entertainment world.

This new production from Muang Thai Ratchadalai is fresh and contemporary, yet retains powerful performances from a talented ensemble cast delivering nuanced character portrayals. The production earned thunderous applause at Muang Thai Ratchadalai Theatre.

The show featured the original cast from the television drama Maryarisaya, including Nok Sinjoy, Lukkaed Metinee, and Ann Oliver, as well as Maem Kattleya, the lead actress from Muang Maya, who came to witness the production. Many actors who previously performed in this story also attended, filling the theatre.

The event was honored by numerous executives, artists, and celebrities from various industries who came to see Muang Marya The Musical. Notable attendees included M.L. Piyapas Piyompakdi, Paiboon Damrongchaiyatham, Suphalak Ampuch, Aruya Putthinun, Surang Prempradit, Wiboon Leeratanakajorn, Arunucha Panuphan, Gai Warayut, Kob Thongsitthi, Pong Nuwat, Phuri Hiranyaprueksa, Anne Alicia, Amp Pithan, Om Suchat, Taew Nathporn, Jee Suthirak, Bright Naraphot, Neng Shranyu, Gap Thanawet, Boy Pakorn, Fay Porpwin, Tongneng Ratkla, Kaem Wichayani, Kan Naphat, Lydia Sharun, Jackie Chacalene, Fern Nophchira, Ernern Fatima, Yogurt Nattachach, Em Sanpetch, Euro Yoswarodon, Tonkao Chayut, Perth Virinthrasira, Awk Akkarath, Off Pongsak, Malprang Alissa, Nicole Theerio, Ticker Theerio, Gang Korn, Lukhwa Pijika, Tumtam Yutthana, Ice Shranyou, Amy Thosorn, Bonnie Pattraphas, Jam Rachata, Pearl Satchon, Diamond Nokorn, Pond Ponlavit, and others.

The Putthinun family came to support Pat Suthasinee, while Mom Noi Poh Ngam brought son-in-law Tul Tulyatep to cheer on their daughter Ying Raththa. Vicky Sunisa brought flowers to support her husband Chai Chataiyodom, and Pai Rinda came to cheer for her boyfriend James Mar. Amanda, Non, Tawan, Kaowna, and Pao also had family and close friends present to celebrate their success.

Muang Marya The Musical is now playing at Muang Thai Ratchadalai Theatre. Tickets are available through Thai Ticket Major.

Balloon Art Company and the Visual Communication Design Department of Pathom Thani College opened an exhibition of three-dimensional inflatable sculptures titled "The Forgotten Things," inviting the public to reflect on memories, values, and important moments that may be overlooked in today's fast-paced world. The exhibition features contemporary inflatable art including the work "TimeLost" by Worasorawong, an Imagineering Artist, and creative works by young artists at Bangkok's Arts and Culture Centre.

An Art Talk Session titled "Remembering the Forgotten" featured three creators: Worasorawong Samatthaphan (Imagineering Artist and judge), Hiromi Kano (founder of KIGURUMI.BIZ and mascot expert from Japan), and Phuriphop Khotchitprompirom (Art Director at Central Pattana). The event also announced awards and displayed works by six youth teams selected from the Art for Art 2026 project.

Now in its fourth year, the exhibition provides a platform for young artists and students to transform their imagination from prototype models into large-scale inflatable sculptures displayed nationwide. Worasorawong explained that the Art for Art 2026 project opens a world of Imagineering that connects art, engineering, and human experience. He emphasized that judging and developing student work involves teaching them about the nature of inflatable art—air pressure, surface tension, seams, and structure—allowing them to scale up their ideas from small models to large installations at the art center, thereby breaking creative limitations.

Worasorawong's personal work, "TimeLost," explores what meaningful moments we may be leaving behind as we chase success and goals. The sculpture depicts figures looking upward toward achievement, while the base is filled with overlooked life elements—toys, childhood, love, trophies, and clocks representing overlapping time. The artist conveyed a message through this sculpture: do not let the pursuit of success cause you to overlook what truly matters—family, relationships, and your own identity. "TimeLost" is not about lost time, but about time we once had that we simply forgot to value.

The exhibition "The Forgotten Things" is open free to the public through August 30, 2026, at Bangkok's Arts and Culture Centre.

On August 23, 2025, Deputy Superintendent Anon Pankratuek of Nakhon Ratchasima City Police, leading patrol unit 191, discovered 19 male youths aged 12–17 gathered in a playground in Nong Kaew Chang public park with suspicious behavior. When police arrived, some fled on motorcycles. Officers found long knives and objects wrapped in black tape resembling explosives mounted on motorcycle racks, apparently prepared for violence. Three youths claimed ownership of the weapons and motorcycles, stating they were for self-defense.

Police documented the 19 initial cases and seized 6 motorcycles, then notified parents to collect their children. At a checkpoint near the railway junction on Phibul Songkhram Road, officers arrested three additional youths aged 18 carrying weapons and referred them for prosecution.

This operation followed a fatal incident on July 25 when 17-year-old Bas, a vocational student and son of an army officer, was shot and killed by 19-year-old Jino, a rival, near a sewage treatment facility. The killing stemmed from social media threats and provocations. Police implemented preventive measures after multiple posts showing both sides vowing revenge.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul praised Deputy Prime Minister Yassachon Wongsuwan on August 23 at Nan Provincial Hall for his attentive leadership during the recent flooding crisis. Anutin, speaking after chairing a northern water situation coordination meeting, noted that the cabinet's relief and reconstruction efforts would accelerate immediately, with both short-term and long-term strategies already in place. The government is also conducting a lessons-learned review across northern and northeastern provincial agencies to strengthen disaster response capabilities.

Anuthin commended Wongsuwan's coordination efforts across all relevant ministries and his on-site command since the beginning of the week, saying all parties collaborated fully with the goal of relieving public suffering. First-round assistance—6,700 baht for bedding, kitchen items, and clothing—will be distributed starting August 30 through September 1. A second phase will cover house repairs following surveys by municipal and local administrative organization engineers, with civil works teams of approximately 30 personnel deployed to assist recovery efforts.

Nan Provincial Governor Chaiyanrong Wong Yai reported that water levels have receded and cleanup operations are underway in five districts: Pua, Tha Wang Pha, Muang, Phu Phiang, and Wieng Sa. Recovery is expected to take four to five days. The governor noted that compensation payments will proceed as quickly as possible under government policy, with comprehensive damage assessments to follow for the second phase of assistance.