Luang Pho Ngern Chantasuwanno of Wat Don Yai Hom in Nakhon Pathom was revered as the "deity of Don Yai Hom." A native of Don Yai Hom born into a wealthy farming family on Tuesday, September 16, 2433 (1890), he ordained as a monk on May 18, 2453 (1910) at the temple's ordination hall under Phra Plod Hoei, the abbot of Wat Don Yai Hom. He remained at the temple studying Buddhist doctrine and chanting practices, becoming a venerable master deeply skilled in Buddhist teachings. This is evident from the numerous auspicious objects he created and consecrated, which devotees carried for spiritual protection and reported experiencing countless miracles. Upon ordaining, he told his father: "I have renounced everything. I make a solemn vow to the people of this village that I shall never disrobe and will be a guiding light to humanity. Please join me in this resolve with joy and confidence." From the outset of his monastic life, he demonstrated unwavering commitment, patience, and diligence, mastering sacred texts and displaying exceptional dedication to meditation practice for four years under his master's guidance.

By the end of his fifth year, he set out on a forest pilgrimage northward with two companion monks, sleeping wherever they stopped each night. After returning from a four-month pilgrimage, he stayed near Don Yai Hom with darkened, emaciated skin resembling an elderly man, so changed that villagers did not recognize him. Even his brother Nai Jaeng initially mistook him for a forest-dwelling monk from elsewhere, but upon closer inspection was stunned and nearly cried out. Composing himself, he raised his palms in respect and asked, "Is this you, Ngern?" Luang Pho Ngern replied with a laugh: "It is I, sister Jaeng. Am I so changed that you do not know me? I have been staying here for some time, seeing many villagers pass by, but no one has greeted me."

He served as abbot of Wat Don Yai Hom from 2466 (1923) and passed away peacefully on January 13, 2520 (1977) at Ramathibodi Hospital. He lived 87 years and spent 66 years in monastic life. Memorial observances are held annually from January 9-13, featuring monk ordination ceremonies to uphold precepts and foster community unity. An annual festival is held on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month, allowing devotees to make merit and gold-leaf offerings to Buddhist statues and sacred objects discovered at the temple.

Auspicious objects created in his honor include Buddha statues, cast images, amulets, bells, and coins, all intended to support the temple's maintenance and benefit the surrounding community. These items have been highly sought after since ancient times, with their value increasing over the years, particularly the first-edition image amulet from 2488 (1945). However, equally renowned and well-known is the "side-profile amulet of Luang Pho Ngern of Wat Don Yai Hom," created in 2513 (1970) to commemorate the venerable abbot's eightieth birthday on September 16, 2513 (1970). The temple committee authorized its creation on this auspicious occasion, producing two types: a set of bells and stamped image amulets. The stamped amulet measured five centimeters in height and 3.5 centimeters in width, with its distinctive feature being that Luang Pho Ngern's image faced sideways rather than straight ahead.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul officially welcomed Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing to Government House on August 6 for bilateral talks, as the Myanmar leader's two-day visit to Thailand drew sharp criticism from civil society groups, democracy advocates, and opposition politicians.

Anutin received Min Aung Hlaing at 10:20 on the lawn in front of the Thai Khu Fah Building at Government House. The Myanmar president was visiting Thailand as an official guest of the Thai government. The leaders attended an official welcoming ceremony before reviewing an honor guard, then held a restricted meeting on the second floor of the Thai Khu Fah Building to exchange views on strengthening bilateral cooperation.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, discussions covered cross-border issues, energy cooperation, trade facilitation, and efforts to promote peace and stability along the Thai-Myanmar border before expanding into a plenary meeting in the Green Room.

Ahead of the visit, Anutin defended Thailand's approach toward Myanmar while speaking at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on August 4. He said ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus remains the bloc's principal framework for addressing the Myanmar crisis and reaffirmed Thailand's support for a policy of "calibrated re-engagement." The approach seeks to preserve channels of dialogue, create space for engagement, respond to realities on the ground, and encourage tangible progress. "A peaceful and stable Myanmar is not only in Thailand's interest as a neighboring country, but is also vital to ASEAN unity and regional stability," he said.

The visit has been met with widespread criticism. Sixteen Thai civil society organizations issued a joint statement opposing Min Aung Hlaing's official visit, urging the Thai government to stop policies that benefit Myanmar's military administration and to refrain from legitimizing its leadership. The coalition, led by Solidarity Collective TH and the Spirit in Education Movement (SEM), said Min Aung Hlaing's administration has been marked by widespread violence, systematic human rights abuses, and alleged war crimes.

The groups argued that engagement with Myanmar's military rulers would prolong the country's conflict rather than contribute to regional peace. They called on Thailand to review cooperation that benefits Myanmar's military authorities, improve protections for Myanmar migrant workers, support independent humanitarian assistance that reaches civilians directly, reject the legitimacy of the military-led government, and oppose its reintegration into ASEAN until violence ends and democratic rule is restored. The coalition urged Bangkok to stand with the people of Myanmar rather than with those responsible for violence and war crimes.

The Thai Treasury has declared a major success for its Savings Bond Plus program after the opening sale of 4 billion baht sold completely, drawing over 22,700 investors nationwide with demand surging to 16.5 trillion baht—eight times the offering amount. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprayoon said the bond represents a government achievement in creating new investment dimensions and widening savings options for ordinary Thai investors, giving them accessible, low-risk exposure to government debt with competitive interest returns across multiple distribution channels, plus a functioning secondary market.

Under the first offering, allocations were distributed widely through 24 banks and brokers: 1,590 investors used the wallet channel and 21,113 used the Bond Connect platform, with demand on Bond Connect alone reaching 16.5 trillion baht. The Treasury used a Small Lot First allocation method, capping initial per-investor allocation at 117,000 baht before random selection; unallocated funds are being returned today. The government plans monthly sales continuing through September 2570, with the next round opening August 4–15 via wallet and September 7–9 through Bond Connect.

As many famous foreign dining concepts race to open branches in Thailand, one establishment stands out for its quiet consistency. Saboten, a Japanese tonkatsu specialist serving its original recipe since 1966 with unlimited side dishes, has remained a customer favorite for nearly two decades in Thailand.

The restaurant's expertise lies in its frying technique. Using low-temperature methods, Saboten keeps the meat tender and juicy inside while the panko crust remains light, airy, and crispy without excess oil. The crust stays remarkably crunchy even when you take leftovers home. The ingredients are carefully selected: quality pork marinated to tenderness, organic fresh vegetables, freshly changed rice bran oil, and a tonkatsu sauce made from sweet-and-sour marinated fruits and vegetables. Customers can grind roasted sesame seeds directly onto their dish for extra aroma.

This proven recipe has endured for 60 years, captivating customers from Baby Boomers to Gen Alpha. Saboten has expanded to locations worldwide, including Thailand where it opened as one of the earliest Japanese tonkatsu chains in 2008. The brand now operates six branches across the country.

Visitors are advised to order set meals for a complete experience. For tender pork lovers, the outer loin is recommended; for those preferring lean meat, the inner loin works well. The special combo includes inner loin, mini tonkatsu, and jumbo fried shrimp. Rice is served continuously and can be refilled, as can shredded cabbage and green tea. The table offers two types of salad dressing and yuzu sauce for customizing cabbage to preference.

Set prices range from 300-500 baht, not including VAT and service charge. The latest renovation of The Promenade branch on the second floor has transformed it from a cramped space into an open, stylish modern design worth lingering in. The branch also features exclusive menu items. Staff are happy to offer recommendations.

This restaurant proves that true deliciousness never goes out of style.

While red pork rice may seem like an ordinary menu item found everywhere, Khao Moo Daeng Nakhon Sanuk stands out as a legendary establishment that has captured the hearts of food lovers for generations. With over 60 years of culinary tradition and an original recipe that has steadfastly preserved its authentic taste, this shop has become a pilgrimage site for devotees of this classic dish.

Originally located in front of the old Nakhon Sanuk cinema (now the Grand China Hotel), the restaurant relocated to Soi Sida near Varjakra intersection on Thanon Luang in Bangkok's historic old quarter, where it continues to attract loyal regulars and visitors from across the city.

What sets this shop apart is its meticulous selection of ingredients. The roasted red pork follows an ancient recipe with tender meat and perfect smoky aroma, while the crispy pork skin crackles satisfyingly with every bite. Quality Chinese sausage and salted duck eggs complement the dish beautifully.

All ingredients are made in-house: the red pork, crispy pork, Chinese sausage, and salted eggs. The real draw that keeps customers willing to queue is the shop's signature ancient-recipe gravy sauce. Simmered to a perfect balance of flavors with a distinctive reddish-orange hue, the sauce is kept in bottles and drizzled fresh over rice with each order, delivering a full sensory experience.

The gravy stands out with its balanced saltiness—not overly sweet like typical red pork rice shops—and carries a subtle spice that cleanses the palate perfectly. This unique character keeps customers coming back repeatedly.

Beyond the pork and gravy, the condiments add another dimension. Fresh sliced chili, spring onions, and pickled chili vinegar are available for customers to customize to their taste. A touch of sweet soy sauce mixed in rounds out the flavors beautifully, earning the shop praise as "very delicious" among regulars.

At just 60-80 baht per plate, Khao Moo Daeng Nakhon Sanuk has endured more than half a century while maintaining its traditional taste and meticulous preparation standards. It has become a legendary Bangkok red pork rice destination passed down through generations—a must-visit for any true enthusiast.

The restaurant is located at Varjakra intersection, Thanon Luang, Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, Bangkok. Hours: 6:00 AM–1:30 PM daily (closed Mondays). Telephone: 0-2222-2864.

Muttri, formerly of New Country, has stepped into a solo career with a new look and released her debut single "Look Bad Sad Often," a contemporary luk thung pop song that reflects her true identity, thoughts, and real-life experiences through modern music infused with luk thung elements. She wrote the song herself and talked about her solo journey.

"Yes, the song is called 'Look Bad Sad Often' and I wrote it myself from real-life experiences," Muttri explained. "The content is truly about me. People around me have always said I have a bad look—that I seem tough and hard to approach—so many people don't dare talk to me. In reality, I'm a fun and easy-going person, and not many people come on to me because they're scared. But there was this one guy who said he liked girls with a bad look like mine, but it's funny because he dumped me and started dating a girl who's nothing like me—the total opposite type. After saying he liked girls like me, what's the point?"

On the creative process, Muttri said: "I basically started from scratch. When I found out about the solo project, I talked to my producer about what direction I wanted to go. We set up the beat together, and I wanted a Western-style beat with a touch of luk thung vocals. Once I had the music, I spent about a week writing the lyrics. I brought in Chester to do the rap verse and add wordplay and fun to it. I also mixed in a Suphan Buri accent with modern melody and beat."

On the "bad girl" direction, she added: "I'm continuing the vibe from New Country, where we've always done modern luk thung. Now that I'm going solo, I'm keeping the luk thung essence but making it more personal. When I was with New Country's six members, I couldn't be fully myself—I had to balance with everyone else. Now that I'm solo, I can put all of myself into everything and let fans really know who I truly am."

Muttri emphasized her involvement at every stage: "Yes, from day one—choosing the producer, writing the lyrics, makeup artist, director, stylist, picking the music video lead actor, even the video editing. I'm lucky that the label trusted me so much and believed in me."

On selecting the music video co-star: "He doesn't actually match the character (laughs). I discussed with the director what the lead should look like, and he suggested that since I'm styling as a bad girl, the actor should be a homestyle Thai-international type to create contrast with my look. After talking it over, we chose Sack Sarakaew, a model and influencer, and it was our first time working together."

The music video tells the story of a young woman at a house party who confronts her ex-boyfriend as he arrives with his new girlfriend, triggering her mission for revenge in bad-girl style. Two scenes particularly stand out: one featuring a buffalo in the background, reflecting Suphan Buri's character—she wanted a real buffalo but it was hard to manage, so they used an image instead—and another of her sitting on a stretcher surrounded by an intricately designed lotus frame, which she loved because everyone gasped in awe.

For the choreography, Muttri worked with Khru Sai from Harem Check, whom she'd never collaborated with before but had seen lots of work from. "I specifically asked for badass moves," she said.

On how this differs from New Country: "Not much different, though it has more of a T-pop feel. This song is sexier—I've grown up, and I wanted to show my identity more clearly, so I went for a badass vibe. I really love this song. I've written a lot of songs, but this one is so me. I'm happy to release it for everyone to hear, and the response has been really good."