Luang Pho Bai Thammasotho of Wat Chong Lom in Samut Songkhram was a renowned Buddhist scholar and disciple of Luang Pho Kaew of Wat Puang Malai, whose amulets and sacred objects remain highly popular. Born in 1861 in Phetchaburi province, he was orphaned and raised by relatives in the monastic community. At age twenty he was ordained at Wat Thong Nopakun under the preceptor Luang Pho Daeng of Wat Khao Bandai It, and studied Buddhist doctrine and meditation under several prominent teachers including Luang Pho Kaew, with whom he developed a close spiritual relationship. In 1894 he undertook a pilgrimage lasting four months to visit the Buddha's Footprint in Saraburi and the Phratat Dhonrag shrine in Kanchanaburi, accompanied by four monks and a lay attendant. He served as abbot of Wat Chong Lom after Luang Pho Kaew relocated to Wat Puang Malai in 1902. In 1927, due to severe riverbank erosion threatening the original temple site along a bend in the Mae Klong River, he relocated the monastery to its present location. Construction of a new ordination hall began in 1929 after the original was damaged by water erosion. True to his humble character, he never announced these projects publicly; villagers learned of them through word of mouth and volunteered labor, materials, and donations according to their means. He commissioned the construction of a Buddha image grotto, designing it with a decorative goat sculpture at the entrance as a symbolic guardian. During World War II in 1941, thieves decapitated the goat and removed the tridents from the chedi's pinnacle, leaving only the uppermost section visible today. Recognized as a highly learned and respected Buddhist master of his era, he received invitations to preside over numerous blessing ceremonies, including the consecration of a statue of the Sangharaja at Wat Rajabophit in 1938. He maintained a close spiritual friendship with Luang Pho Khong of Wat Bang Krapom, another renowned master of the same period. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, the third waning day of the second lunar month in the Year of the Goat, corresponding to January 4, 1941, at the age of eighty-one with sixty Buddhist Lenten seasons completed. He created numerous sacred amulets and objects that remain highly valued and sought after by devotees.

The Department of Interior released a clarification on August 5 regarding online reports of a personal data breach from the citizen registry system. The Registry Administration Office stated the following facts: First, personal data was not leaked from the main database of the citizen registry system. Second, regarding the circulation of individuals' facial images on social media, the Department of Interior has coordinated with the National Cybersecurity Committee (NCCC) and the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) to conduct a thorough investigation, and has filed a complaint with the Technology Crime Investigation Division to pursue legal action. Third, the Department of Interior confirms it has continuously upgraded system database security and uses the ThaID system for identity verification, which is considered a high-level security system. Fourth, the Department of Interior and the Ministry of Interior warn the public that spreading false or unlawful information on social media may violate the Computer Crime Act B.E. 2550, Section 14, which covers introducing distorted or false data or information affecting national and economic security or causing public panic. Violations carry penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of no more than 100,000 baht, or both.

Thailand is preparing to send the CE-7 MATCH scientific instrument, designed and developed by Thai engineers, to participate in a lunar exploration mission for the first time under the Chang'e-7 program. This marks another significant milestone for Thai science and space research, underscoring Thailand's capability in space technology development, engineering, and frontier research recognized internationally.

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation held a press conference announcing "Thailand's First Mission to Lunar Exploration" at the ministry headquarters. The institute announced the readiness of the Thai-made CE-7 MATCH scientific instrument to conduct lunar exploration as one of seven international scientific instruments for the Chang'e-7 mission, with partnerships including the Ministry of Education, Thai PBS, and Sea (Thailand).

A live broadcast of the Long March-5 Y14 rocket launch carrying the Chang'e-7 spacecraft into space is scheduled for August 24 at approximately 7:00 a.m. Thai time, accompanied by science, engineering, and space technology learning activities for the public nationwide.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Dr. Yotchanan Wongswadiwat stated that the success of the CE-7 MATCH mission results from continuous investment in science, research, and innovation.

The CE-7 MATCH (Chang'e-7 Moon Aiming Thai-Chinese Hodoscope) is a scientific instrument jointly developed by NARIT and Mahidol University under Thai-Chinese cooperation within the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project. It was developed based on scientific objectives aligned with the Chang'e-7 mission goals before being selected as one of seven international scientific instruments to orbit the Moon.

The instrument's mission includes measuring cosmic radiation or high-energy particles in space and studying relationships between the Sun, Earth, and Moon to understand radiation origins and processes that may affect humans in the future, particularly establishing knowledge foundations for long-term space exploration and lunar settlement.

Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Yotchanan Wongswadiwat stated that the CE-7 MATCH mission's success results from continuous investment in science, research, and innovation, including personnel development, knowledge creation, and cooperation among research institutions, universities, and international partners, which has raised the country's advanced technology capabilities through building upon existing knowledge to create Thailand's own knowledge and technology, enhancing competitiveness and creating new economic opportunities.

Prof. Dr. Yotchanan stated that the government aims to transform Thailand from a "technology user" to a "technology creator" by using Thai knowledge as the foundation for innovation that generates economic value, coupled with human capital development, support for frontier research, and promotion of the space industry.

Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), recently discussed with H.E. Mr. Zhang Jianwei, Chinese Ambassador ...

On August 5, 2569, at the Department of Local Administration Promotion, Wanchai Janphon, chairman of the central examination committee for local government employees (CSEE), revealed that he has already signed two proclamations to revoke the old roster and create a new one, excluding those who cheated on exams. He stated that today the committee will review implementation guidelines and report full statistics on applicants, test takers, those listed, and the number of cheaters, dividing them into two categories: those who failed both sections A and B, and those who passed both sections but had scores adjusted upward.

When asked to confirm if the number of exam cheaters totals 5,925, Wanchai asked to wait for data from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior but said today's meeting will report confirmed figures believed to be final and accurate. He explained that today's agenda includes revoking the cheaters' roster and issuing the new one, along with establishing procedures for implementation. Provinces will be tasked with disqualifying those who failed standards by referring cases to local government organizations, which will report back to CSEE on who was removed for re-ranking.

After that, a new ranking will be determined, including decisions on whether candidates remain in the same position or move to new ones, whether those who previously declined positions should be included, and age-related eligibility criteria. Wanchai confirmed that after CSEE passes its resolution, it must report to the central committee for approval as the appointing authority.

Police led the 'Young Detective' program in collaboration with the 'Jo Jae Catch Thieves' teaching team to provide cybersecurity and drug abuse prevention training to students at Suwannaram Witthayakom School. The August 3 event was supported by school director Nakkanda Pichayasat and featured four key learning modules: survival tactics and self-defense in emergencies, drug awareness and recognition, safe internet usage and online threat management, and fraud and cybercrime awareness. Students engaged in intensive, scenario-based learning activities designed to equip them with practical knowledge for personal and community safety, while enjoying interactive experiences and prizes throughout the event. Deputy Police Commissioner Thiradej Thammasutheei stated that the Drug Suppression Center partnered with the Jo Jae Catch Thieves team to reach middle and high school students, emphasizing youth-focused prevention aligned with national policy and the Royal Thai Police's commitment to building a safer society.