Luang Pho Hun Phutthasaro, also known as Phra Kru Mongkol Ratana, was a revered senior Buddhist scholar at Wat Jet Samian in Jet Samian Subdistrict, Potharam District, Ratchaburi Province, deeply respected by the local community even after his passing. He was born on Friday, April 14, 1899, at Ban Somtha, Mueang 5, Bang Ton District, Potharam, Ratchaburi. Like other boys of his era, he lived a typical childhood and completed his early education in 1913, achieving proficiency equivalent to fourth-grade primary schooling at Wat Somtha School.

At the proper age in 1919, he underwent ordination at Wat Somtha's ordination hall. However, after only one year of monastic life, he was conscripted for military service in 1920. Following his discharge in 1922, he felt a strong calling to deepen his study of Buddhist doctrine and sought re-ordination on March 17, 1922, at Wat Somtha. His preceptor was Phra Kru Satit Sutakara (Luang Pho Kong) of Wat Tha Luang Phol, his ordination teacher was Phra Ajahn Chao of Wat Tha Luang Phol, and his witness was Phra Ajahn Mat of Wat Bang Lan, Potharam District, Ratchaburi. He was given the monastic name Phutthasaro.

For two years, he studied Buddhist texts and the Pali language at Wat Somtha with his teachers and an elderly mentor, eventually mastering the translation of the Mangala Sutta. In 1924, he moved to Wat Bang Ton to pursue advanced Buddhist studies and ecclesiastical training for 18 years. In 1937, he was officially appointed as a Buddhist educator by the monastic order, earning widespread respect for his moral teachings to the community. In 1940, he was designated as a Dharma teacher for monks and novices within his temple.

In 1941, he returned to Wat Somtha to assist with monastic administration and continue as a Dharma teacher. Throughout his life, whether at Wat Bang Ton, Wat Somtha, or Wat Jet Samian, his students consistently passed the national Buddhist studies examination every year. In 1946, he was appointed abbot of Wat Jet Samian at the request of the local community, led by village headman Kowit Wongyara. As abbot, he reorganized the monastic community and developed the temple to flourish to the best of his ability.

In 1947, he was promoted to Kammavachacarya (ecclesiastical administrator). In 1958, he received the title Phra Kru Prathuan, and in 1969, he was elevated to Phra Kru Saññabat with the monastic title Phra Kru Mongkol Ratana by royal decree. He passed away peacefully on July 29, 1974, at Siriraj Hospital from heart failure, at the age of 75 and after 52 years in monastic service.

Wat Jet Samian, located in Mueang 3, Jet Samian Subdistrict, Potharam District, Ratchaburi Province, was established in 1757 and received the royal charter for its boundary in 1976. The temple houses an important shrine enshrining a cast image of its former abbot, serving as a spiritual center and focal point for the community. Both Phra Kru Satjahabhirom (Luang Pu Mueab) and Phra Kru Mongkol Ratana (Luang Pho Hun), the temple's two most venerated former abbots, left lasting legacies of merit and spiritual development that continue to inspire devotion to this day.

The amulets and auspicious objects created by these abbots remain widely sought after and cherished, particularly the first-edition coins cast in 1969 to commemorate Luang Pho Hun's elevation in monastic rank, minted in silver and gold.

Samsung has unveiled the latest Galaxy Z Series foldable phones, headlined by the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra—the most powerful and thinnest foldable model to date. The lineup also includes the redesigned Galaxy Z Fold8, featuring a new 10:16 screen ratio that unfolds to 4:3, and the compact Galaxy Z Flip8 with a redesigned FlexWindow.

The standout Galaxy Z Fold8 boasts a fresh screen ratio engineered to match everyday content consumption habits, delivering practical performance for web browsing, video streaming, reading, and gaming. At just 201 grams, it is the lightest Galaxy Z Fold ever made, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy and a large 4,800 mAh battery.

When folded, the 10:16 outer screen feels familiar and fits comfortably in hand, ideal for quick daily tasks like messaging, social media, and short videos. Unfolded, the expansive 4:3 main display provides immersive gaming and movie viewing. The screen ratio automatically adjusts when rotated to match natural eye level and reading angles, eliminating the need for additional devices. Samsung developed these ratios based on real everyday usage patterns.

The new Galaxy Z Fold features upgraded engineering for a refined foldable experience and a sleeker form factor, employing Flex Titanium technology. The titanium alloy film combined with improved titanium sheets strengthens the display support, absorbs pressure and impact, and reduces the visibility of the crease over time. The new structure also balances the hinge mechanism, screen tension, and magnetic forces to deliver a smooth, light, and natural opening experience.

The main display reaches 3,000 nits brightness, working alongside Vision Booster and a low-reflection display finish to deliver vibrant, sharp, and clear visuals even in bright outdoor conditions.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 camera features dual lenses at 50 megapixels, delivering high-definition detail across wide and ultra-wide focal lengths. The Dual Recording feature simultaneously records both front and rear cameras with preview on the outer display, enhancing composition capture. The My FanCam feature automatically tracks and frames selected faces, allowing video scenes to be adjusted to desired aspect ratios for easy uploading.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul rejected UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews' report on Cambodia's human rights situation, which claimed that 650,000 Cambodians were displaced following recent Thai-Cambodian border clashes. Anutin stated that Andrews issued his statement without hearing Thailand's account, and that Thailand does not accept this assessment, calling for further clarification from the Foreign Ministry. Deputy Prime Minister Sidesakdi Poungketkeaw will provide additional details.

Regarding Cambodia's planned submission to the UN on August 7 seeking recognition of the 1993 MOU and 1:200,000 scale map for border negotiations, Anutin asserted that Thailand already has a firm position on the 1993 MOU, stipulating conditions that must be met before any talks proceed. He emphasized that Thailand maintains this principle and Cambodia must review its approach if it wishes to negotiate with Thailand. Anutin declared that no one can force Thailand's hand, and Thailand has no need to justify its stance to anyone, regardless of any complaints filed.

However, Anutin noted that regarding maritime boundaries, since the 1994 MOU was cancelled, any negotiations must follow mandatory arbitration under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982.

BANGKOK: The government plans to launch tourism stimulus projects worth B2.45 billion in September, relying on funding from the B400bn borrowing decree allocated to ease cost-of-living pressures amid the surge in energy prices, says the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

On August 3, 2025, Wetchayan Fah, an officer from Moo Si Police Station, posted on Facebook stating that police received a complaint about photographers taking pictures at the Khao Yai access point on the Pak Chong side. The officers summoned both photographers for questioning, gave them a caution, and advised them on proper procedures, though they may not have been pleased about it.

The photographers explained that the 123Photo page only posts images of customers who have been photographed and have requested to purchase photos from the page. If any customer is dissatisfied, they can request the image be deleted. Anyone wishing to be photographed can signal with their headlights to get the team's attention via the page.

The 123Photo page responded that they are willing to cooperate and be investigated. They reiterated that images are not published or posted on the page before customer approval. Only work photos sent to customers who support the page and have given permission are posted. If anyone is uncomfortable with the arrangement, has a substitute, or has other concerns, they can inform the team at the shooting location or contact them via chat.

For those wanting quality photos, they can message via chat or tell the team directly. The page emphasizes compliance with the law and keeping photos private and confidential.

BANGKOK: Thailand will not face a crude oil shortage in August despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, as supply remains sufficient for all six domestic refineries, according to the Department of Energy Business (DOEB).