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Community

Revered Monk Luang Por Pin Remembered in Ratchaburi

Luang Por Pin, a revered abbot of Wat Ubonwanaram in Ratchaburi, was remembered for his mastery of Buddhist teachings, occult knowledge, and tireless service to his community until his death in 1952.

Revered Monk Luang Por Pin Remembered in Ratchaburi
22 Jul Khaosod

Phra Kru Prasit Sarnakun, known as Luang Por Pin Inthasaro, was a distinguished former abbot of Wat Ubonwanaram in Daeangsadawk district, Ratchaburi province, and a student who inherited advanced Buddhist knowledge from Luang Por Kong at Wat Bang Krapom. Born February 23, 1901, in Klongnai, Samphran district, Nakhon Pathom province, to parents Nai Long and Nang Pring Imsarani, he was placed in monastic education at a young age before attending Phra Pathom College. After his father's death, he left school to help support his mother. At age 21 in 1922, he was ordained at Wat Bang Chang Nuea, receiving the religious name Inthasaro. He studied both Pali and Dhamma extensively at Wat Thongnopakun in Bangkok, earning the rank of senior Dhamma scholar and passing five difficult Pali examinations. He became skilled in Dhamma preaching, astrology, and Buddhist occult knowledge, later teaching at multiple temples including Wat Thongnopakun, Wat Thalo in Kanchanaburi, Wat Amronrat Samakhom, Wat Prasatsit, and Wat Ubonwanaram. In 1938, he established the first Pali studies program in Daeangsadawk district at Wat Prasatsit, and with Phra Kru Lom, he founded the Sri Prommin school at that temple in 1941. After transferring to Wat Ubonwanaram, he helped raise funds to build Ubonwanaram School (Nim Phin Mukprachanugul). He also assisted in constructing several other schools in the area. In 1947, following Phra Uthikan Nim's retreat from the abbacy, the sangha and temple committee unanimously appointed him as abbot. As abbot, he continued to develop and enhance Wat Ubonwanaram. Beyond his fame as a preacher, he earned widespread reverence for his Buddhist occult knowledge, being frequently invited to perform consecrations and blessings. He compassionately helped all who came to him with troubles and hardships. The residents of Daeangsadawk district recognized him as a highly virtuous monk of exceptional spiritual merit, possessing a generous and compassionate heart—outwardly appearing as a monk-developer and teacher of Dhamma and Pali, but also well known throughout the district for his excellence in preaching and religious instruction. He served as a shelter and refuge for the people of Daeangsadawk for many years until 1952.

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National

AIS Secures Exclusive European Club Football Broadcasting Rights

AIS has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for European club football in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia for four seasons starting in 2027/28, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and other top competitions on AIS PLAY.

AIS Secures Exclusive European Club Football Broadcasting Rights
22 Jul Khaosod

AIS has announced it has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for men's European club football as the sole official broadcaster in Thailand, in partnership with UC3 and UEFA. The four-year agreement covers Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia from the 2027/28 through 2030/31 seasons and includes the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Super Cup, and Youth League, all available on AIS PLAY with live broadcasts, highlights, and match replays.

AIS CEO Prathana Leelponang expressed pride in delivering Europe's greatest club competitions to Thai customers and fans, noting that Thai audiences follow these tournaments closely due to the concentration of top clubs and superstar players from Europe's leading leagues—the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A, and French Ligue 1. The strategic partnership between AIS and UC3, representing UEFA and over 800 leading European clubs, integrates world-class sports content into AIS PLAY, Thailand's leading sports and entertainment platform.

The acquisition reinforces AIS PLAY's position as Thailand's premier entertainment hub and reaffirms AIS's commitment to delivering premium sports experiences to Thai fans. AIS PLAY is the exclusive channel offering comprehensive coverage of all five competitions, with technology and broadcasting infrastructure in place to support the long-term premium service across all four seasons.

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Weather

Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain, Floods Through Late July

Thailand's meteorological department warns of heavy rain and potential flooding across the north, northeast, and southern regions through late July, with the eastern and western south coasts facing particularly severe conditions July 26–28

Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain, Floods Through Late July
22 Jul Khaosod

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a seven-day regional weather forecast for July 22–28, 2025. From July 22–25, heavy rain is expected in parts of the northern, upper northeastern, eastern, and western southern regions due to a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam combined with the southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea and northern Gulf of Thailand will reach 1–2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas. The lower Andaman Sea will see approximately 1-meter waves, also exceeding 2 meters during storms. From July 26–28, the eastern and western southern regions face heavy to very heavy rain as a monsoon trough passes through Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam into a low-pressure system in the central South China Sea, with strengthening southwest monsoon conditions. Waves will intensify across the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. A separate low-pressure system in the Pacific is expected to strengthen into a depression and move over the northern Philippines on July 24–25. Public warnings emphasize caution in eastern and western southern regions during July 26–28 for sudden flash floods, flash floods, and overflowing banks, particularly in foothill and low-lying areas near waterways. Regional forecasts detail thunderstorms at 40–80% coverage across all regions with heavy rain in parts. Northern region: 60–80% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain July 22–25 and 28; low 23–27°C, high 29–36°C. Northeastern region: 40–60% thunderstorm coverage with scattered heavy rain throughout; low 24–26°C, high 30–37°C. Central region: 40–60% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in western areas July 22 and 27–28; low 24–27°C, high 30–37°C. Eastern region: July 22–25 sees 40–60% thunderstorm coverage; July 26–28 sees 60–70% coverage with heavy to very heavy rain in places; winds 15–35 kph initially, 20–35 kph later; waves 1–2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in storms; low 24–28°C, high 30–36°C. Southern region (east coast): July 22–25 shows 20–40% thunderstorm coverage with moderate winds and 1-meter waves offshore.

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National

Ex-Architect Grows Specialty Coffee in Northeast Thailand

Former architect Pond Nathanol Mahachan left his career to grow specialty coffee in Khon Kaen province, applying engineering expertise to create a model farm that emphasizes quality and craftsmanship over volume to help local farmers compet

Ex-Architect Grows Specialty Coffee in Northeast Thailand
22 Jul Khaosod

Thai coffee culture has evolved from the traditional coffee shop focused on energy and socializing to a modern lifestyle centered on specialty coffee, where people view coffee as an art and craft rather than merely a beverage. This shift emphasizes every stage from cultivation and roasting to complex flavor extraction science.

Pond Nathanol Mahachan, a former architect, has decided to return to his hometown in Khon Kaen province to develop coffee as a crop for the future on highland areas, positioning his farm as a must-visit destination for coffee enthusiasts.

As an architect and instructor in high-rise building technology, experienced with 3D modeling and AI technology, Pond applies engineering knowledge to agriculture and coffee shop operations. He carefully positions each coffee plant and designs shop layouts to optimize light, wind direction, and space efficiency.

He admits his initial thoughts wavered between money, time, and passion until he realized he needed to sacrifice some income to pursue his new goal. However, he acknowledges that capital remains essential, as casually tasting coffee a few times daily in the garden would not sustain a business. He felt compelled to develop a clear business model.

Coffee is complex in terms of consumption and experience. The challenge is how to present it to the market. Simply selling "drinking" adds little value, but selling "experience"—including storytelling, marketing service, and branding—leverages his strengths.

Local farmers have strong growing capabilities, but face challenges in closing sales. He is discussing with various organizations to find support and help strengthen farmers' operations, such as purchasing their produce to add value. He intends his farm to serve as a model.

Pond emphasizes that modern agriculture must be crafted with refinement and sophistication, as Thailand cannot compete internationally on volume alone. Chinese coffee is flowing in through investments in Laos, while northern Thai coffee faces disasters and climate change that reduce yields. "This is why I shifted my thinking toward craftsmanship and greater skill. I believe local farmers can survive sustainably by focusing on refinement. Traditional resource-based tourism may become tiresome, but genuine craft processes attract people longer. We don't emphasize quantity but quality felt in every step."

Most Thais think coffee grows only in the north or south, but today it is spreading widely in the northeast and attracting more farmers. However, it requires strong intention and understanding, as terrain and climate are less favorable than the north.

For anyone wanting to grow coffee in the northeast, the key factors are water management and pest control. Low-elevation areas often suffer from insects that bore into stems and damage crops. Leaves must be frequently pruned to keep stems open—details that differ from highland forest farming, which requires little maintenance.

At Mahachan's farm, coffee grows mixed within rubber plantations at 1-1.5 meter spacing. Two water management systems are used: drip irrigation to maintain soil moisture and sprinkler systems to maintain humidity.

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Police

Thai Authorities Detain 43 Foreign Workers at Rayong Site

Thai authorities detained 43 foreign workers—including 36 Myanmar nationals, two Cambodians, and five Chinese citizens—at a factory construction site in Rayong province during a labor inspection on Tuesday. Officials said the operation was

Thai Authorities Detain 43 Foreign Workers at Rayong Site
22 Jul Khaosod

RAYONG — Thai authorities detained 43 foreign workers, including five Chinese nationals, during an inspection at a factory construction site in Rayong province on Tuesday after receiving complaints.

The operation was carried out at around 13:00 by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the Rayong Provincial Employment Office and officers from the Special Branch Police Bureau.

Officials inspected a factory construction site in Nikhom Phatthana district. They detained 36 Myanmar nationals, two Cambodians and five Chinese nationals.

The Rayong Provincial Employment Office said the inspection was conducted in line with the government's policy to intensify checks on foreign workers, screen undocumented migrants and ensure that migrant labor is properly regulated.

Authorities said the provincial employment office has ordered more thorough inspections across the province to enforce labor regulations.

Special Branch officers, who were deployed from Bangkok, said they had been instructed by their superiors to assist in the operation, noting that illegal entry by foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens, is considered a matter of national security.

The detained workers were taken in for further legal proceedings while officials investigate whether they had entered Thailand or were working in the country in violation of immigration and labor laws.

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National

After 78 Years, Hill-Tribe Woman Finally Gets Thai ID Card

A 78-year-old hill-tribe woman in Mae Hong Son province has received her first Thai national ID card after living her entire life without civil registration, finally gaining access to healthcare and government welfare benefits.

After 78 Years, Hill-Tribe Woman Finally Gets Thai ID Card
22 Jul Khaosod

MAE HONG SON — A 78-year-old Indigenous hill-tribe woman has finally received her Thai national identification card after spending nearly eight decades without being listed in the civil registration system.

On July 22, 2026, Sop Moei district chief Khamphan Mokthaisong approved the addition of the woman's name to the civil registration and presented her with a Thai national ID card under Regulation No. 97 of the Central Registration Bureau.

The woman, identified as Thaloi Sukudompha, 78, is a resident of Mae Ok Tai village, Moo 4, Mae Khatuan subdistrict, Sop Moei district, Mae Hong Son province. Thaloi was born and has lived in Mae Ok Tai village all her life. However, she was previously left out of the civil registration system, meaning she had no name or personal record in the household registration document, known as Tor Ror 14.

As a result, she had been unable to fully access basic rights and government welfare benefits available to Thai citizens for almost eight decades. Receiving the ID card brought great joy to Thaloi and her family. The document not only formally confirms her identity as a Thai citizen, but also allows her to access healthcare and other state welfare benefits on an equal basis.

Officals said the process was carried out in accordance with relevant regulations and laws, with no fees charged. The move is intended to restore basic rights and ensure equal access to public services for Indigenous Thai citizens who were previously left out of the civil registration system.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Actors Nadech and Yaya Celebrate Wedding Reception in Bangkok

Thai actors Nadech and Yaya held their Bangkok wedding reception at Dusit Thani Hotel on July 18, drawing celebrity guests including LISA and fans who celebrated their union with performances and an after-party. The couple reflected on thei

Thai Actors Nadech and Yaya Celebrate Wedding Reception in Bangkok
22 Jul Khaosod

After holding traditional Thai-Isan wedding ceremonies and hosting a celebration in Norway, Thai entertainment couple Nadech Kugimiya and Yaya Urasaya Sperbund returned to Thailand for a wedding reception at the Naphaly Grand Ballroom at Dusit Thani Hotel in Bangkok on July 18. The event invited important people in their lives to celebrate and wish them well, with global star LISA creating buzz with her attendance. Fans were also invited to be part of the celebration.

The atmosphere was filled with warmth and joy, featuring an after-party and concert performances by celebrity artists, including the groom singing and showcasing his physique. Before the reception started, Nadech and Yaya opened up about the most memorable moments of their special day and reflected on their love journey, thanking everyone for their support.

Asked if their marriage turned out as imagined: Nadech: "Far better than I imagined. I'm very lucky to have her as my wife. She continues to guide me in the right direction, making me want to be a better person for her and our future." Yaya: "I feel blessed. When we started getting to know each other, I could already picture this day clearly. It turned out just as I dreamed."

Do they remember their first meeting? Did they immediately know this was the one? Nadech: "I did. After finishing the series Duang Jai Akorn, I wanted to be her boyfriend and worked hard to woo her. My English wasn't strong, so I practiced speaking with her constantly and did everything to make her happy." Yaya: "Back then there was no Line. I remember he sent a message saying 'Hey shawty!' which was cute. During the drama shoot he didn't talk to me much, just looked at me. But our chemistry was there from the first meeting. I realized he was flirting when he sent that message."

Why did he fall in love with her? Nadech: "I fell for her bright and cheerful charm that brought life to my world. She's dedicated to her work and has a certain appeal I can't quite explain. We gradually fell in love while working together, especially during the series Game Rai Game Rak—that was it! As for how I courted her, I liked sitting next to her on the van, sharing earbuds listening to music, and dreaming of her falling asleep on my shoulder. I mostly played foreign love songs, carefully curating playlists to avoid sad songs. Since we were filming together and spending over 12 hours a day together, our feelings naturally seeped into each other."

Do they remember the first day they officially became a couple? Yaya: "We don't have a clear first date because we fell in love before officially becoming a couple. As a Pisces, I fall hard and fast. I felt this was the one because our energies matched—it really locked in. Even though we couldn't understand each other at first and had to use Google Translate, he's genuine with himself and everyone around him. Being with him puts me at ease and lets me be completely myself."

What about Nadech hasn't changed from the first day until now? Yaya: "Everything, really. But what I love most is his heart. He does everything with sincerity, and his heartbeat just goes... Yaya, Yaya, Yaya. (laughs)"

How did they adapt to each other so well? Nadech: "We continue to learn from each other. There's no fixed formula for married life. We have to observe each other, notice our own feelings, and learn to improve and develop so we always move in the same direction." Yaya: "I believe in a relationship, you have to love every version of the person you choose. If you encounter anything difficult, you have to be like a breeze under their wings supporting them."

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Tourism

Pattaya Unveils World's First Giant CRYBABY Beachfront Art Installation

Pattaya opened the world's first beachfront art toy destination featuring giant CRYBABY installations over 8 meters tall, alongside POP MART's flagship store offering collectible figures and merchandise through August 2026.

Pattaya Unveils World's First Giant CRYBABY Beachfront Art Installation
22 Jul Khaosod

Central Pattaya, POP MART (Thailand), Thailand's Tourism Authority (TAT), and the Pattaya municipality have jointly launched "POP ON THE BEACH," creating the world's first beachfront art toy destination and opening POP MART's first official beachfront store at Central Pattaya. The initiative reinforces Pattaya's status as a world-class tourism and lifestyle destination. Dr. Nathkitti Tangpoolsinthanа, Chief Marketing Officer of Central Pattaya, noted that global tourism is shifting from sightseeing to experience-seeking that reflects personal interests, identity, and cultural connections. He emphasized that cities worldwide leverage pop culture and intellectual property as tools to drive tourism and economic growth. Central Pattaya was entrusted by POP MART to scale up from a pop-up store to an official store and create the world's first beachfront art toy destination through the GIANT CRYBABY, launched in Thailand as the world's largest installation. The launch spans a seamless experience from the beachfront landmark to premium shopping, offering random blind boxes, plush toys, accessories, and high-end mega collections featuring characters such as CRYBABY, LABUBU, MOLLY, SKULLPANDA, DIMOO, TWINKLE, and HIRONO, with new products and special items planned. The highlight features four colossal GIANT CRYBABY balloons, each over 8 meters tall and 12 meters long, created under the "Cry Me An Ocean Series" concept by Thai artist, blending healing narratives with Pattaya's local essence. The installation is complemented by large figures of MOLLY and SKULLPANDA, offering experiential photo landmarks available through August 2, 2026.

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Regional

Commerce Ministry Unveils Four-Point Plan to Combat Durian Price Collapse

Thailand's Commerce Ministry is rolling out four measures to counter plummeting durian prices, including faster distribution, quality control, and value-added processing to move 300,000 tons of southern production before the season ends.

Commerce Ministry Unveils Four-Point Plan to Combat Durian Price Collapse
22 Jul Khaosod

The Department of Internal Trade is tackling falling durian prices in southern Thailand with four key measures to boost distribution of 300,000 tons of output. Director-General Withayakorn Maneenate outlined the strategy following a field inspection at Marakot market in Chumphon, working to execute Deputy Prime Minister Supachee Suthermpunthu's fruit management policy. Southern durian production is now over 50 percent into the season, with Chumphon province alone accounting for roughly 70 percent, or 243,000 tons.

The four-point action plan includes: (1) accelerating product distribution from farms to market by coordinating with the Department of Land Transport and ensuring compliance with the GMS Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement, while encouraging more Thai trucks to purchase durian and connecting foreign buyers for continuous purchasing; (2) maintaining Thai durian quality through strict harvest standards, grading, and compliance with production benchmarks to build buyer confidence and protect the nation's durian brand; (3) promoting value-added processing through community enterprises and producers to create products such as fried durian and durian sweets, while linking market channels; and (4) intensifying marketing and communications to attract traders to Marakot market for expanded distribution.

Marakot market manager Thanet Samgtawon confirmed the facility is prepared to handle the southern durian influx as eastern region production winds down. Vendors at the market report that Chinese consumers remain highly interested in Thai durian, especially the golden pillow variety for its trusted quality and flavor, while the Sri Saket volcanic durian has earned recognition as a premium product among discerning buyers.

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National

Ex-PM Abhisit Returns to Politics With 130.9M Baht in Assets

Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva returned to Parliament in March 2025 with combined assets of 130.9 million baht, up 76.6 million from his 2011 declaration, including Bangkok property inherited from family members.

Ex-PM Abhisit Returns to Politics With 130.9M Baht in Assets
22 Jul Khaosod

On July 22, 2025, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) released asset declarations for Abhisit Vejjajiva, the former prime minister who took office as a Democrat Party list MP on March 15, 2025. Abhisit and his wife Pimpen reported combined assets totaling 130,916,823 baht with no liabilities.

Abhisit's personal assets amount to 76,638,695 baht, comprising deposits across seven accounts (14.8 million baht), two land plots in Bangkok's Khlong Toei area valued at 40.92 million baht inherited from his father and sister, residential buildings in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan and a Bangkok townhouse worth 18.6 million baht, one vehicle (1.8 million baht), and other assets (475,000 baht). He reported annual income of 1.4 million baht from salary and interest, with personal expenses of 600,000 baht annually.

Pimpen holds 54.3 million baht in assets across 13 bank accounts (13.4 million baht), open-ended fund investments (4.9 million baht), three land plots in Bangkok valued at 27.5 million baht inherited from her mother, and other assets (8.6 million baht). She reported annual income of 1.2 million baht and annual expenses of 400,000 baht.

Notable items among their possessions include a Patek Philippe watch (200,000 baht), gold necklaces, an IWC watch (17,000 baht), pearl necklaces (2.1 million baht), pearl and diamond necklaces (580,000 baht), white gold bracelets (270,000 baht), diamond and pearl earrings (500,000 baht), diamond rings (500,000 baht), and diamond brooches (200,000 baht).

Abhisit returned to politics in the recent election after stepping down as a Democrat MP in 2019. Over the past five years, he reported serving as director, vice chairman, and advisor to Sahapattana Pibool Company Limited.

Comparing his current declaration to his 2011 filing when he left office as prime minister, Abhisit and his wife's assets have increased by 76.6 million baht from a previous total of 54.4 million baht.

Meanwhile, Kaladee Liaopairojn, a Democrat Party list MP and deputy party leader, reported combined family assets of 233.8 million baht with debts totaling 8.1 million baht. Her personal assets total 136.1 million baht, including bank deposits (6.5 million baht), investments (26.1 million baht), and loans provided to real estate and digital companies, with outstanding loans of 2 million baht, 1 million baht, 924,455 baht, and other amounts to various corporations.

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Police

New Zealand Teen Released on Bail After Airport Theft Arrest

An 18-year-old New Zealand tourist was released on bail after six days in a Thai prison for allegedly taking a Swatch watch from a security tray at Surat Thani Airport in July; his mother says he picked it up by mistake.

22 Jul The Thaiger Crime

New Zealand teen released on bail after being arrested for alleged theft at Thai airportLegacyA New Zealand teenager has been reunited with his mother after spending six days in a Thai prison over an alleged theft at airport. The New Zealand mother, Natasha Rainger, recently told the Daily Mail she would do anything to secure the release of her 18 year old son, Loukas Rainger, who was arrested in Thailand during his first overseas holiday. Natasha maintained her son’s innocence, saying he had not intentionally taken another passenger’s property. “He didn’t maliciously steal it or intend to steal someone’s belongings. He didn’t think. He’s inexperienced, young,” she told Daily Mail. According to police, the incident occurred at Surat Thani International Airport on July 3 while passengers were passing through a security screening area. The CCTV footage showed Loukas taking a Swatch watch belonging to another traveller from a security tray. Photo via Lucas’s Instagram account Loukas was later arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport while preparing to fly home to New Zealand after police identified an arrest warrant linked to the case. He was subsequently transferred by train to Surat Thani for legal proceedings. Natasha told the Daily Mail that her son was handcuffed to a chair during the 12-hour journey. According to Natasha, Loukas told her he believed the watch had been left in the same security tray as his own belongings and that he picked it up by mistake. She said she sought assistance from the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok after his arrest. According to Natasha, Loukas apologised to the watch’s owner and returned the item. Photo via Lucas’s Instagram account Natasha also claimed she was asked to pay US$1,000 (about 34,000 baht) in compensation, despite saying the watch was worth between US$80 and US$100 on the eBay marketplace. According to the Daily Mail, Loukas was released on 100,000 baht bail and reunited with his mother on July 22 after spending six days in custody. The media outlet reported that the teenager lost about 10 kilogrammes while detained and shaved his head in accordance with Thai prison regulations. Speaking to New Zealand news outlet Stuff, Natasha described the reunion as emotional. “I have never ever in my life been so happy to just see my son. I can’t stop looking at him.” Although he has been granted bail, the legal case is continuing. Loukas must remain in Thailand, report to police every two weeks and appear in court for a hearing scheduled in September. The story New Zealand teen released on bail after being arrested for alleged theft at Thai airport as seen on Thaiger News.

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