Army Region 2 conducted training on artificial intelligence applications to support data analysis, media production, and enhance military operations. On July 8, 2025, at Yuthai Hall, Infantry Regiment 3, Suranari Camp in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, General Wirayut Raksil, commander of Army Region 2, presided over the awards ceremony and closing of the "Artificial Intelligence Applications in Military Operations" course for battalion-level and senior personnel of Army Region 2.

The training was held July 6-7, 2025, with 62 participants. It aimed to build knowledge, understanding, and skills in applying AI technology to support data analysis, media production, work efficiency improvement, and command decision-making, ultimately strengthening unit capabilities and preparing personnel for future security challenges.

Instructors were provided by the Network and Digital Operations Division of the Army Operations Center, in coordination with Army Region 2's 22nd Signal Battalion, which delivered both theoretical knowledge and practical workshops to enable participants to effectively apply AI in their work.

During the closing ceremony, General Wirayut Raksil reminded participants to apply their knowledge in actual operations and share it with their units. He emphasized the importance of using AI ethically and securely, strictly prohibiting the input of classified or sensitive military operational data into AI systems.

Following the ceremony, the commander reviewed workshop projects and presented awards to outstanding groups and certificates to instructors. Army Region 2 remains committed to developing personnel to keep pace with modern technology and appropriately adopt digital innovations to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen force readiness, and effectively counter emerging threats in the future.

A young woman posted on Facebook about a serious health problem stemming from her daily iced tea consumption. After experiencing abdominal pain, she sought medical treatment at a hospital and discovered kidney stones, posting an image of 19 stones she initially passed.

In responding to comments, she explained that she drank one to two glasses of iced tea daily while consuming very little plain water over approximately 10 years. She then developed pain on her right ribcage and consulted a doctor, who diagnosed her with kidney stones. She requires three surgical procedures in total—the first surgery was not documented, but she posted photos from the second procedure and must wait another three months before her third surgery. Doctors informed her that she has approximately 50 kidney stones in total.

Regular consumption of iced tea can pose health risks because tea contains oxalic acid. When the body receives excessive amounts of this acid, it can cause oxalate crystals to accumulate in the kidneys, blocking the urinary tract and preventing the kidneys from eliminating waste normally, ultimately leading to kidney stone formation.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin has ordered the Pollution Control Department to investigate and monitor wastewater from an industrial estate flowing into the Dok Kraai reservoir in Rayong province, coordinating all agencies to control the situation and minimize public impact. Large numbers of dead aquatic animals, dark water with strong odors, and concern among local farmers prompted the action, with preliminary evidence suggesting industrial contaminated water mixed with rainwater during heavy downpours.

Dr. Surin Vorakit, director of the Pollution Control Department, revealed that officials collected water and sediment samples from five locations on July 3, 2569 (2026), spanning 8.5 kilometers from the incident source to the Dok Kraai reservoir for laboratory analysis to assess water quality and contaminant levels. Official results are expected within a week.

Initial tests showed high electrical conductivity, cloudy white water, and substantial sediment at the incident site, but water quality improved downstream with clearer water and lower conductivity readings. However, pH levels at the Dok Kraai reservoir measured 9.1, slightly above standard thresholds, requiring laboratory confirmation of pollutants or heavy metal residues before drawing final conclusions.

Dr. Surin noted that Rayong province convened meetings with relevant agencies and operators to expedite solutions. The industrial park's wastewater treatment company explained the cause as excessive use of discharged water for landscaping, compounded by leaking reservoirs and soil subsidence, causing water to escape the area. The company has since stopped irrigation, repaired leaks, and accelerated land recovery.

Measures to prevent illegal wastewater discharge include plans to install online water quality monitoring systems in high-risk factories within the industrial park. Outside the industrial park, barriers were constructed, wastewater was vacuumed, and sludge was dredged, with weekly water and soil quality monitoring ongoing until conditions normalize.

If laboratory results confirm wastewater discharge outside designated areas, relevant authorities will enforce strict legal action. The area must comply with environmental measures mandating zero discharge outside the premises and strict protected environmental zone regulations. The Pollution Control Department will revisit the site today (July 8, 2569) to conduct environmental quality checks and closely monitor remediation efforts while coordinating all agencies to rapidly restore water source quality and restore public confidence.

Luang Por Kuay Chutintharo of Wat Khosiitaram (Wat Ban Khaek) in Saraburi Province was a celebrated monk whose name became widely known throughout central Thailand. Originally named Kuay Pan Son, he was born on November 2, 1905, in Ban Khaek village, Saraburi. In his youth, his mother entrusted him to Luang Pu Khuat at Wat Ban Khaek for his education. Upon reaching ordination age, he was ordained on July 5, 1924, at Wat Bosat in Saraburi, receiving the monastic name Chutintharo.

While residing at Wat Ban Khaek, he studied ancient medicine with a healer named Khian to treat epidemics and various illnesses. In 1929, he traveled to study meditation techniques and amulet-making under Luang Por Si Wiriyasophito at Wat Phra Prang in Singburi. He later moved to Wat Nong Khaem in 1934 to further his medical studies with local practitioners. During this period, a fellow monk named Chaem discovered sacred manuscripts in a tree hollow. After performing a respectful ritual, Luang Por Kuay successfully retrieved the texts, vowing to use them for the temple's and villagers' benefit.

He also trained at Wat Bang Ta Ngaai in Nakhon Sawan under Luang Por Derm, where he learned to create rings, tubular amulets, and ritual knives. During World War II, he returned to Wat Ban Khaek, where his tattooing services became so popular that people sought him day and night. The region was plagued by bandits and tigers, and villagers relied on his protective amulets to safeguard their families and valuables. According to local accounts, tiger bandits from nearby areas would fire gunshots in respect when passing the temple.

Luang Por Kuay was elevated to the rank of Phra Kru on December 5, 1965. In 1978, he was admitted to Phaya Thai Hospital for malnutrition after 30 years of poor health. He passed away peacefully on April 12, 1979, at the age of 74 after 54 years in the monkhood. His amulets and talismans, particularly the popular Hanuman flag medals from 1978, remain highly sought after by collectors. These amulets are believed to possess spiritual power comparable to those of other renowned monks, cementing his legacy as one of Thailand's most influential amulet masters.

At 12:30 p.m. on July 8, 2025, at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister briefed reporters following the second meeting of the Joint Public-Private Economic Committee this year. They reported full readiness to address flooding challenges, particularly in Songkhla and the southern region, after consultations with government and private sector stakeholders aimed at maximizing preventive measures.

When asked if he was confident this year's flooding would be less severe than last year, the Prime Minister said the government had prepared comprehensively, including emergency response plans, support measures, relief shelters, food provision, and business credit assistance. "What we cannot control is nature itself," he noted. "But regarding drainage system preparedness and damaged infrastructure, we've already agreed to expedite budget approvals for relevant agencies to proceed with repairs."

Addressing concerns about unpaid relief compensation from previous flooding, the Prime Minister clarified that no payments are outstanding. "If you ask this way, people could be misled," he explained. "We don't check whether an individual received aid—we look at the entire system. Everyone who qualifies and registers has received full support." He added that he personally visits affected areas regularly to monitor conditions.