Phra That Phanom, a sacred Buddhist monument revered by Thai and Lao devotees on both banks of the Mekong River, is enshrined at Phra That Phanom Woramahaviharn Temple in That Phanom District, Nakhon Phanom Province. Dating back more than 2,500 years and traditionally built in 8 BE by five kings, with Phra Maha Kassapa presiding alongside 500 arahants, this square stupa reaches a height of 57 meters with a base of 12.33 meters on each side. It contains the chest relics of Buddha along with reliquaries corresponding to different zodiac signs and birth days.

Amulets and charms featuring Phra That Phanom are highly popular among collectors for their spiritual power to ward off all dangers and provide protection. Notably, blessed powder and coins bearing the Phra That Phanom image on both sides are especially prized, though powder amulets are produced in limited editions.

A group of devoted disciples led by the Dragon Wealth Blessing Team received permission to create blessed objects commemorating the gold-casting of a replica Phra That Phanom. The amulets are blessed powder of Somdet Chin Banchar in the "Million-Elephant King" series, intended to be installed at Khon Saai Temple in Liang Nok Tha District, Yasothon Province, the monsoon residence of 109-year-old Luang Pu Thin Janthadhammo. These commemorative blessed objects were cast in 3-tier and 9-tier versions, produced in limited quantities across 60 entries with varying quantities per mold.

The front features the imprint of the 3-tier and 9-tier Somdet amulets with silver takrut cords, while the reverse displays a replica Phra That Phanom paired with Phra Sattanakarat, a seven-headed serpent deity, its hood spreading to encircle the stupa. The blessed powder contains materials including Phra That Phanom brick, blessed powder, auspicious herbal essence, and sacred substances from three revered monks: Luang Pu Sila Sirijunno, Phra Ajarn Suriyant Kosapanyo, and 109-year-old Luang Pu Thin Janthadhammo.

The consecration ceremony took place at Phra That Phanom Woramahaviharn Temple before the Serpent King Deity, presided over by Khun Orkanya Saba (Madame Noi), a Maha Sarakham administrative official, as the lay representative. Following Brahmanical rituals led by the renowned Brahmin Ajarn Tort Khemnakaraj to honor the sacred elements within the temple and the seven naga spirits protecting Phra That Phanom, the presiding official lit the victory candle and chanted blessings before scattering blessed rice and flowers on the merit table.

On July 19, 2025, at 12:49 PM, the Buddhist blessing ceremony commenced, with 109-year-old Luang Pu Thin Janthadhammo presiding over the monastic contingent as candles were lit and four ceremonial monks chanted the consecration mantra. Renowned eastern Thailand masters participated, including Phra Thepwachiryanunsuntor, Phra Ajarn Suriyant Kosapanyo of Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen in Maha Sarakham, Luang Pu Thin of Wat Khon Saai in Yasothon, Phra Ajarn Chalat Kantiko of Wat Phon Sawan in Noen Sub District of Nakhon Phanom, and Phra Khru Phonom Preecharakorn, secretary to the Phra That Phanom abbot, who sat meditating. Afterward, Phra Ajarn Suriyant sprinkled divine flowers and blessed water over the consecrated objects before presiding over the gold-casting ceremony for the replica Phra That Phanom nearby. Lay representatives presented the requisites of monks and extended their merit, concluding the ceremony.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported on August 21 that flooding persists across six provinces: Nan, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Sakon Nakhon, and Ubon Ratchathani, affecting 23,823 households totaling 73,797 people across 16 districts, 61 subdistricts, and 363 villages. Two fatalities have been recorded in Nan Province—one in Pua district and one in Tha Wang Pha district. The department and affiliated agencies are continuing coordinated relief and safety operations, with many areas stabilizing and entering recovery phases.

Flood impact by province:

Nan: Seven districts, 34 subdistricts, 223 villages affected; 21,050 households (66,097 people) impacted. Water overflowed roadways in some areas, blocking passage. Water levels are currently receding.

Sukhothai: Three districts, 19 subdistricts, 115 villages; 1,977 households (5,259 people) affected. Water levels are holding steady.

Phitsanulok: Chomphu subdistrict, Noen Maprang district; two villages with 29 households (91 people) affected. Nineteen households (34 people) were evacuated to Chomphu Temple. Water levels are stable.

Phetchabun: Tat Kloi subdistrict, Lom Kao district; two villages with 45 households (141 people) affected. Water levels are holding steady.

Sakon Nakhon: Sawang Daen Din district, two subdistricts, nine villages; 657 households (2,063 people) affected. Water levels are stable.

Ubon Ratchathani: Three districts (Khong Chiam, Khemarat, and Pho Thai), four subdistricts, 12 villages; 65 households (146 people) affected. Water levels are holding steady.

The department is coordinating with provincial, district, and local government authorities, volunteers, civil defense units, foundations, and related agencies to provide continuous assistance including evacuations, water drainage, and livelihood support. In stabilized areas, cleanup and recovery operations are underway to remove silt, debris, and blockages from structures, homes, roads, and public spaces so residents can return as soon as possible.

A birthday celebration at Baw Tak Koong in the Ladprao Wang Hin area descended into violence when a large group clash erupted, leaving a Deputy Sheriff stabbed and 191 others injured. Police have completed questioning witnesses, and the suspect is preparing to turn himself in. On August 21, 2569, Bangkok Metropolitan Police Command officials, led by Commissioner Siam Bunsawm and Deputy Commissioner Phallab Armhla, instructed officers from Chokechai Police Station and related units to investigate an incident at the birthday party of a prominent figure named Ud Ratchada. The event was attended by Harley enthusiasts, police, soldiers, former officers, and several well-known personalities including Kamnarn Frank from Nonthaburi, Kok Thasai, Bang Khlong Tan, and Moo Tawan Nara.

Chokechai Police received reports of an assault at the venue. Upon arrival, the fighting had already ceased and people were dispersing. The incident occurred on August 19 around 11 p.m. On August 20, a complainant named Sattawat reported being hit with a bottle, breaking his eyebrow, and that Deputy Sheriff 191 had been stabbed in the abdomen with a knife while hospitalized. He explained that the violence began when someone slapped a person at another table due to a prior dispute, followed by shouting and a second altercation before the Deputy Sheriff attempted to intervene. A man then stabbed the Deputy Sheriff with a knife, causing injuries.

Pol. Captain Phrom Tawi stated that investigators have already questioned Sattawat and have scheduled to take a statement from Deputy Sheriff 191 at the hospital, who is now in stable condition. CCTV footage from the venue has been collected and restaurant staff have been questioned. Forensic evidence from both victims' injuries is being examined and processed. Police are identifying all individuals involved to determine whether they committed or participated in the assault. The suspect who stabbed Deputy Sheriff 191 has contacted police to surrender this afternoon, allowing authorities to proceed with evidence gathering and formal charges.

On August 21, Asapol Sannittripath, Sisaket House member and chair of the anti-corruption committee, revealed that a committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nillpraphand has examined the local government exam cheating scandal. The National Anti-Corruption Commission reported that preliminary findings implicate officials at rank 10 and below, with no involvement above that level. At director-general level, involvement traces back to the drafting stage of the terms of reference. Among politicians, only local government officials are implicated so far.

Based on witness statements from over 500 of some 5,000 people questioned, investigators identified a financial trail of approximately 9 billion baht. Asapol confirmed that former director-general Narucha Kotsawilaichit and another former director-general before Thirot Suphavibul of the Department of Local Administration are named. Regarding politicians, Asapol said no specific names were provided and the committee would need to request details directly from Pakorn.

Asapol also clarified the Burapha University case from 2564, where a local administrator arrest led to cancellation of the original terms of reference. When the university was asked to draft new terms, it claimed unfamiliarity and failed to submit a bid. He noted the fraud connects to the 2565 local administrator exam at Kasetsart University, where five of eleven candidates from Bang Yai were implicated in cheating. Regarding Sisaket province, Asapol confirmed DSI has already filed 19 cases where payment was made but funds could not be recovered.

A male body has been recovered floating in floodwaters in Tha Wang Pha District, Nan Province. On August 21, 2025, the Petchkesum Foundation posted an update on Facebook regarding the flooding situation in Nan Province, confirming the discovery of a male body in the district. Following reports from residents to the Petchkesum Foundation's disaster response team, water rescue personnel investigated and successfully recovered the body from the river. The deceased is a male estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old who was swept along by floodwaters in Tha Wang Pha District. Rescue teams are currently coordinating with police and on-duty medical examiners to conduct an autopsy for identification and to locate the victim's relatives. The Petchkesum Foundation expressed its deepest condolences.

Prince of Songkhla University and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion are advancing micro-enterprise development nationwide through the fourth SME Provincial Champions Awards program, designed to identify and elevate promising entrepreneurs from all 77 provinces into management and business development exemplars that strengthen grassroots economy sustainably.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the fourth SME Provincial Champions Awards ceremony, held as part of the 18th National SME Awards at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok, with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthammaphand also in attendance.

The fourth SME Provincial Champions Awards is a joint initiative between the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion and Prince of Songkhla University to expand development opportunities for promising micro-enterprises at the provincial level, raising management standards, strengthening competitive capacity, and preparing businesses for global changes emphasizing sustainable growth, digital transformation, and market expansion.

This year, 77 entrepreneurs won the SME Provincial Champions Awards, representing all 77 provinces nationwide, reflecting the program's commitment to distributing development opportunities broadly across regions. An additional 12 special awards were presented, including the Seven Pillars of Excellence recognizing excellence in seven areas, and Sectoral Grand Champions across four industry groups: manufacturing, services, retail and commerce, and agriculture.

The program extends beyond award selection to establish systematic business development processes. Participating entrepreneurs receive business health checks, management training, in-depth consulting, peer learning from successful exemplars, study visits to thriving enterprises, e-catalog development, and networking with partners. This approach identifies business strengths and limitations, then charts efficiency improvements and growth to enable genuine competitive advantage, particularly for micro-enterprises at provincial level that drive local job creation, income generation, and economic circulation.

Ten selected participants will also have opportunities for international business exposure visits, applying knowledge and experience to business development while opening pathways to global market connections.

Prime Minister Anutin stated that SMEs are critical to Thailand's economic foundation, creating jobs, generating income, and distributing economic opportunities across the country. Amid global economic shifts, digital technology, changing business models, and sustainability challenges, entrepreneurs must boost productivity, add value, innovate, and improve market and capital access.

The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion aims to make the National SME Awards and Provincial SME Champions Awards catalysts for driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.