Senior Buddhist officials and government representatives participated in a special Buddhist chanting ceremony called "Navakkhayusamatham" to honor the birthday of His Majesty the King on July 28, 2569. Pramaha Wachcharajarya, abbot of Wat Rajapradit, led the monastic side, while Ms. Yupa Taveevattanakij, Secretary-General of the Prime Minister's Office, led the lay participants. Officials from the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Transport, and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, together with Buddhist devotees, gathered at the Grand Viharn of Wat Rajapradit in Phra Nakhon district to pay respects and offer blessings to the King.

The ceremony was organized jointly by the Prime Minister's Office, Wat Rajapradit, the Ministry of Transport, and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. All participants engaged in meditation and prayer, wishing for the King's continued health, prosperity, and long reign as a symbol of refuge and protection for the Thai people. The ceremony reflected the commitment to uphold the King's vision of governing with righteousness and dharma for the welfare of the nation, as expressed in his coronation pledge.

The "Navakkhayusamatham" chant, meaning "Dharma as the Medicine of the Nine Planets," is a Buddhist liturgy composed by His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyawongsa Kataññaña (Sayadaw), the 9th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand and first abbot of Wat Rajapradit. It incorporates Buddhist teachings aligned with Thai astrology and invokes the blessings of the nine celestial bodies. The ceremony was first performed in 2421 BE during the reign of King Chulalongkorn's 25th birthday celebration as a special observance of a royal anniversary.

Prothai Co., Ltd., an importer and distributor of quality Korean food and products, partnered with Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) and Gourmet Market to organize K-Food Fest 2026, a major Korean food festival providing Thai consumers with an authentic Korean shopping experience. The event was exceptionally well-received throughout its run.

K-Food Fest 2026 showcased premium products from leading Korean brands including Nongshim, Daesang, Sajo, Hanil, Binggrae, Harim, and Manjun Seaweed, covering instant noodles, ready-to-eat meals, seasonings, snacks, and various ice cream varieties at excellent prices. Special promotions and exclusive premium items available only at the event drew heavy customer interest. Tasting activities allowed customers to sample popular Korean products before purchasing, generating substantial engagement.

A major highlight was a cooking show featuring Chef Jan Jomchaya Pongsatthevate preparing special Korean menus using Prothai products. Two featured dishes—Shin Ramyeon with rose sauce and Tteokbokki with kimchi cheese sauce—received strong positive feedback from attendees who praised the intense flavors and creative use of Prothai ingredients in innovative dishes.

K-Food Fest 2026 ran simultaneously across seven Gourmet Market locations—Thaphra, Ngamwongwan, Bangkapi, Bangkhae, Paragon, Emporium, and MRT Lad Phrao—from July 9-22, 2026. The festival attracted large numbers of customers seeking quality Korean products, reflecting the growing popularity of Korean food among Thai consumers. Prothai thanked customers for their strong support and promised upcoming special activities.

Archaeologists have discovered a previously unknown ancient city wall at Nakhon Ratchasima after excavations unearthed significant evidence. The site, embraced by a large bodhi tree, is being prepared for development as a historical landmark. On August 6, 2025, excavation progress was reported on the eastern side of the ancient Nakhon Ratchasima city wall near Panlaan Tan Panja road in Nakhon Ratchasima municipality, continuing to generate excitement. The discovery follows archaeologists unearthing an ancient city wall not found during a 2567 survey, which at that time yielded only ancient human skeletons and numerous ornaments—both ceramic vessels and gold ornaments—dating back approximately 2,500–1,500 years to the pre-historic era, confirming that the current site of Nakhon Ratchasima was once home to a large settlement. The 2567 excavation did not reach the city wall's foundation, prompting a new excavation pit opened approximately 200 meters away.

Excavation began on July 20, 2025, with a pit measuring approximately 2 x 10 meters, eventually revealing the ancient brick city wall. Brick samples were sent to the United States and Kasetsart University for age verification. Researchers from Silpakorn University aim to connect archaeological history with the construction materials used for the wall to establish a historical timeline of Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Most recently, the ancient brick city wall was found surrounded by a large bodhi tree, revealing an evocative image of a "wall through time" that continues to tell the story of Khorat through centuries. Wannapong Palakavong Na Ayutthaya, a senior archaeologist at the Silpakorn Office 10 in Nakhon Ratchasima, revealed that this excavation project is a collaboration between Silpakorn Office 10 and Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality as an important study of the Nakhon Ratchasima city wall for the first time in over 20 years.

The excavation is a critical step before landscape improvement of the moat area according to academic standards, which require archaeological evidence verification before project implementation. Since the area is part of the old Nakhon Ratchasima city, the discovery of the eastern city wall—not found in the 2567 survey—represents a significant achievement in studying the city's history, following continuous study of the city wall since 1999 before a gap of over 20 years.

Beyond the city wall, evidence of human settlement from the pre-historic Samrit period through the iron age and historical period was found, including animal bone fragments, pottery vessels, charcoal, shell ash, and shells, reflecting the lifestyle and livelihood of people approximately 1,500–2,500 years ago. Although some areas were damaged by past land use, destroying portions of ancient soil layers, the city wall discovery remains critical evidence for studying Nakhon Ratchasima's history.

Archaeologists are currently collecting organic samples from beneath the brick foundation, including bricks showing rice husk marks, for scientific age analysis to clarify the construction period of the city wall, gates, and fortifications for the first time. Expanding the excavation pit has revealed the city wall extending from north to south, consistent with historical records. Dr. Wannarath Chanyunakoln, mayor of Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, stated that this project is a collaboration among multiple agencies to prepare for development of the moat area.

BANGKOK — 6 August 2026, China has denied supplying weapons to support Cambodia's recent military operations and reaffirmed its close ties with Thailand, while urging a peaceful resolution to the Thai-Cambodian border dispute.

The Royal Thai Army's Information Department released details of the meeting, saying the discussion took place on 4 August between Lt. Gen. Theeranan Nantakhwang, Director-General of the Army Information Department, and Maj. Gen. Zhang Linhong, Assistant Defence Attaché of the People's Republic of China in Thailand, along with his delegation.

According to the Thai Army, Zhang expressed concern over the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, saying the two countries had been neighbours for many years and should seek a peaceful solution through dialogue. He also reaffirmed that Thailand and China enjoy a close partnership, adding that Beijing remains transparent and sincere in its relations with Bangkok.

The Chinese military representative stressed that China had no involvement in supplying weapons for Cambodia's recent military operations, according to the Thai Army's account of the meeting. China also reaffirmed the importance it places on its relationship with Thailand and said it had instructed Cambodia that Chinese-made military equipment must not be used in areas along the Thai-Cambodian border, the Army said.

CHONBURI — White flowers covered the site where the bodies of Russian siblings Diana and Roman were found on 6 August as their family held a final memorial ceremony, joined by senior officials, Buddhist monks and members of the public paying their last respects.

The ceremony was led by the siblings' mother, Sharina Nazimova, at the spot in Huai Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, where the bodies were discovered. Prayers were also offered for the three Thai victims who were allegedly killed by the same suspect.

The case shocked Thailand after police alleged that the suspect was responsible for the murders of Russian siblings Diana and Roman as well as three Thai nationals in separate incidents. Investigators say all five killings were carried out by the same suspect, who has been arrested and is facing prosecution on multiple counts of premeditated murder.

The religious ceremony was presided over by Phra Khru Kasem Kittisophon, abbot of Wat Samakkhibanphot in Sattahip district. Among those attending were Chonburi Governor Narit Niramaiwong, Chonburi Provincial Police commander Maj. Gen. Pongphan Wongmanithet, Bang Lamung District Chief Anusak Piriyamorn, Huai Yai police chief Pol. Col. Worawut Nittayawan, other government officials, and large numbers of Thai and foreign mourners.

The memorial was marked by scenes of grief as relatives and well-wishers laid white carnations, lilies and roses at the site where the siblings' bodies were found. The white flowers symbolized purity, respect and a peaceful farewell.

The family also placed a cup of coffee — Diana's favorite drink — at the memorial site in remembrance of her, a gesture that deeply moved those attending. Throughout the ceremony, Nazimova was overcome with emotion and wept as relatives, friends and mourners comforted her.

Speaking after the ceremony, Nazimova thanked the Thai people, government agencies, police officers and volunteers who had supported her family since the tragedy. She said the compassion and kindness shown by people in Thailand had given the family strength during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

The memorial marked the family's final farewell to Diana and Roman. Family members, friends and members of the public expressed hope that the judicial process would proceed swiftly and that the suspect would be held fully accountable for the deaths of all five victims.

The family, who are Buddhists, said Diana and Roman were raised solely by their mother.

What started as a customer request has become a signature dish at Ba Ratree's modest tin-roofed stall along an irrigation canal in Ang Thong province. Journalist Kanoksakdi Saengtrakarl from Thai PBS News visited the eatery located near Koo Manao Wan temple in Wisetchai district, Ang Thong.

Owner Ratree Thongnamniam, 55, has been running the made-to-order food stall for over seven years, offering a wide variety of dishes including basil stir-fries with beef, pork, liver, shrimp, and squid; mixed basil curry; fresh and tender beef noodles; clear soup; spicy and sour soup; fermented tofu soup; and sukiyaki—all priced at 40 baht.

The signature "basil noodles" dish was created when a regular customer complained of being tired of both rice and noodle soup, requesting that the owner combine the two and adjust the seasonings to individual preference. After a successful trial, the dish became a permanent menu item.

The dish's appeal lies in its simplicity, using familiar ingredients with a fresh twist. It combines the soft, chewy texture of rice noodles with the bold, concentrated flavors of basil stir-fry. Customers can choose from thin noodles, thick noodles, or clear noodle jelly, with protein options including pork, beef, chicken, squid, shrimp, or mixed meat, starting at just 40 baht.

Ba Ratree's is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Phone: 08-1759-6901.