Sister of Revered Monk Luang Por Koon Dies at 100

The sister of revered monk Luang Por Koon died peacefully at age 100 in Lopburi province on August 21. Khun Yai Khamman Vongkanchanaratana shared a close lifelong bond with her late brother and was honored with merit-making ceremonies at a

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Khun Yai Khamman Vongkanchanaratana, sister of the late Luang Por Koon Pariyattho of Wat Ban Rai in Nakhon Ratchasima, passed away peacefully from old age on August 21 at 1:49 a.m. at her residence in Koh Rang subdistrict, Chaiyabadal district, Lopburi province, at the age of 100 years, 2 months, and 2 days. She and Luang Por Koon shared the same parents and grew up together from childhood after losing their mother and father early in life. When Luang Por Koon passed away, Khun Yai Khamman traveled to Khon Kaen University on behalf of the family to request his remains for merit-making ceremonies at Wat Ban Rai.

According to Boonthoei Vongkanchanaratana, her second son, Khun Yai Khamman was the second of three siblings, with Luang Por Koon being the eldest and a younger sister who had already passed away. She typically lived in Bua Chum subdistrict in Lopburi but moved to her youngest son Sutthai's home in Koh Rang when her health declined and she required full-time care. In her final months, she was unable to eat or swallow normally and required tube feeding for approximately two months. Eventually her body ceased accepting nutrition, and her condition deteriorated with breathing difficulties and fluctuating blood pressure until she passed away peacefully on August 21.

Khun Yai Khamman had donated her body to Khon Kaen Hospital, but as it did not meet criteria for medical instruction, it was instead cremated with merit-making ceremonies. The merit-making ceremony has been held at Wat Singaramharam in Bua Chum subdistrict since August 21, with the royal cremation ceremony scheduled for August 24 at 4:00 p.m. at the same temple.

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National

Agriculture Ministry Outlines Disaster Relief Steps for Farmers

Farmers affected by natural disasters must verify their registration, submit form Sor Kor 01, and attend community meetings to qualify for relief assistance from Thailand's Agricultural Extension Department, which offers compensation up to

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The Department of Agricultural Extension has reminded farmers hit by natural disasters, especially those with crop damage, to follow three critical steps: verify farmer registration, submit assistance form Sor Kor 01, and attend community meetings before entering the assistance review and disbursement process.

On August 22, 2026, Ancharee Suvajittanont, Director-General of the Department of Agricultural Extension, outlined the procedure for farmers seeking disaster relief. When crops are damaged by natural disasters, farmers must follow the prescribed steps to ensure their damage claims are properly verified and considered.

Step 1: Check farmer registration first. Farmers must verify that their growing area is registered or update their registration before the disaster occurred, as registration is essential evidence for verifying eligibility and processing aid. Farmers without current registration or updated cultivation records may not qualify for assistance.

Step 2: Submit the assistance form (Sor Kor 01). After disaster damage occurs, farmers must submit the Sor Kor 01 form at the district agricultural office in the affected area or download it from the Department's website at disaster.doae.go.th. The form must be verified and certified by the village headman, subdistrict chief, or mayor before submission to the district office.

Step 3: Attend community meetings and monitor results. After submitting the form, farmers must participate in community meetings and check the list of approved recipients at designated locations. Once approved, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives will directly transfer funds to farmers' accounts, ensuring transparent and fraud-resistant assistance.

The Director-General added that at the district level, the agricultural office will compile forms for consideration by the District Disaster Relief Committee within 40 days of the disaster. If district-level action is insufficient, the provincial agricultural office will refer cases to the Provincial Disaster Relief Committee.

For disasters declared as disaster zones from August 21, 2026 onward, assistance is provided at these rates per damaged rai of farmland: rice at 2,240 baht per rai; field and vegetable crops at 3,180 baht per rai; and fruit and perennial trees at 6,800 baht per rai. If trees are damaged but recoverable or if only yields are affected, assistance is 3,400 baht per rai. Total assistance per household is capped at 30 rai.

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Police

Court Denies Bail for Man Accused of Stabbing Police Officer

A man accused of stabbing a police officer during a birthday celebration at a Ladprao prawn farm on August 19 was denied bail after the court found evidence he posed a flight risk and danger to witnesses.

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A violent altercation broke out during a birthday celebration for Ud Ratchada at a prawn farm in the Ladprao area on August 19. The suspect, Chulwai, known as Dam Ban Tai, allegedly used a concealed weapon to stab Lieutenant Sittisai Petchaindorn, known as Sergeant Jack, a police officer attached to the Special Operations Division. The officer sustained serious injuries. Police arrested the suspect on a criminal warrant for attempted murder and illegal possession of a weapon in an urban area. Following his detention, the suspect filed a request for bail. The Criminal Court, after reviewing the case, found sufficient evidence that the suspect acted violently in public with no regard for the law, deeming the offense serious. The court determined there was cause to believe the suspect would flee or interfere with evidence if released on bail. Prosecutors opposed bail, and the court rejected the suspect's request. The defendant has been transferred to Bangkok Special Prison.

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Police

Mysterious Death Found in Pickup Truck Near Temple

A severely decomposed body of a 61-year-old man was discovered in a pickup truck parked behind a temple in Lopburi Province after villagers attending a funeral noticed unusual activity in the vehicle on August 22. The cause of death remains

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Villagers attending a funeral at a temple in Patthananikhom District, Lopburi Province, were shocked when they noticed what seemed like someone waving from a parked Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck. Upon closer inspection, they discovered the badly decomposed body of an adult male inside the vehicle, which had been left under a tree behind the temple's main hall. Police Lieutenant Sonthapop Plueng, an investigator from Patthananikhom Police Station, responded to the call at 1 p.m. on August 22, 2025, along with doctors from Patthananikhom Hospital and volunteers from a charitable foundation. The driver's side door was found open, and the body showed clear signs of advanced decomposition with maggots present. Officers collected a cell phone and two car keys found near the body as evidence and had the pickup truck towed to the police station. The cause of death remains undetermined pending autopsy results. Monks at the temple stated they had seen the pickup regularly parked there but had not investigated. When villagers arrived to conduct a funeral service at the temple's hall that day, they observed what appeared to be someone signaling from the truck and went to check, discovering the body. Police identified the deceased as 61-year-old Nipond (surname withheld) based on vehicle registration documents. Relatives were questioned, and the body was sent to Somed Phra Chao Yai Hospital in Nakhon Nayok for a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

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National

Visit Kham Phang Bang Jak Temple to See Precious Murals

The Kham Phang Bang Jak temple in Bangkok's Thonburi district, believed to date from the Ayutthaya period, features precious murals and well-preserved architectural details from the early Rattanakosin era in its ordination hall.

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Kham Phang Bang Jak temple is one of the historical, artistic and cultural learning centers in the Klong Bang Luang market area. This small temple in Thonburi is located at 299 Petchkasem Road Soi 20, Pakkhlong subdistrict, Phasi Charoen district, Bangkok, along Klong Bang Luang. The temple's history has no certain documentary evidence, though it is believed to date from the Ayutthaya period. Its original name is unknown, and the current name has been used by local residents for generations. A clear piece of evidence is a round stupa south of the ordination hall with an inscribed stone base indicating it was built to enshrine the ashes of Phra Pisalaphonpanich following his funeral at Chakrapattirajavas temple. Historical records from King Rama V's reign show that Phra Pisalaphonpanich was originally named Chingsue, a Chinese-descent noble holding an important position at the Left Port Authority who lived on the western Chao Phraya bank in Thonburi. The stupa's location suggests he was significant to the temple, possibly funding its restoration. Records from the abbot indicate that King Rama V visited and presented the temple with a ceremonial robe and a pair of decorative jars with royal seals, though the jars were stolen over a decade ago.

Kham Phang Bang Jak is a small temple with well-planned layout that has largely preserved its original condition, including architecture and wall paintings in the ordination hall. Most of the art and architecture visible today was created or restored during the early Rattanakosin period. The Buddhist enclosure has an elegant layout centered on the ordination hall. The ordination hall is a rectangular brick and mortar structure with a high base on lion pedestals, a two-tiered hip roof with three spans covered in orange glazed tiles, with a projecting gable. There are two doors on each of two sides and five windows per side. The gable front is open with honeycomb detailing, a decorative feature derived from the sun shades of Ayutthaya period buildings. The main supporting pillars have twelve-sided octagonal corners with lotus-topped capitals decorated with colored glass in late Ayutthaya art style. The wooden door panels feature botanical motifs and colored glass trim. Under the lattice work are honeycomb decorations, while the sides of the pillars display honeycomb patterns with naga-head designs. Doorways and windows inside now have aluminum frames with decorative stucco work in elegant botanical patterns, though these have deteriorated significantly. Overall, the ordination hall is late Ayutthaya art style, with decorative materials including porches and door panels showing considerable damage.

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National

Government Has Nothing to Hide, Says Coalition Chief

The ruling coalition has not yet prepared for an upcoming no-confidence debate, with the coalition chief saying the government has nothing to hide and is confident ministers can answer all questions raised by the opposition.

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On August 22, Kraiwirot Parisnanantkul, an Ang Thong MP of the Phumi Jai Thai Party and head of the ruling coalition coordination committee, said the government coalition has not yet scheduled a preparatory meeting to counter the opposition's planned no-confidence debate, as the timing and content of the motion remain unclear. He emphasized that submitting a motion is the opposition's right, and they must do so to avoid losing the opportunity to debate.

When asked whether the coalition had anticipated which issues the opposition might raise, Kraiwirot said he did not know but that the government was not concerned. He expressed confidence that ministers could answer all questions and provide clear explanations. Regarding the opposition's attempt to link the Senate selection case to the government, Kraiwirot said he was curious to see how they would make that connection, since the matter currently rests with the Election Commission and any lawsuits are in court.

He noted that the Senate selection occurred two years before the current government took office, and unless the opposition can prove direct involvement by the prime minister or ministers, the matter falls outside the government's responsibility. He added that the government did not organize the election, which is the Election Commission's duty. Kraiwirot expressed confidence that if challenged, the government could defend itself comprehensively and that coalition support should hold, provided ministers deliver clear and persuasive explanations.

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Community

Guitar King Lam Morrison Celebrates 82nd Birthday With Rock Stars

Thailand's legendary guitarist Lam Morrison celebrated his 82nd birthday with a rock concert at Lisa Rock on the Beach, featuring performances from the country's top musicians and a heartfelt gathering of friends and fellow artists.

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Guitar King Lam Morrison celebrated his 82nd birthday in style on August 20, with an outpouring of affection from Thailand's rock music community. The legendary guitarist, known by his title Guitar King of Thailand, was honored at Lisa Rock on the Beach with a Rock on the Beach themed concert titled "Happy Birthday Guitar King of Thailand: Lam Morrison."

Rock musicians took the stage at the beachside concert venue, including O Di Olarad Project, Kitti Guitar Gun, Chauan Na Bang Chang, Tao Sweat Rock, Bird Robert Band, Pu Daeng, Pang VIP, Adun Morrison, and Prachai Arunrangsi, along with bands including 90s Sixco Band and Lisa Band. Lam Morrison's student Nok Bripun Chaiyaphumi joined the celebration with a guitar solo jam session.

Morrison's daughter, Nat Natcha, presented a guitar-shaped photo cake to her father alongside the venue owners Go and Mam Lisa. Guests from Thailand and abroad sang Happy Birthday together, and Morrison beamed with joy as he received congratulations.

Morrison expressed his gratitude, saying "I'm so happy to see all of you here. I love you all and thank you to Paothong Sombat Pibulya and Segsorn Sukphimai for organizing another concert for me on September 16."

Legendary guitarist O Di Olarad added, "We came to celebrate Lam's 82nd birthday and play music for him. We'll have another music session in Bangkok on September 16 at the Red Eagle German Beer Hall, where Lam will perform Elvis Presley songs."

Nok Bripun, Morrison's devoted student, invited all rock music fans to the upcoming event, thanking the organizers and emphasizing that the gathering was about love for music rather than business.

Nat Natcha concluded by expressing her joy at seeing her father happy, saying "Father didn't sleep all night and was smiling from morning, waiting to see his friends. He loves his friends very much, and seeing him happy makes me happy too."

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National

Monasteries Urged to Embrace Digital Age While Preserving Buddhist Values

Buddhist clergy and officials discussed adopting digital technology in monasteries while maintaining spiritual values at a seminar in Nakhon Ratchasima Province on August 22. The committee also pledged to resolve a stalled land permit issue

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On August 22, the Parliamentary Committee on Religion, Arts, and Culture, chaired by Thiwalrat Angkinnan, a representative from Phetchaburi, convened a seminar titled "Building Strength for Digital-Era Monastery Management" at Udon Thani Demonstration Monastery in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The seminar brought together Buddhist clergy and district officials to discuss how monasteries can adopt digital technology while preserving Buddhist teachings and values.

Monasteries today serve as more than just religious centers; they function as hubs for moral and ethical learning, cultural preservation, and community cohesion. The committee stressed that while digital technology is transforming how people communicate and learn, monasteries must integrate it thoughtfully—using it as a tool to enhance operations, outreach, and knowledge management without abandoning their spiritual foundation or compromising transparency and accountability.

The seminar highlighted the "home-monastery-school" framework, a traditional Thai concept where homes represent community power, monasteries provide spiritual and moral guidance, and schools foster knowledge and human development. By coordinating these three pillars with relevant government agencies, stronger communities can be built and Buddhist teachings promoted effectively.

During discussion, clergy raised concerns about a pending permit for Udon Thani Demonstration Monastery to use forest land for construction—a process that has stalled for months. The committee acknowledged the complexity, involving multiple agencies such as the Forestry Department, National Parks Office, and the National Buddhism Office, and committed to convening all stakeholders to find a workable solution within legal frameworks.

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National

Thai Rubber Board Offers 3,000-Baht Aid to Flooded Farmers

The Thai Rubber Board is providing 3,000-baht emergency relief to rubber farmers in Nan Province affected by severe flooding that damaged around 35,000 rai of plantations. Applications will open once conditions stabilize in the affected dis

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The Thai Rubber Board is providing 3,000 baht per affected rubber farmer in Nan Province following severe flooding, with applications to open once the situation stabilizes. Acting Thai Rubber Board Director Virut Umrapun disclosed that after consulting with Board Chairman Benjapol Nakprasert, the organization has approved relief measures for rubber farmers impacted by the disaster. Flooding has damaged agricultural areas and homes across multiple districts in Nan Province including Mueang Nan, Pua, Tha Wang Pha, Wieng Sa, Santi Suk, and Phu Phiang, with approximately 3,500 rubber farmers and 35,000 rai of plantations affected out of 16,146 registered farmers managing 170,810.33 rai total. The Board has approved provision of basic living support to affected farming households and is preparing to offer financial assistance of up to 3,000 baht per farmer, allowing them to submit applications for relief funds once conditions improve.

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Police

Man Dies After Alleged Assault at Bangkok Park Pond

A man died after being allegedly assaulted and thrown into Benchasiri Park's pond in Bangkok on August 21; a suspect was arrested and charged with intentional murder.

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A man died after he was allegedly assaulted and thrown into a pond at Benchasiri Park in Bangkok, police said.

Thong Lor police received a report of a man falling into the water late on 21 August and called rescue workers and divers to search the pond.

Witnesses told authorities that two men had been arguing near the pond when one of them was allegedly assaulted until he lost consciousness. The attacker then reportedly threw him into the water before fleeing.

Rescue workers later recovered the body of an unidentified man from the pond. He was not wearing a shirt or shoes and was dressed in black shorts. He was pronounced dead after being brought ashore.

On the morning of 22 August, police detained Thaweesak Phanngam and took him to the Bangkok South Criminal Court for detention on a charge of intentional murder. Investigators opposed bail, and no relatives had sought his release during the police investigation.

When reporters asked Thaweesak why he had thrown the man into the pond, he initially declined to comment. He later said the two had argued but claimed the victim had not lost consciousness and was behaving uncontrollably.

"He was still agitated. We couldn't control him, so I threw him into the water to restrain him and calm him down," Thaweesak told reporters.

He said he did not know what had caused the man's behavior, adding that the victim had acted similarly before when he became agitated.

Park security staff said the two men had been sleeping around the park for about three to four weeks and had become friends. They sometimes went begging together and generally drank alcohol outside the park because drinking inside was prohibited.

Security staff said they had not previously seen the pair fight. However, they said the victim had been involved in three alleged indecent incidents at the park over two days in the four to five days before his death.

Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man's death.

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National

Seven Ancient Skeletons Unearthed at Phetchaburi Dig Site

Archaeologists in Phetchaburi have completed recovery of seven ancient skeletons, estimated 1,500 to 2,000 years old, from the Don Yai Thong site alongside bronze drums, jewelry and other artifacts suggesting an important prehistoric burial

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Thailand's Fine Arts Department has safely lifted the final two sets of ancient human remains from the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi, bringing the total number of skeletons recovered in the excavation to seven.

The operation took place on 21 August at Ban Don Phlap in Ban Lat district, where archaeologists from the Fine Arts Department's Regional Office 1 in Ratchaburi worked with conservation specialists to remove the remains from the excavation pit.

The skeletons are estimated to be 1,500 to 2,000 years old, dating to Thailand's late prehistoric period.

The Don Yai Thong site came to the attention of archaeologists earlier this year after bronze drum fragments were discovered in a rice field, prompting a systematic excavation that began in February. Researchers subsequently uncovered human burials along with bronze drums and vessels, pottery, glass and stone beads, gold jewelry and other funerary objects.

The discoveries suggest the site was an important burial area for a prehistoric community, offering clues about its burial practices, beliefs and social structure. Archaeologists have also found unusual bronze objects placed around the heads of some skeletons, as well as gold ornaments, including a ring bearing an ancient Brahmi inscription linked to an Indian writing tradition.

On 21 August, the final seven skeletons being recovered in this stage were divided into two sets: skeletons No. 5-8 and No. 9-11. Each set was placed on a reinforced platform measuring about 1 metre wide and 2.5 metres long, weighing between 1.2 and 1.5 tonnes.

A 10-ton crane was used to lift the platforms from the excavation pit. Both sets were successfully removed without damage.

Before the lifting operation, conservation specialists carefully excavated around the remains and reinforced the surrounding soil. Acid-free mulberry paper was placed over the skeletons and periodically sprayed with distilled water before being covered with aluminium foil. Polyurethane foam was then used to stabilise and protect the remains and surrounding soil during the lifting process.

The skeletons are scheduled to be transported to the Conservation Science Centre in Pathum Thani on 22 August for conservation and further study.

The excavation has become one of Thailand's notable recent archaeological discoveries, with researchers continuing to study what the remains and associated artefacts can reveal about life, trade, ritual and social organisation in prehistoric Phetchaburi.

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