Four northern Taiwan cities—Taipei, New Taipei, Jilong, and Taoyuan—launched a major tourism campaign in Bangkok on July 2 to deepen Taiwan-Thailand travel connections and boost northern Taiwan's tourism appeal. Tourism associations and media presented the region's attractions to Thai media, businesses, and travel industry professionals, supported by interactive exhibits and 20 branded tuk-tuks touring Bangkok streets to reach the city's residents.

The event drew over 60 local Thai travel operators and 40 representatives from the four northern Taiwan cities. Beyond highlighting each city's unique attractions, organizers promoted upcoming festivals, cultural activities, and seasonal events designed to position northern Taiwan as a year-round destination. These festivals serve as bridges connecting each city's identity and showcasing northern Taiwan's enduring charm, helping Thai travel businesses develop new tour packages.

Prominent Thai travel influencers Ratto and Mim Like This shared personal experiences from their visits, covering dining, sightseeing, nature tourism, and special activities. Their firsthand accounts gave attendees a vibrant, diverse picture of northern Taiwan and sparked interest in visiting.

Wu Hsiang, director of the Taipei Tourism and Information Bureau, noted that Taipei and Bangkok share similarities as vibrant, creative global cities with convenient flight connections of under four hours. Thai visitors increasingly choose both independent travel and family trips to Taipei. The city blends traditional culture with modern fashion, offering historical sites like Dadaocheng and Longshan Temple alongside lifestyle landmarks such as Xinyi shopping district and Taipei 101. Taipei is renowned for diverse dining from night market street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, and hosts year-round events including the Taipei Lantern Festival, Dadaocheng summer festival, Taipei trend and music festival, and a spectacular New Year's Eve countdown.

Chris Hohwang spoke at a press conference for the Sanrio Characters Half Marathon, the first in Southeast Asia, held at Tower 4, Level 6 in Bangkok, after returning from a food-focused trip to Hong Kong with friends. She made a clear wish regarding love, hoping to meet someone intelligent, compatible, and warm to be with. She addressed the question of whether her character Meili from a past drama was a curse on love, emphasizing that all her past relationships were lessons that brought her closer to the right person.

Beyond discussing her own romantic outlook, Chris warmly shared details about her sister Ploy's engagement ceremony, admitting she was moved to tears at seeing her sister with a suitable life partner. She humorously recounted being envious of the gold her mother gave her sister, prompting their mother to joke that Chris would receive even more when she gets married.

When asked about the Hong Kong trip, Chris said: "All we did was eat and have fun. We also went to pay respects at the Guan Yin temple. It was supposed to be a food trip, but we took detours when we had the chance. The atmosphere was wonderful, though we ate so much we had to diet immediately upon returning. We also walked a lot, and it rained the entire time—I don't know why we insisted on walking down stairs in the rain wearing high heels."

Regarding her wishes at the temple, Chris explained: "Everyone my age asks for similar things—health, love, money, and mental well-being. At this stage of life, I believe physical and mental health are most important. Right now, my life is completely stress-free."

When asked specifically about love, Chris said: "I just asked for the right person to come into my life soon. Other people make lists, and I tried too, but when I sat down to think about it, I realized I want someone I can have meaningful conversations with and get along with more than anything. Appearance, physique, or skin tone—those aren't certain. Looking at my past, no two people have been alike. I just want someone whose presence feels warm and comfortable."

On timing, Chris laughed and said: "Now would be nice, but honestly, my life is already very happy. I'm not asking for anything else. If someone comes along to share it with me, that would be wonderful, but if not, I still have a happy life."

When asked whether the Meili character curse had affected her real life, Chris explained that her sister Ploy had joked about this when interviewing actress Trae Chareunpura. When Trae said she wanted to play a character like Chris Hohwang's, Ploy teased: "Meili? That character is cursed!" Trae replied that other characters were cursed too. Chris noted that while every person who has entered her life—whether for long or short—has been lovely, she doesn't want to marry just to get married. "Every person I meet brings me closer to knowing what right feels like," she said. "I'm always open to meeting new people because I never know if someone might be the one. You have to meet them, spend time with them, and talk to them first. I don't see Meili as a curse—rather, she represents the loneliness that single women sometimes feel."

JAKARTA — 3 July 2026 Indonesian authorities have seized 3.37 tonnes of cannabis buds allegedly imported from Thailand and arrested 12 suspects, including foreigners, in a drug trafficking case linked to the production of cannabis-laced vape products.

Reuters reported that Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency announced the seizure this week following operations carried out in several Indonesian cities from 29 June to 1 July.

National Narcotics Agency chief Police General Suyudi Ario Seto said the cannabis buds were hidden inside suitcases and rubber boxes. The shipment originated from Thailand and was seized in East Java province.

Investigators found that the cannabis was allegedly intended for distribution in major Indonesian cities, including Jakarta and Bali, and would be used to produce vape products containing cannabis.

The agency said the network had been recently established and included foreign nationals among its members.

Indonesia has some of the world's strictest drug laws. One of the country's most high-profile drug cases involved the Bali Nine, a group arrested in 2005 while attempting to smuggle heroin out of Bali's international airport. Two Australian ringleaders in the case were executed in 2015, causing a diplomatic rift between Indonesia and Australia.

On July 3, 2025, the Disaster Geology Operation Center under the Department of Mineral Resources warned of heightened risks of landslides and flash flooding across 15 provinces including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Nan, Phayao, Phichit, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Surat Thani through July 4. The alert was issued due to a monsoon trough moving across the northern and upper northeastern regions, combined with strong southwestern winds over the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, resulting in continuous heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters in 24 hours and initial flash flooding in some areas. The department urged volunteer monitoring networks to remain alert, continuously measure rainfall, and promptly alert residents and relevant agencies of any landslide or flash flood incidents, following established emergency response procedures.

A spiritual teaching from Luang Pho Cha Subhadto of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani states: "Following the Buddha's path brings no suffering, for His way is complete letting go of all things." Phra Kru Wor Wetmuni, known as Luang Pho Ee Buddhsaro, was a celebrated master teacher from Chachoengsao in Thailand's East who created numerous sacred amulets including talismans, yantra shirts, medals, and closed-eye Buddha images. Among his most popular pieces is the distinctive "Khao Bin" grain-shaped amulet. In 1930, Wat Satcheep commissioned portrait medals as commemorative gifts for those who contributed funds toward building the main ordination hall. Both oval and grain-shaped versions were produced, featuring a seated meditation figure with "Wat Sat" on the left and the master's name below. A yantra appears in the center, with the inscription "Memorial of the Buddha Image casting" and "B.E. 2473" on the back. This edition became highly sought-after, commanding high rental prices, and remains rare among serious collectors. Luang Pu Jai Inthasuvanno, a venerated master from Wat Sedet in Samut Songkhram, created the popular "Tamarind-Leaf Nagas" amulet in 1930 as part of a commemorative series for donors. This small brass casting features multiple designs: two-needle, single-needle, and dot varieties. The front depicts Buddha in meditation on a three-tiered base, while the back displays seven-headed nagas with protective shields. Khmer script runs along the center back. Due to limited production, this early amulet became exceptionally popular. Luang Pu Nak Punyanako of Wat Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan, a prominent historical master, created various sought-after amulets, with collectors particularly valuing his first-edition portrait medals. These Semai-shaped medals feature two handles and were created by Phra Kru Prasitthi Samnakaan (Tan Mena Jindha) of Chakravartti Rachawas Temple in Bangkok to commemorate the master's 72nd birthday. The front displays a bird-pattern border with a half-portrait facing forward, inscribed "Memorial" above and "Phra Kru Wiryaathikari" below, while the back features the Unaalom yantra and Khmer script, making it one of the most coveted medals in amulet collecting circles. Luang Pho Noi Chutinadhorn of Wat Noen Wiang in Nakhon Sawan was another renowned master whose first-edition "Tamarind-Leaf" medals, created in 1975, became highly celebrated. These copper amulets, produced in a limited run of 10,000 pieces, feature a looped bail with a seated meditation figure and yantra script, stamped with the master's name.

Visitors to Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok's Ratchathewi District encounter the shrine of Thao Hiranya Phanasur within the hospital premises. Local residents know its history well and report personal miraculous experiences. Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff show profound reverence, regularly seeking blessings before undertaking any task. Beyond medical matters, those facing various hardships—when not beyond karmic reach—report miraculous relief from disaster or success in their requests. The deity's fame has spread, drawing devotees from all directions daily.

Thao Hiranya Phanasur emerged during the reign of King Mongkut (Rama VI). "Hiranya" means silver or gold, while "Phanasur" combines "phana" (forest) and "asur" (demon), referring to a great forest spirit, also called "Thao Hiranya Hu"—"Hu" possibly from English "Who."

In 1906, while still Crown Prince, the future King Mongkut traveled through northern forests filled with dangers and diseases. When his entourage worried about threats, he reassured them, explaining that such journeys naturally attract protective deities and spirits who prevent harm to royalty and their companions.

During the journey, a senior official dreamed of a tall man named "Hiranya," a forest spirit of righteous conduct, offering protection. The Prince ordered offerings made in the forest, and meals were regularly divided as tribute. The journey proved entirely safe, with no illness or mishap.

On subsequent travels, the retinue performed ceremonies invoking this protective spirit, and many witnessed a tall, ancient-looking man accompanying the royal procession. News spread among regional governors, and veneration of Thao Hiranya Hu became widespread.

After ascending the throne as King Mongkut (Rama VI), he remembered this spirit fondly. In April 1911, he commissioned a small bronze statue (20 cm tall) dressed in ancient regalia with a ceremonial staff, naming it "Thao Hiranya Phanasur." Four such images were cast as the first edition. The King placed one on his white automobile "Napier."