Thai Badminton Star Guarantees Bronze at World Championships

Thai badminton player Bass Dechapol withdrew from the World Championships quarterfinal due to a knee injury sustained in the previous round, ending his mixed doubles campaign. Teammate Pornpawee Chochuwong advanced to the women's singles se

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Bass Dechapol Puavaranukroh, a Thai national badminton player, has withdrawn from the 2026 World Badminton Championships mixed doubles quarterfinal against France's Delrue Delfine-Thom Jickel due to a knee injury from the previous round.

Bass Dechapol and Feme Supisara Paewsamphran had just defeated Japan's Yuichi Shimonagami-Sayaka Hobara in the round of 16 at the World Badminton Championships in India, but the Thai mixed doubles team's campaign has ended as Bass cannot compete in the next round due to injury.

"Today I have to withdraw from the competition because of a knee injury that occurred when I slipped on the final point of yesterday's match," Bass said. "I need to assess my condition and rest before returning. I am as disappointed as everyone else."

Meanwhile, in the women's singles, Pornpawee Chochuwong advances to the semifinals without playing after her opponent, Nozomi Okuhara of Japan, withdrew. She will face the winner between Canada's Michelle Lee and Japan's second seed Akane Yamaguchi, having already guaranteed a bronze medal at the World Badminton Championships.

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Police

Husband Shoots Deputy Tambon Chief, Then Takes Own Life

A man in Phetchabun province shot his wife, a deputy tambon administrator, then killed himself following a jealousy-fueled argument, with both bodies discovered in their home on August 21.

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Police have revealed the circumstances behind a tragedy in Lom Sak district, Phetchabun province, where a man fatally shot his wife, a deputy tambon administrator, before taking his own life. The bodies of 44-year-old Sudjai, deputy chief of the tambon administration organization in Phetchabun province, and her 47-year-old husband Yongyut were discovered in the early morning hours of August 21 inside their residence in Lom Sak district. A firearm was recovered at the scene.

According to investigations disclosed on August 21, 2569, Pol. Lt. Col. Pasunt Sangtong, commander of Ban Klang Police Station in Lom Sak district, revealed that detailed examination showed Sudjai was shot in the face with a 9 mm firearm, while Yongyut suffered a single gunshot wound to the head. One firearm, nine bullet casings, and one bullet were found at the scene, believed to be the weapon Yongyut used to shoot Sudjai before using the same gun to end his own life.

Pol. Lt. Col. Pasunt stated that investigations showed the couple had argued before the incident due to jealousy. Chat messages found on both victims' phones revealed a pattern of suspicion and jealousy that had caused ongoing disputes between them. On the night of the incident, a severe quarrel apparently erupted over the same issue, causing Yongyut to lose control of his emotions. He then opened fire on Sudjai, killing her, and subsequently took his own life to escape responsibility. Family members remain unsatisfied with the official cause of death. Autopsies have been completed, and the bodies will be handed over to relatives for religious funeral rites.

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National

Budget Panel Approves Billion-Baht Boost for Nine Agencies

Thailand's House budget committee approved redirecting 11.162 billion baht to nine agencies including the emergency reserve fund and national parks department during an August 21 session, while rejecting a proposal to boost student loan fun

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The budget committee of the House of Representatives held an extraordinary session on August 21 to review proposed budget amendments for fiscal year 2570, chaired by Deputy Minister Phrader Parisnananthakul. The committee considered 38.57 billion baht in requested budget adjustments from the cabinet approved on August 18, split into two main agendas: approval of increases and modifications from 65 budgetary units totaling 37.584 billion baht, and consideration of proposals from ten independent state agencies totaling 988 million baht.

Committee member Nanthana Songpraja proposed redirecting 11.162 billion baht that had been cut, distributing it among nine agencies including the central emergency reserve fund (6.044 billion baht), the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (148 million baht), and the Office of Vocational Education Commission (96 million baht).

Meanwhile, committee member Sirikanya Tansukul from the Pheu Thai Party proposed increasing funding for the Science, Research and Innovation Fund by 6 billion baht and the Student Loan Fund (YFPO) by 5.162 billion baht. She noted that with 706,000 current borrowers and only 9 billion baht allocated for fiscal 2570, the funding is insufficient to serve existing and new applicants, risking tens of thousands of students dropping out of the system. The fund collected only 27,000 million baht in fiscal 2568, falling short of the 33,000 million baht target for 2570.

The committee majority supported Nanthana's amendment and opposed Sirikanya's proposal to increase YFPO funding. Committee member Krueang Parisnananthakul noted that while YFPO will receive nearly 9 billion baht in 2570, the core problem remains the fund's 200 billion baht debt arrears, which blocks new funding from entering the system.

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Weather

Satellite Data Shows Major Flood Risk Across 3,900 Sq Km in North Thailand

Satellite data shows over 3,900 square kilometers across northern Thailand facing major flood risk, with Sukhothai and Phitsanulok provinces most severely affected by interconnected high-risk zones.

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Bangkok — The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported data from its Check Nam application, which analyzes satellite imagery and geospatial information to monitor flood risks. The latest analysis showed a large, interconnected area classified as a very high-risk zone covering floodplain areas in Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and neighboring provinces, with the total area currently at risk of flooding exceeding 3,900 square kilometers.

Sukhothai has been widely affected, with large areas classified as high risk concentrated across the central and lower parts of the province, particularly in Sawankhalok, Si Samrong, Mueang Sukhothai and Kong Krailat districts, as well as parts of Si Satchanalai district in the north. In Phitsanulok, extensive high-risk areas were detected in the central and western parts of the province, with floodwater connected to the flow from Sukhothai affecting major areas including Phrom Phiram, Bang Rakam and Mueang Phitsanulok districts, as well as parts of Wat Bot district.

Nearby areas and neighboring provinces including Uttaradit, Phichit and Kamphaeng Phet have also recorded both very high-risk and low-risk zones. GISTDA said the assessment was based on high-accuracy satellite imagery updated in real time, allowing authorities to assess the direction and expansion of floodwater accurately and helping relevant agencies and residents plan monitoring and response measures more effectively. GISTDA advised residents in affected and nearby areas to closely monitor the situation around the clock.

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National

Lawmakers Push 600 Million Baht Fund for Ex-Parliamentarians in Need

Lawmakers called for a 600 million baht annual fund to support struggling former parliamentarians and senators, citing cases of ex-officials facing eviction and medical debt while unable to work due to post-service restrictions.

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During a Budget Committee meeting on August 21, 2025, at Parliament, committee member Wanmuhammadnor Matha raised concerns about the pension fund for former parliamentarians and senators, which has faced cuts despite being established by law. He recounted receiving calls from a now-deceased former representative who needed 5,000 baht for hospital bills but had no money, as creditors had seized any funds in his personal account. Wanmuhammadnor also described cases of former lawmakers evicted from rental homes for inability to pay rent, refusing to rely on their children for support due to pride.

"Former parliamentarians are not all wealthy," Wanmuhammadnor said, citing data showing 1,800 former members requesting assistance annually, with the fund requiring 600-700 million baht yearly. He noted the fund has received only 200 million baht and has faced a 300 million baht shortfall. He argued that other countries like Cambodia and Laos still provide welfare for former parliamentarians and urged recognition of their dignity and honor.

Parliament Vice President Phradet Phasinananthakul acknowledged the concern as an important observation for discussion with relevant agencies. Committee member Chada Thaiserit from Uthai Thani, representing the Phumi Chai Thai party, echoed support, saying many former lawmakers struggle financially due to restrictions on their income, including prohibitions on stock ownership. He criticized the notion that former parliamentarians should not receive assistance, arguing that society should show compassion for those who once served in difficult circumstances.

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Police

Ten-Wheeler's Brake Failure Smashes Into Power Poles

A ten-wheeler truck lost its brakes while turning on Lamluang Road in Pathum Thani, crashing into power poles and traffic signs before overturning and spilling clay across the roadway.

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A ten-wheeler truck carrying clay experienced sudden brake failure and crashed into street lights and traffic signs at a U-turn on Lamluang Road in Lam Luka, Pathum Thani. Deputy Inspector Tienchai Mai-iam of Khukhot Police Station responded to a report of an overturned truck blocking traffic on Lamluang Road at the Khlong 2 U-turn in Khukhot subdistrict, Lam Luka district, and rushed to investigate with foundation volunteers.

At the scene, officers found a ten-wheeler truck registered in Pathum Thani, fully loaded with clay, which had experienced sudden brake failure while slowing down. The truck lost control, surged onto the road median, and collided with three street lights and traffic signs before overturning. Clay spilled across the traffic lane and diesel fuel leaked from the vehicle, which the owner had begun collecting in containers.

The driver, a 46-year-old man surnamed Voraphop (name withheld by request), stated he was transporting the clay from Nonthaburi to Khlong 4 in Lam Luka. At the crowded U-turn, he pressed the brake to slow down, but the brake system failed and would not respond. He steered sharply right onto the median to avoid hitting other vehicles, but struck the power poles and traffic signs instead, causing the truck to flip.

Police coordinated with Khukhot Municipality to dispatch excavators, dump trucks, and personnel to urgently clear the area, remove the spilled clay from the roadway, and restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible.

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Community

Wei Lang's Formula: New Buddhist Book Review

A new Buddhist text by Venerable Wei Lang offers advanced teachings on meditation, wisdom, and karma for intellectually serious readers willing to approach unfamiliar dharma interpretations with openness. The book, priced at 195 baht, prese

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Book: 'Wei Lang's Formula' Author: Venerable Wei Lang (Hui Leng), Sangha Prinnayaka Publisher: Mental Health Publishing House Price: 195 baht

This book is genuinely intended for serious intellectuals. Those who cling firmly to their existing knowledge, prefer easy listening and simple memorization, will find little benefit in reading it. Readers must cultivate an open mind. If you encounter teachings that differ from your established beliefs, do not rush to reject them. Instead, approach the text as a fresh reader with a new spirit and new wisdom, striving to understand the author's true meaning. Reserve judgment about right and wrong until you have read and studied the material many times over. What we consider correct may not align with Wei Lang's approach, yet both may be consistent with the Buddha's teachings—the difference lies in how the dharma is explained and presented.

Some methods draw the unknowing forward by leading them by the hand, while others guide them forward with only gentle guidance. Choose whichever approach suits you: do you prefer to be led, or would you rather walk ahead with minimal guidance? If you prefer the latter, Wei Lang's teachings will be of greatest benefit to you.

Buddhism has no Chinese form, Thai form, or Western form. There is only the Buddha's Buddhism. However, the methods of teaching and the ways of reaching understanding differ greatly across different eras, times, and regions.

Wei Lang's Formula is a revered scripture in Zen Buddhism, serving as a crucial record of the teachings of Venerable Wei Lang, the Sixth Sangha Prinnayaka. The content begins with his biography and his approach to the dharma before presenting important teachings on topics including wisdom, skillful means and wisdom, concentration and wisdom, meditation, recognition of karma, and teachings suited to individuals and their circumstances. The book also covers the nature of the sangha and various schools, the final resting place discourse, and ultimate teachings—offering readers a systematic view of Wei Lang's practice and thought.

This book serves both as an important Buddhist scripture and as a source for understanding the fundamental thinking of Zen Buddhism.

Also featured this week: 'Thai Buddhist Art and Its Connection to Sri Lanka,' authored by Rungrojn Thammrung from the Sirinat Center for Anthropology (Public Organization). The work examines how Thailand and Sri Lanka have maintained long-standing religious connections. Most commonly recognized is Thailand's adoption of Buddhism from Sri Lanka around the 18th Buddhist century—a form now called Theravada Buddhism—which played a significant role in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Sukhothai, and Lan Na. While evidence has traditionally relied on written documents, incorporating art-historical evidence reveals even deeper connections and allows us to trace Buddhist links back more than 1,500 years to the Dvaravati period.

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National

Rare Buddhist Bell Cast in 1943 Unveiled

A rare Buddhist bell cast in 1943 by Thailand's 12th Supreme Patriarch was the last bell made using an original mold created by a royal goldsmith, before the Patriarch's death the following year.

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Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the 12th Supreme Patriarch of Bangkok, was renowned as a master craftsman in creating sacred Buddhist bells in Thailand. The Chiang Tung bell of 1943 represents the final bell cast during his lifetime and the last occasion the original large mold was used in production.

The Supreme Patriarch primarily employed a large mold created by Phraya Suphakorn Bannasat, a former royal goldsmith and skilled artisan from the reign of King Rama VI. This mold was crafted by coating the original bell with lead, ensuring the replica matched the original in precise proportions.

In 1943, Khun Ying Suphakorn Bannasat, widow of Phraya Suphakorn Bannasat, presented the lead mold to the Supreme Patriarch. That same year, he commissioned the casting of a large bell using this mold.

The bell was created using metal from various sources including fragments from earlier bell castings stored at the Patriarch's residence, combined with metal from a 1939 bell casting and gold sheets inscribed with 108 sacred mantras and 14 phonetic elements, supplemented with considerable gold plate remaining from an Indochinese Buddha statue cast in 1941.

The metal mixture produces a golden color that mellows to brown over time, with some bells exhibiting a greenish patina called "sai phai" due to the aged bell metal. Others display lighter or reddish-brown hues.

A total of 108 Chiang Tung bells were cast. The Supreme Patriarch distributed them to Department of Religion officials traveling to Chiang Tung and approximately 30 close disciples. The Supreme Patriarch passed away on November 26, 1944, making the Chiang Tung bell his final creation.

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Tourism

Bangkok's Spiritual Shrines Offer Healing and Inner Peace

Bangkok's spiritual shrines—from the Erawan Shrine to Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen—offer residents a retreat for healing and inner peace amid the bustling city's daily pressures.

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In Bangkok, Thai spiritual practice and prayer rituals are woven into the daily lives of city dwellers as a form of soul care. As healing becomes a new luxury, a journey through temples and urban landscapes becomes fundamentally a quest for inner calm and positive energy.

Bangkok's Spiritual Sites

Erawan Shrine: Located in the Ratchaprasong business district, devotees seek blessings for career, wealth, health, and relationships, bringing holistic balance and protection to life.

Mariamman Temple: Situated in Silom, worshippers appeal to the Mountain Goddess for unconditional love, inner strength, and fearless courage.

Ganesh Shrine: The elephant-headed god of wisdom and arts removes obstacles in life and work, inspiring new plans and creative ventures.

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat: At the heart of Yaowarat (Chinatown), this major temple resolves celestial conflicts and brings harmony and well-being.

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen: The 69-meter bronze seated Buddha overlooking the Chao Phraya River serves as an urban sanctuary for meditation and reflection.

San Chao Pho Suea: Located in the historic Phra Nakhon district, this powerful shrine counters ill-wishers, dissolves negative energy, and overcomes hardship.

Tai Hong Kong White Jade Shrine: Founded on compassion and charity, offering merit through coffin donations to the poor, bringing health and family protection.

The true journey is not about crossing great distances, but about finding stillness, hope, and strength amid sacred incense and serene energy.

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Community

Venerable Thepyanamuni, Former Abbot of Chong Lom Temple, Remembered

The 22nd anniversary of Venerable Thepyanamuni's passing is commemorated on August 22, 2026; the respected former abbot of Chong Lom Royal Temple in Ratchaburi devoted his life to Buddhist education, community welfare, and public health ini

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On Saturday, August 22, 2026, the 22nd anniversary of the passing of Venerable Thepyanamuni (Pradet Kaweethro), former abbot of Chong Lom Royal Temple in Muang District, Ratchaburi Province and former advisor to the Ratchaburi Provincial Sangha Council, is commemorated. He was a respected senior Buddhist monk recognized for his exceptional spiritual leadership and tireless dedication to public health and community welfare services, earning devotion and reverence over many decades.

He was born into the Kalyaharth family on May 31, 1920, in Moo 5, Ban Chong Subdistrict, Phnom Sarakham District, Chachoengsao Province, to parents Pang and Bang Kalyaharth. After completing fourth-grade primary education at his local village school, his family inquired about his ordination, and he joyfully accepted, having long harbored a sincere devotion to Buddhism.

He was ordained on December 20, 1935, at Tha Kwian Temple in Phnom Sarakham District, with Venerable Khru Vimlyanasunthon of Maha Chedi Temple serving as his preceptor. At age 20, he received full monastic ordination on May 9, 1940, at Tha Kwian Temple, with Venerable Wisutthisophon of Maha Phratuckharam Temple in Bangkok as his preceptor, Venerable Khru Vimlyanasutnthon as his instructor in precepts, and Venerable Khru Adulyasaramuny of Tha Kwian Temple as his instructor in training. He received the monastic name Kaweethro.

He completed advanced Dhamma studies at Sarakhet Temple and passed the Pali examination in six passages. His evident contributions earned the trust of Ratchaburi's monastic community, leading to his appointment as a preceptor. In 1966, he became the provincial sangha officer for Muang District, in 1974 the provincial sangha officer for Ratchaburi Province, and abbot of Chong Lom Royal Temple, later serving as advisor to the Ratchaburi Provincial Sangha Council.

In education, he served as a royal Pali examination committee member and the Ratchaburi Provincial Buddhist Education Committee member until his passing. He was instrumental in revitalizing Pali studies at Chong Lom Temple's school, establishing the Kaweethro Foundation to support education and providing scholarships for students and young monks. In public outreach, he headed the Ratchaburi Dhamma missionary program, organizing 88 township community education units throughout the province. In welfare work, he constructed numerous buildings and facilities within temples, donated medical equipment to Ratchaburi Central Hospital, and distributed aid to the poor. He was also an accomplished speaker and scholar, producing several academic works.

He devoted his entire life to serving Buddhism with unwavering dedication, collaborating with both monastic communities and other sectors whenever called upon. He received numerous rank promotions, becoming Phra Kru in 1954, Phra Rajkhanachayan Third Rank in 1957, Phra Rajkhanachayan First Rank in 1981, and Phra Thepyanamuni of the Divine Rank in 1996.

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Community

Revered Phra That Phanom Powder Amulet Blessed in Solemn Ceremony

Blessed powder amulets featuring Phra That Phanom, a 2,500-year-old Buddhist monument on the Thailand-Laos border, were consecrated in a solemn ceremony at Nakhon Phanom Province's revered temple on July 19.

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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.

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