On Sunday, July 12, 2026, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, through the Department of Social Development and Welfare, partnered with the Foundation for Spreading Buddhism to Hill Tribes under royal patronage and the Dhamma Caravan monks to conduct an ordination ceremony for highland residents. The ceremony, presided over by Venerable Dhammavicharadhipati (Chum Punnyachayo), the abbot of Benjamabophit Dusitvanaram Temple and regional head of Zone 17, was attended by Deputy Minister Nikom Somklaung and other government officials, relatives of ordinands, and devotees at the temple in Bangkok's Dusit District.

Deputy Minister Nikom stated that the Dhamma Caravan project serves as a crucial mechanism for developing highland communities while propagating Buddhism and improving their quality of life and spiritual wellbeing. The project has operated continuously since 1965—a span of 61 years—resulting in 12,338 highland residents having been ordained, with 272 currently maintaining monastic status across 225 monasteries in 13 provinces. In 2026, a total of 232 residents were ordained. After the ceremony, they will study Buddhist scriptures and conduct general education to prepare as key members of the Dhamma Caravan, enabling them to return home and develop themselves, their families, and their communities sustainably.

Following the ordination rites, Venerable Dhammavicharadhipati and devotees presented robes, personal necessities, and supplies to the newly ordained monks and novices before they departed for the rains retreat and scriptural studies at Sri Soda Temple in Chiang Mai. The venerable abbot emphasized that the project creates religious successors and provides highland residents the opportunity to study Buddhist teachings and cultivate their minds, describing the support as an inspiration for these young monks to dedicate themselves to spreading the dharma light among highland communities and fostering sustainable improvements in their quality of life.

Actors To Thanaphop Leeratanakhachon and Leena Lalina Suwat are collaborating for the first time on the romantic-drama film "Her In Frame," and spoke about their roles and working together on the project.

When asked what attracted them to the film, To explained that he had been searching for a love story project where he could play an ordinary person. He noted that while his previous work was not abnormal, audiences often expected a gimmick when they saw his face on screen. "I wanted to erase that perception," he said. "I'm not tired of drama, but I wanted to try something different. Drama doesn't have to mean sadness—it's about life itself. As I've matured, I think my range as an actor should expand."

Leena said she was attracted to the romantic-drama genre and the story's inspiration from the love between King Rama IX and Queen Suthida. "The film has genuine value through its storyline and inspiration, which is why I wanted to take on the role," she explained.

To emphasized the significance of the film's historical inspiration. "Learning more about the story has moved me deeply, especially since I grew up during the reign of King Rama IX through to King Rama X. The love story depicted here is special and romantic without needing to be artificially constructed. That's what makes it interesting," he said. "Love is a concept without cultural borders. We don't need to explain it to other cultures—nowadays our productions have many international fans."

Regarding his role, To plays a photographer named Tawan. "This might be the smiling role of my career," he joked. "I feel very relaxed playing this character and it feels enjoyable, though I'm hesitant to confirm it's the most relaxed role I've ever had."

To revealed he plays two contrasting characters: Danai and Tawan. The dual role required distinct characterization to avoid confusion. "Danai is the more challenging role because he's more mature, working as a civil engineer who travels to different villages. The difficulty was mainly the tight denim pants—I've never worn jeans that snug before," he laughed.

Leena similarly plays two characters: Kamalwan and Mintra. She explained the difference in their rhythms and mannerisms. "Kamalwan is from an earlier era, so she speaks and moves more slowly, while Mintra is a modern woman with confidence, brightness, and passion for what she does. When playing the historical character, I had to slow everything down,"she said.

E-books have become essential for book lovers and readers today, offering convenience, simple navigation, and the ability to read anywhere with internet access without taking up physical shelf space.

This week's bookstore feature highlights these interesting e-books:

"Four Reigns" and True Stories from the Siamese Royal Court by Sansanee Veerasil Chai

Bicycles have recently become increasingly visible as public bike-sharing systems expand and health and wellness trends surge, making them both a quick mode of transport and an effective exercise tool. However, in the past—particularly during King Rama V's reign—bicycles held a different status as a symbol of social standing and wealth. Bicycles were among the fashionable items that palace residents enjoyed, originating in the Western world around 1837. When they spread to Thailand during King Rama IV's era via Christian missionaries, palace staff during King Rama V's time had the opportunity to ride them, creating a fashion that soon spread among upper-class society. Not owning one's own bicycle even became a matter of embarrassment.

This craze for bicycles is reflected in the literary work "Four Reigns," which describes competitions over vehicles—whose was better than whose—and aligns with historical evidence. Letters from Queen Sukhumala Marasri instructed Prince Boriphat Sukhumphon, who was studying in Germany, to purchase bicycles, specifically requesting: "Mother is asking her son to find a bicycle for her—one that is of good quality and as light as possible."

This fashion for bicycles during King Rama V's limited circle eventually evolved and spread beyond palace walls to ordinary people, eventually becoming the beloved vehicle and exercise tool many enjoy today. Read about the origins of the bicycle and the enduring "craze" in "Four Reigns" and True Stories from the Siamese Royal Court by Sansanee Veerasil Chai.

2475: The Palace During the Revolution by Narit Charusjranyavong, Editor

When people hear the name "Suphachalai," many think of the national stadium that has hosted major sports and entertainment events. Yet few know that "Suphachalai" is also connected to one of the 2475 Revolution's key figures, who played an important role at the Klaikangwon Palace by meeting with King Prajadhipok (Rama VII). This is evident in the records of Mom Chao Poon Pismai Diskul: "There was a discussion with Luang Suphachalai (Uncle Suphachalai), a naval officer who commanded the warship to escort the King back from Hua Hin. He said Luang Supha drank and went aboard the warship with a flushed face, yet when he saw the King, his hands trembled and his speech was halted."

Beyond his role in Thai political history, "Uncle Bunga" was also instrumental as a People's Party member in modernizing Thai sports, serving as the first Director of the Physical Education Department. The stadium's name thus commemorates not just a sports pioneer, but also reflects the People's Party era's policy of using sports to promote public health and national strength through the power of the people.

On July 25, 2025, Wasawat Phuangphonsri, known as Gangfu, a list-based lawmaker and Thai United Party leader, posted on Facebook regarding the owner of a PTT water pump station in Ban Phuea, Kantharalak district, Sisaket province, damaged by a Cambodian BM-21 rocket. The owner filed a complaint after failing to receive state compensation.

Wasawat clarified the facts after speaking directly with the owner:

– The 9 million baht from CP is aid in goods form, not cash. – The 1 million baht insurance payout is humanitarian assistance only, as the incident qualifies as an act of war and falls outside insurance coverage. The owner paid the insurance premium himself. – PTT is covering only approximately half of the pump station roof structure. Demolition costs, construction of a new building, and lost income expenses remain the owner's responsibility, amounting to over 10 million baht. – The state has provided zero assistance to date because the pump station is a juristic person and does not meet compensation criteria, despite officials initially promising to cover half the damages. The owner agreed to accept 4 million baht from an 8 million baht claim, but the government later retracted this offer. – The owner told Wasawat he is prepared to accept his fate if state compensation is ultimately denied and will continue pursuing the process.

Wasawat stated: "I will seek to review compensation criteria through parliamentary commission procedures to ensure those genuinely affected do not lose their rights due to legal technicalities and receive fair justice."

A major crackdown on a counterfeit goods network has resulted in the seizure of over 216,000 items of fake cocoa drinks, coffee, and fabric softener, with economic damages exceeding 3 million baht. On July 9, 2025, the Department of Intellectual Property and the Economic Crime Suppression Division executed a court-authorized search of a warehouse in Saraburi province, discovering 29 different counterfeit branded products. Officers confiscated raw materials including sugar, artificial creamer, milk powder, and cocoa powder, along with large-scale manufacturing equipment such as mixing machines, automatic filling machines, mixing tanks, and counterfeit packaging and labels.

The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects facing charges under the Trademark Act of 1987, which carries penalties of up to four years imprisonment, fines of up to 400,000 baht, or both. The investigation revealed that the network had been illegally transporting and distributing these fake products to retailers nationwide, causing significant harm to trademark owners and consumers. The counterfeit products were manufactured using non-standard ingredients packaged in unsanitary materials that may contain harmful chemicals, posing serious health risks.

Authorities emphasized proactive enforcement against intellectual property violations, particularly for consumer goods used in daily life. The Department of Intellectual Property urged consumers to purchase products carefully from reputable retailers with appropriate pricing, and warned against suspiciously cheap products. During the first half of 2025, Thai police have arrested 251 trademark infringement cases and seized approximately 1.1 million counterfeit items worth over 224 million baht.

Wachrapong Kuwijitsuwan, member of parliament for Samutprakan and chairman of the House Police Committee, has responded to activist Yingcheep Atchananont, director of iLaw (Internet Law project), regarding allegations about nine Bhumjaithai politicians. Wachrapong stated that if Yingcheep investigates with sincere intent and no hidden agenda, he is ready to accept the scrutiny as a politician, but he contended that past behavior and digital footprints tell a different story.

Wachrapong alleged that coordinated movements tied to recent Senate elections revealed connections between iLaw, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit's Progressive Movement, and opposition parties working together to campaign for senate candidates—behavior he questioned as potentially collusive vote-trading. He further claimed that after their efforts failed, they attempted to overthrow the current senate to clear the way for reserve senators allegedly networked to the opposition party, which he characterized as a genuine conflict of interest.

Wachrapong also cited past events to reinforce his claims, including Progressive Movement social media posts promoting senate candidate fairs organized by iLaw and cases where Thanathorn discussed senate vote-trading in Yingcheep's presence without objection. He questioned why Yingcheep would submit to loyalty to Thanathorn in such situations and why his stance now appeared to contradict his silence then.

Wachrapong concluded with a warning to Yingcheep, noting that many youth and activists had been deceived by the opposition's spiritual leadership only to face painful truths and bitter consequences. He urged Yingcheep to wake up, come to his senses, and reconsider before it is too late.