BANGKOK: Thailand’s top general welcomed Myanmar’s military chief for talks today (Aug 20), the latter’s first foreign trip in office as his coup-staging armed forces shake off their pariah status.
BANGKOK: Thailand’s top general welcomed Myanmar’s military chief for talks today (Aug 20), the latter’s first foreign trip in office as his coup-staging armed forces shake off their pariah status.
A revered Buddhist scholar and abbot of Wat Rajkham in Ratchaburi, Luang Pho Chum (1879-1955) is now honored with a full-size bronze statue commissioned by his disciples. The respected monk was known for his teaching, monastery restoration,
Luang Pho Chum Buddhatsaro of Wat Rajkham in Mueang District, Ratchaburi, was a highly respected Buddhist scholar and teacher known throughout the province. He possessed diverse knowledge and wisdom, serving as a preceptor, teacher, and administrator, and was dedicated to serving all people. Born on June 26, 1879, in Khung Nam Wan Subdistrict to parents named Thoum and Lamyai Klintheprakes, he was taken at age nine to study Khmer and Thai texts with Luang Poo Toh at Wat Rajkham. At sixteen, he was ordained as a novice and received full monastic ordination at age twenty on May 1, 1898, at Wat Tha Suwan, taking the Pali name Buddhatsaro under the preceptorship of Phra Ajan Phu.
After Phra Ajan Phu's death in 1905, Luang Pho Chum became abbot of Wat Rajkham and devoted himself to maintaining and restoring the monastery's physical structures and promoting Buddhist studies. He also established Chum Prachanukul School for local children. He received several ecclesiastical appointments, including recognition as a preceptor in 1924 and later as a respected senior monk. He was skilled in traditional medicine and the practice of blessing sacred water and objects, earning widespread fame throughout the region.
Luang Pho Chum regularly undertook missionary journeys to study advanced practices, sometimes traveling to Burma and visiting Wat Makham Tao in Chainat Province around 1903, where he studied esoteric teachings from Luang Poo Suk. He developed a lasting friendship with Luang Pho Rung of Wat Tha Krabio. He eventually fell ill in his final years and passed away peacefully on November 16, 1955, at age seventy-seven in the monastic order, with his cremation held on March 24, 1956.
Luang Pho Chum created various sacred objects highly valued by devotees, including blessed cloths, amulets, and rings. Most notably, his disciples commissioned a full-size bronze statue in his honor, with casting beginning in 1897. Small one-inch statuettes were created as commemorative gifts for donors, with 1,110 bronze figures cast using brass and copper bases.
A Swiss collector has voluntarily returned a collection of ancient Ban Chiang artifacts to Thailand, including pottery, bronze tools, and ornaments that had been passed down through his family for generations.
Thailand's ambassador to Switzerland has received a collection of antiquities believed to have originated from the Ban Chiang archaeological site in Udon Thani province from a Swiss national who volunteered to return them to Thailand.
Ambassador Phannapa Chandrarom traveled to Bellinzona in southern Switzerland on 11 August to receive the items from Albert Schussegger, who contacted the Royal Thai Embassy in Bern to express his wish to return the antiquities.
Schussegger said the objects had been passed down through his family. The collection includes several items, including pottery, painted pottery, bronze tools and weapons, bronze ornaments and ancient beads, according to the embassy. The embassy is coordinating with Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Fine Arts Department to examine the objects and determine their provenance, age and authenticity. Authorities will then follow the necessary procedures to return the antiquities to Thailand.
The embassy said the handover reflects cooperation and goodwill in preserving and returning Thailand's cultural heritage, as well as the strong ties between Thai and Swiss people and cooperation between the two countries in protecting cultural heritage.
The embassy thanked Schussegger for voluntarily returning the objects. Ban Chiang is one of Thailand's most important prehistoric archaeological sites. Located in Nong Han district of Udon Thani province, the site provides evidence of human settlement and cultural development dating back more than 5,000 years. The site was discovered in 1966 and became known for its distinctive red-painted pottery, as well as archaeological evidence of early agriculture and metalworking.
Ban Chiang was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.
Thailand plans to extend electricity to remote Ta Kwai-Hill 350 border areas by early 2027 as part of a national security initiative to improve military operations and troop welfare.
Thailand plans to extend electricity infrastructure to the Ta Kwai Temple-Hill 350 border area by early 2027, with the Joint Information Center (JIC) describing the project as an important part of national security. Air Force Assistant Commander-in-Chief ACM Prapas Sonchaidee, director of the JIC for the Thai-Cambodian situation, visited Ta Kwai Temple, Ta Muen Thom Temple and Hill 350 on 20 August to assess the situation and receive updates from personnel stationed along the border.
Prapas said the government's policy to expand the electricity network to the Ta Kwai-Hill 350 area aims to bring power to the frontline by early 2027. "Security does not mean military power alone. Effective infrastructure is also part of security," Prapas said. He said bringing electricity and other essential support systems to the area would improve military operations, communications and safety while also improving the quality of life of personnel stationed along the border.
"Bringing electricity and necessary support systems to these areas tells those serving there that the border is not a forgotten place and that those standing on the front line have not been left behind," he said. The JIC director said the infrastructure development was particularly important for remote border areas, where reliable electricity could support both security operations and the daily lives of troops.
During his visit, Prapas also praised frontline personnel for their discipline, endurance, sacrifice and professionalism, saying they were protecting not only their positions but also Thailand's sovereignty and the safety of the public. Regarding the border situation, he said Thai authorities remained vigilant and stressed that information about incidents along the border should be based on verified facts to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and tensions.
Thailand wants peace and does not want the situation to escalate into conflict, Prapas said, while stressing that peace must be maintained alongside the protection of sovereignty, public safety and national interests.
Skyline Enterprises, a New Zealand theme park giant, plans to expand into Thailand after receiving investment approval for a Bangkok facility during talks with the prime minister in August. The company aims to establish a research and devel
The Board of Investment announced that the prime minister discussed expansion plans with Skyline Enterprises, a leading New Zealand theme park and ride manufacturer, during an official visit to Auckland on August 20, 2025. The company has already received BOI investment promotion approval for a Bangkok theme park and was invited to consider further investment across Thailand, given the country's status as a globally recognized tourism destination with diverse attractions from coastal areas to mountains and major tourist cities.
The government signaled readiness to support the company in establishing a research and development center in Thailand to develop new ride components, a venture requiring specialized engineering expertise and a strong commitment to user safety. Skyline Enterprises, founded in 1966, is known for developing, designing, and managing world-class tourism attractions and rides, including the Queenstown Gondola—the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere—and the globally famous Luge ride. The company currently operates in New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, and is expanding into the United Kingdom.
Skyline recently received BOI investment promotion approval for a Bangkok theme park, viewing Thailand as a high-potential market for Asian expansion given the strength of its tourism industry and both domestic and international visitor base. The company sees significant opportunities for development across various regions. Board of Investment secretary-general Naruetom Therdstiraskul noted that Skyline's investment will not only bring colorful new activities and experiences to Thailand's tourism industry but also advance knowledge-intensive technologies, particularly in ride research and development tailored to Southeast Asian conditions. "If established in Thailand, it will develop skilled personnel and build engineering and technology expertise while strengthening Thailand's tourism and service industries," he said.
Indonesian-style grilled dim sum has arrived in Thailand for the first time with DimBakar, a Betong-based restaurant serving charcoal-grilled dumplings topped with chicken, cheese, and chili for 45–55 baht.
Most people picture dim sum as soft, steamed dumplings fragrant with hot steam, made from time-honored recipes. But today's food scene has reimagined both the form and flavor, creating something fresh and exciting.
One trending street food that has become hugely popular in Indonesia is now arriving in Thailand for the first time: DimBakar, an Indonesian-style grilled dim sum restaurant and Thailand's first and only establishment of its kind, located in Betong District, Yala Province.
Owner Assawi explained the origins of this signature dish. Known in Indonesia as "Siomay Bakar" or "Dim Sum Bakar," it originated in Bandung, a city celebrated for its distinctive food culture and street food scene. With its perfectly balanced flavor and unique cooking method, this dish has become a beloved street food staple found in markets and communities throughout Indonesia, as popular as traditional local fare, and is now gaining worldwide attention.
"Impressed by the taste and seeing the opportunity, I brought the original recipe into Thailand and spent time carefully studying and adjusting the ingredients to maintain authentic flavor while perfectly matching Thai consumer preferences," Assawi said.
DimBakar's standout feature lies in its meticulous preparation and premium ingredients. The dough and filling are shaped from fresh, high-quality fish that provides a tender, firm texture and natural sweet aroma without being overly fishy. The dumplings are then grilled over hot coals and brushed until fully cooked, glazed with Indonesian cream sauce until fragrant smoke rises, stimulating the appetite beautifully.
Once the surface dries slightly and becomes crispy outside while remaining tender inside, various toppings are added based on preference: soft shredded chicken, spicy chili, stretchy melted cheese, and crispy seaweed—each adding complexity and appeal to the taste.
Despite such refined quality and technique, prices remain wallet-friendly, starting at just 45–55 baht.
DimBakar has set up a booth in Betong District, Yala, a southern border area that draws numerous Thai and foreign visitors, and has received overwhelming positive response.
If you're looking for a new dish with a story, distinctive flavor, and international appeal, don't miss the chance to experience DimBakar, Thailand's first Indonesian-style grilled dim sum. Follow the DimBakar Facebook page to track booth locations and schedules at festivals and events throughout the southern border provinces, and make this a memorable dining experience.
By Jesada Siriyothai
Thailand's budget committee cut 3 billion baht designated for a Khlong Dan compensation payment, with the deputy prime minister questioning whether a hastily arranged court commitment by a Pollution Control Department official constitutes a
On August 20, 2569, the House of Representatives budget committee held an extraordinary session to review the fiscal year 2570 budget bill, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Phradorn Perisnanandkul. The committee reviewed a subcommittee report recommending budget cuts and agency appeals, presented by Bunyaluk Prasertsopha, a member from Ratchaburi and chairman of the training and seminar subcommittee.
The subcommittee proposed cutting 3.2 billion baht from a total budget framework of 224 billion baht, with 3 billion baht coming from the Khlong Dan case payment and the remaining 200 million baht from other items. The committee noted that spending should be cost-effective and that domestic seminars should focus on quality and concrete results. Training programs should use online formats, and committee members questioned whether ethics training was necessary given that it is already a standard organizational practice.
A significant concern arose during debate: the Pollution Control Department had requested 3 billion baht to cover a court-ordered compensation payment, but the subcommittee cut it entirely. Deputy Prime Minister Phradorn pointed out irregularities, noting that after the early August budget cut, a deputy director-general hastily arranged enforcement proceedings on August 11 at the Supreme Administrative Court, recording a verbal commitment about payment installments—the first by August 31 using 2569 mid-year funds, the second by November 1 using the 2570 annual budget, and the third by April 1, 2570 using 2570 mid-year funds.
Phradorn stated that recording such a verbal commitment amounts to coercing the government and questioned where tens of billions of baht would come from, describing it as an issue requiring government decision-making. He argued the verbal commitment does not constitute a legal order and thus does not qualify as legislation under Article 144(3), asserting that only legally mandated payments—those backed by proper law—should be protected from budget cuts.
Pa Maai's restaurant in Ang Thong has served signature sticky rice with grilled chicken for over 40 years, earning a devoted following for tender, flavorful chicken paired with hot sticky rice at bargain prices.
In Ang Thong, journalist Kanoksak Saengtrakar recommends not missing Pa Maai's restaurant to try their signature sticky rice with grilled chicken. Located near the entrance to Chanthanirimit Temple on Phi Phraya–Tha Ruea Road in Sang Daeng subdistrict, Mueang district, Ang Thong province, the shop has been operating for over 40 years and draws both passing customers and regulars who praise its delicious food at low prices. The standout dish is sticky rice with grilled chicken, which fills the air with an enticing aroma and delivers on flavor—the chicken is tender and juicy, never dry, and pairs perfectly with hot sticky rice. Owner Sommai Pueng Kaew, 60, started by selling sticky rice with grilled chicken and papaya salad at a market in Pathum Thani province, but relocated to her current roadside spot near Chanthanirimit Temple because of the distance. She began with grilled chicken and grilled liver at 10 baht per skewer and sticky rice at 5 baht per portion, later expanding to include Thai papaya salad, crab papaya salad, minced meat salad, and northern-style soup. The menu also features grilled catfish, spicy soup, bitter melon soup, eggplant dip, fried salted catfish, boxed curry rice at 20 baht, and fried sticky rice with pork. Open daily from 5 a.m. until sold out by noon. Contact 08-5984-0967.
Scoot launches three weekly flights to Guiyang, China from October 26, while boosting services across Southeast Asia for peak holiday season, including increased flights to Phuket and Hat Yai.
Budget carrier Scoot, part of Singapore Airlines, announced the launch of three weekly flights to Guiyang, China starting October 26, 2025, operating with Airbus A320neo aircraft. The new route strengthens Scoot's China network and provides additional travel options for passengers planning trips before the year-end holiday season.
Guiyang sits in central Guizhou Province and is known for its diverse local culture, beautiful scenery surrounded by greenery and mountains, and pleasant cool weather ideal for tourism. Visitors can experience historic landmarks like Qingyan Ancient Town, one of China's most completely preserved ancient cities, and visit Huangguoshu Waterfall in the southwest, one of Asia's largest waterfalls.
Economy one-way fares to Guiyang start at 5,800 baht including taxes. Bookings open today through Scoot's website and app, with additional booking channels coming soon.
Following the Guiyang launch, Scoot will operate 81 weekly flights to China covering 16 cities. The airline is also increasing flight frequency across Southeast Asia in the winter 2026-2027 schedule (October 25, 2025 to March 27, 2026) to meet rising holiday travel demand.
Frequency increases include: Hat Yai from 12 to 14 weekly flights; Phuket from 17 to 21 weekly flights; Clark, Philippines from 7 to 10 weekly (December 2025); Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia from 10 to 13 weekly (January 2026); Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam shifting to daily service with larger Airbus A320 family aircraft; Okinawa, Japan from 4 to 5 weekly; and Trichy, India from 12 to 14 weekly (December 2025).
Scoot CEO Leslie Thng said the airline is delighted to open the Guiyang route, strengthening its China network while connecting Singapore and other destinations to a major cultural and natural hub in southwestern China. The expansion supports Scoot's growing passenger numbers year-over-year.
Laem Charoen Seafood, a 50-year-old Rayong institution with 40 branches, has reimagined its brand with a new flagship store at Central World, featuring redesigned dishes and a beach-inspired aesthetic that honors the restaurant's seafood he
Laem Charoen Seafood, a legendary seafood restaurant operating for nearly 50 years with 40 branches across Thailand, continues to innovate. The chain has recently revamped its brand format to stay current with shifting consumer trends. After COVID-19 reshaped dining habits toward smaller tables and solo diners, and as street food and viral restaurants have seized social media attention, the restaurant recognized it needed to change. The primary renovation involves the store layout, with a flagship concept store opening on the third floor of Central World, elevating the brand experience with design inspiration drawn from Rayong's famous beach and the original location at Rayong River mouth.
The redesign features bowls and plates with beach and sea motifs, fishing equipment displays, and a room styled as a fish sauce fermentation room. Like the restaurant's menu—its greatest strength—the kitchen makes its own fish sauce and masters Rayong's traditional seafood dishes. The strategy keeps core strengths, removes dishes that lack identity, and creates new dishes that capture authentic Rayong seafood flavor.
Signature dishes include sun-dried squid that is tender and chewy despite the intense heat; shrimp marinated in fish sauce, split down the center and infused with pungent brine and lime juice that amplifies the sweetness; and eagle fish wrapped in spiced paste with custard-like filling and no vegetable base to prevent moisture and disintegration. New additions include fried river shrimp tossed in Rayong fish sauce, its head crushed and mixed with hot sauce in a wok until fragrant enough to coat the rice; snapper two-ways, crispy and fluffy from butterfly filleting, served with two sauces—a signature fish sauce and a three-spice chili paste; premium crab fried rice with distinct grains and large chunks of crab meat; and sour curry with salted egg and fish roe, a concentrated and balanced broth with plump, creamy roe. All dishes are now served on smaller plates, allowing customers to sample a wider variety. The renovated restaurant is now open for service.
Actress Chuya shaved her head and lost 10 kilos to play a nun in the film "Khun Yai Waranart," keeping the transformation secret for five months before revealing it at a press conference.
Thai actress Juji Wattaya has revealed she shaved her head and lost weight for her comeback role as a Buddhist nun named Mae Chee Saeng Bun in the film 'Krunya Woranart' by GDH. She kept the transformation secret for over five months, beginning on March 6, appearing with wigs and scarves during that time. The actress explained that she initially planned to return to acting when her child turned seven or eight, but the film project seemed like the right opportunity. She consulted her husband before accepting, uncertain how he would react to her shaving her head and losing her eyebrows. Her husband gave his enthusiastic approval, saying the role sounded interesting. She was initially concerned about her children's reaction, particularly her son who prefers women with long hair, so she let him witness the head-shaving process and wore wigs and hats daily to drop him at school. The director required her to actually shave her head rather than use a wig, as the film is being submitted to international film festivals including Toronto and needs to look authentic for global audiences. Juji performed the head-shaving ritual on an auspicious day, consulting with a Buddhist teacher and wrapping her hair in banana leaves to float down the Chao Phraya River with prayers. She also lost ten kilograms in two months through balanced nutrition and careful diet management rather than cosmetic procedures. The actress said losing weight was her primary concern, as she was still carrying extra weight from breastfeeding, and she wanted to slim down in a healthy way.