Central Retail Corporation (CRC) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Central Food Retail Limited (CFR) has completed the acquisition of all common shares in AEON (Thailand) Limited, the operator of the MaxValu supermarket chain with 30 locations nationwide.

CFR will hold 100% of AEON (Thailand) Limited's registered capital of 890 million baht. The acquisition aligns with CRC's strategy to strengthen its food business division by expanding CFR's supermarket network in strategic locations and immediately gaining access to over 900,000 customers.

Beyond the store locations, CFR has acquired ownership of valuable land assets and a ready-to-eat food production center, which will enhance the company's production capabilities and allow for greater product differentiation in its prepared food offerings.

Following completion of the transaction after all conditions precedent are met, CFR will rebrand all 30 stores under the Tops brand and integrate them into CFR's ecosystem. The company plans to leverage its retail expertise to modernize and improve operational efficiency across the newly acquired locations.

Relatives tearfully received the body of Hlun Solo, or Bworwuthat Phaengsuk, a famous solo backpacking YouTuber who died in Georgia, at his hometown in Moo 10, Samet subdistrict, Samet district, Kalasin province on August 7, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. The Kalasin governor, members of parliament, district officials, teachers, volunteers, neighbors, and several thousand fans gathered to receive the body and pay respects amid media and YouTuber presence, with police and rescue volunteers maintaining order. Tents set up along the street outside the house were supported by the Samet subdistrict municipality.

Hlun Solo's body arrived at 5:18 p.m. in a white van, carried by five rescue workers who helped lift the coffin from the vehicle. His uncle and sister, holding his photograph, led the coffin containing Hlun into the house amid a sorrowful atmosphere. Many relatives wept and some appeared faint, requiring medical assistance from a medical team.

Hlun's grandmother remained secluded inside the house, unable to bear seeing her grandson's face as she could not come to terms with his sudden death. The body was brought inside and placed in a cold storage coffin during a religious ceremony, with the family requesting privacy and prohibiting media from filming, a process that took approximately 30 minutes.

Once Hlun's body was secured in the cold storage coffin, a religious ceremony was conducted with Kalasin Governor Suwannathan Khemthanphet presiding. The governor announced that evening chanting ceremonies will be held each night from August 8-10, with the funeral service scheduled for August 11 at Rangsee Chatchawal Temple, Moo 4, Samet subdistrict, Samet district, Kalasin province.

Hlun Solo, or Bworwuthat Phaengsuk, was a renowned Thai solo backpacking YouTuber and travel influencer with millions of followers, known for his solo journeys across more than 50 countries, particularly those that are difficult to access or considered high-risk destinations.

Adidas Thailand unveiled the latest CODECHAOS 27 clipless competition-level golf shoe at an exclusive launch event titled "CHAOS FEELS GOOD Bangkok Launch Event," introducing enhanced performance across comfort, grip, and stability. The new shoe features advanced technologies including TWISTSKIN upper with waterproof dual-layer construction, AXISLOCK dual-injected material shaping in the midsole for optimal stability, and full-length BOOST cushioning paired with the improved TWISTGRIP outsole technology. The CODECHAOS 27 BOA model features a 120% increase in TWISTGRIP coverage compared to its predecessor, while the lace version showcases TWISTGRIP in the forefoot combined with adiwear® rubber, offering golfers maximum grip and comfort in both wet and dry conditions with four distinct traction stud shapes for comprehensive ground contact.

On July 26, 2026, Somdet Phra Mahadhirajarn (Pasit Khemmangkro), abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphorn Vimolmangkhlaram and vice chairman of the Sangha Supreme Council overseeing the northern region, presided over the formal presentation of the Supreme Patriarch's appointment order designating Phra Dhammavachirapon (Rid Ridwetee), abbot of Wat Tak Fa in Nakhon Sawan, as provincial head monk of Nakhon Sawan. The ceremony took place at the northern regional ecclesiastical office meeting room at Wat Phra Chetuphorn Vimolmangkhlaram.

Phra Dhammavachirapon, regarded as a highly capable senior monk, has dedicated himself to advancing monastic educational programs with unwavering commitment. Currently 62 years old with 42 Buddhist Lent observances to his name, he serves as abbot of Wat Tak Fa, a royal temple in Tak Fa District, Nakhon Sawan, and now assumes his new role as provincial ecclesiastical administrator. Born on Wednesday, July 2, 1964, at house number 25, village 4, Ban Nong Nam, Tak Tok subdistrict, Ban Tak District, Tak Province, to parents Samran and Kern Thubeiuam who worked in agriculture.

After completing fourth-grade primary education, when asked if he wished to ordain as a monk, he readily agreed, having long harbored deep reverence for Buddhism. He took monastic vows on September 11, 1977, at Wat San Pa Lan in Tak Auk subdistrict, Ban Tak District, Tak Province, with Phra Khru Wisakij Anuwat, the subdistrict ecclesiastical administrator, as his ordaining preceptor.

From ages 8 to 18, he studied meditation and mental discipline under Luang Pho Bua Klai at Wat Khantong in Tak. He then pursued advanced monastic textual studies in both Pali and Dharma traditions under Phra Ratchasuvarnarsobphan at Wat Bodhi Rat in Ang Thong Province, earning top honors and advanced scriptural certifications before transferring to Wat Tak Fa.

At age 20, he underwent full higher ordination on May 14, 1984, at Wat Tak Fa's ordination boundary, with Phra Khru Nakhom Khet Kanarak, the district ecclesiastical administrator, serving as his preceptor. He subsequently pursued advanced monastic studies, eventually earning the highest level of scriptural certification.

In 2000, he completed a master's degree in educational administration from Naresuan University. His contributions to monastic education have earned widespread recognition. In 1995, he received an award for establishing distinguished Pali studies programs; in 1997, he received certification for excellence in Dharma and Pali education from the provincial monastic education committee. In 2001, Wat Tak Fa was designated as the provincial center for Pali studies by the Sangha Supreme Council.

In 2001, he received commendation from the Department of Non-Formal Education, Ministry of Education. In 2003, he received the Sao Samadharmachakra Award for meritorious service to Buddhism in monastic education. His ecclesiastical rank has been elevated four times: in 1996 to Phra Racha Kana (Third Class, Phra Srisuddhi Wetee); in 2006 to Phra Racha Kana (Second Class, Phra Rajapanya Wetee); in 2016 to Phra Racha Kana (First Class, Phra Thepphanya Phon); and most recently on April 20, 2026, to the rank of Phra Dhammavachirapon.

On February 4, 2006, Wat Tak Fa received a royal visit from Princess Sirindhorn, who toured the temple's educational programs and graciously donated 10,000 baht from her personal funds to support monastic meals. This donation was established as a perpetual educational support fund.

A disturbing incident shocked dog lovers when, at 3:35 a.m. on August 6, 2025, a black Labrador with a collar and leash was dragged for several kilometers behind a motorcycle before being abandoned in critical condition outside Omsin Market in Muang District, Lampang Province. The dog was covered in blood, but market vendors discovered it, pooled money for emergency treatment, and rushed it to Lampang Veterinary Hospital.

On August 7 at 2 p.m., Nai Sen, a 58-year-old trader, presented himself to police with his Honda Wave 100 motorcycle and gave a statement. He claimed he had no intention of harming or killing the dog, but that two or three dogs chased him while he was riding, and he did not realize the dog's leash had become tangled on his motorcycle. Frightened of being bitten, he continued riding until he noticed the dog had stopped moving. He did not stop because he feared the dog might get up and bite him. He stated he had driven to the market to quickly buy goods for his business, and when vendors helped free the leash, he hurried off to shop without checking on the dog because he needed to earn a living.

Nai Sen expressed that the harsh criticism on social media made him feel depressed and stressed, as he did not know the dog was attached to his motorcycle or whose dog it was. He suggested that dog owners should keep their pets confined indoors rather than letting them run loose chasing vehicles on the road to prevent such accidents in the future. Police are currently investigating the motorcycle and testing whether the leash could have become entangled as he claimed, and will proceed with legal action based on their findings.