Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin revealed Thailand's historic success on July 25, 2569 (2026) following the UNESCO World Heritage Committee's 48th session in Busan, South Korea, which approved Wat Phra Mahathat Worommahaviharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat as a cultural world heritage site. The temple is Thailand's ninth world heritage site and the first in the southern region. Chomklin stated that the achievement resulted from coordinated efforts across all sectors, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment working closely with the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning under the oversight of Permanent Secretary Dr. Raviwaan Puridej.

The temple earned world heritage status due to its outstanding universal value as a site reflecting religious and spiritual diversity spanning over 1,500 years, showcasing influences on art and religion that connected people throughout Southeast Asia. The site represents an active center of traditions and cultural practices that uniquely blend indigenous beliefs with religious teachings. Chomklin, heading Thailand's delegation, thanked the World Heritage Committee and all supporting nations, reaffirming Thailand's commitment to conserving this cultural heritage as humanity's shared legacy and implementing recommendations from the committee.

Cholklin congratulated all Thai citizens, especially Nakhon Si Thammarat residents, calling the designation a success for all Thailand and a shared responsibility for present and future generations. He assigned Permanent Secretary Dr. Raviwaan Puridej to coordinate with the Culture Ministry, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, and relevant agencies domestically and internationally to elevate management standards to UNESCO specifications while preserving the site's outstanding universal value.

Two prominent collectors, Uten Pattananiphol and Piriya Watjitpunth, are opening their private collections to the public in an exhibition called "Visual Dialogue," featuring masterpiece artworks from different countries, periods, and cultures. The two collectors met by chance while attending Art Basel in Hong Kong and discovered their shared passion for art despite vastly different collecting philosophies—Piriya focuses on Thai art history from past to present, while Uten emphasizes contemporary art by emerging Thai artists and world-leading international artists. The exhibition breaks down traditional boundaries between Thai and foreign artists, old and new generations, allowing artworks that share meaningful connections to engage in compelling visual conversations. Many works on display have never been publicly exhibited before, with some lost to public view for decades and others held privately. Thai master artists including Chakraphan Posyakrit, Thawai Datchni, and Montien Boonma are presented alongside international contemporary artists like Andre Butzer and Christian Rex van Minnen. The collectors emphasize that art transcends time, nationality, and borders, serving as a universal language that reveals Thai artists' world-class quality. This exhibition also aims to inspire Thai artists to study world-class works firsthand without traveling abroad and to establish a culture of collectors sharing their private collections with the broader public.

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."