Recently, Ms. Sabeeda Thaisetrach, Minister of Culture, chaired the second 2025 meeting of the National Committee for the Promotion of Moral and Ethical Development, attended by experts and representatives from various agencies at the Ministry of Culture's eighth floor conference center.

Ms. Sabeeda reported that the meeting reviewed past accomplishments across multiple fronts: establishing integrity standards for political office holders and independent organizations, increasing transparency in selecting provincial and Bangkok "good citizens," and integrating five core values—sufficiency, discipline, integrity, volunteerism, and gratitude—into good governance frameworks across the country. The meeting prioritized three key initiatives going forward:

(1) Drafting the third-phase National Moral Promotion Action Plan (2028–2032), emphasizing development of life capital in children under 13, a critical period for behavioral cultivation and learning. The plan will employ age-appropriate mechanisms and create safe, constructive environments enabling children to internalize values from all dimensions—home, temple, school, and community. It will mobilize all sectors to model good behavior, building children's moral foundations and social resilience to grow into quality citizens.

(2) Establishing a concrete moral credit system to build a society that honors good people. The initiative will develop standardized good-deed recording systems, converting abstract moral behavior into measurable "social capital." Research will link good deeds to tangible benefits from multiple sectors—such as scholarships, faster public assistance access, and job opportunity consideration—making moral credit valuable life capital. This creates incentives for sustained goodness across all ages.

(3) Standardizing the moral province assessment mechanism to unify standards and strengthen governance at grassroots levels. The committee assigned a subcommittee to lead assessment across three tiers: moral promotion, moral development, and exemplary moral province, with outstanding exemplary province selection beginning in fiscal year 2027. This will systematize provincial moral data collection and develop local potential as better models.

The meeting also reviewed progress from four policy subcommittees implementing the second-phase National Moral Promotion Action Plan (2022–2026), showing significant advancement.

"Faith alone does not succeed; one must have both faith and wisdom," according to a teaching by Luang Pho Cha Suphattho of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani. Luang Pho Yid Chanthsuvanno, a renowned Buddhist scholar from Wat Nong Jok in Kuiburi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, was honored in 2555 B.E. when his chief disciple Chaiya Am Samang commissioned the "Merit Coin 89" to mark the monk's 89th birth year. The oval coin features a half-length relief portrait with the number 89, Thai script identifying the monk, and decorative borders. The reverse depicts a Hanuman carrying a flag with Khmer script and temple information. The article also covers other popular merit amulets including the Safety Coin of Luang Pho Sawang from Wat Tha Phutra in Kamphaeng Phet (2510 B.E.), the Luang Pu Teuea Memorial Coin from Wat Pa Aranyavivek in Nakhon Phanom (2552 B.E.), and the Khun Phaen Chinbanchorn Victory Amulet by Luang Pho Mian of Wat Ja Niang Vanarama in Buriram (2557 B.E.), all of which have attracted strong collector interest.

Phra Kru Tham Sarn Raksa, also known as Luang Pho Pring Wachira Suwanno, was the former abbot of Wat Vorajun in Phothipraya subdistrict, Muang district, Suphan Buri province, and served as deputy sangha leader of the province. A renowned and respected Buddhist scholar, he was originally named Pring and was born in 1866 (B.E. 2409) in a house south of Wat Phrao's western water gate. His parents, Nai Tiap and Nang Riean, sent him to study at Wat Phrao at age twelve, where he proved to be an exceptionally intelligent student, quickly mastering Thai script, Khmer script, and Buddhist chants. As a young man, he assisted his parents with rice farming while establishing a secure household with servants. In 1888 (B.E. 2431), at age twenty-one, he was ordained at Wat Phrao's ordination hall, with Luang Pho Kaew serving as his preceptor, Phra Kru Pluem as his instructor in precepts, and Phra Kru In, the provincial sangha leader, as his ceremonial witness. He studied under Phra Kru In at Wat Phrao for one year, then was sent to study at the seminary at Wat Mahathat Yuwarat Rangsrit in Thonburi for approximately seven years before returning to Wat Phrao with expertise in Buddhist scriptural studies.

When ten years had passed since his ordination, a severe drought struck Phothipraya, leaving residents without rice and in great hardship. Because many monks at Wat Phrao received insufficient alms, they moved elsewhere. Luang Pho Pring spent one rainy season studying at Wat Nong Phak Nak in Samchuk district before returning to Wat Phrao for five more years, bringing his total ordination to sixteen years. Subsequently, when Wat Vorajun needed an abbot, the community unanimously requested him to assume the position.

Wat Vorajun, located in northern Phothipraya subdistrict, was established over a hundred years prior to 1834 (B.E. 2377), originally consisting only of two or three wooden and bamboo huts with thatched roofs near an old reservoir under a mango tree. In 1933 (B.E. 2476), the temple was renamed from Wat Chan to Wat Vorajun, with the prefix "Vor" meaning excellent and supreme, at the direction of Phra Ubaligunaupamacharn (Pheuan Tissadatto) of Wat Phra Chetuphonawimaolmankalataram, who held the rank of Phra Thammapit and served as provincial sangha leader of Ratchaburi. He observed that the original name Wat Chan conflicted with Wat Chanyai in Sri Prachuap district, about eight or nine kilometers away, causing frequent government correspondence errors. Upon assuming the position of abbot, Luang Pho Pring undertook major temple restoration work. Before his arrival, the temple had only one well-maintained wooden hall with a thatched roof; he subsequently added and renovated many kutis (monks' residences), a chanting hall, a riverboat pavilion, and other structures.

According to the chedi records, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the king had ordered Chao Phraya Yommaraj, then serving as Phraya Sukhumnaywinit, provincial commissioner of Nakhon Si Thammarat, to represent Thailand in traveling to India to receive a Buddha relic. Upon its return, the king selected a portion to enshrine at the summit of Khao Thong at Wat Saket. However, a remaining fragment of the relic remained in its container, which the king presented to Chao Phraya Yommaraj, who subsequently presented it to the temple.

On July 21, 2025, Police Lieutenant General Chanannutt Saratvalleyphaet, commander of the Police Technology Crime Suppression Division, ordered a team including Police Colonel Phanthulaan Patomprawiwat and other officers, along with National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) staff, to execute a search warrant from Sakaew provincial court at three locations in Aranyaprathet district. The operation targeted evidence of illegal cross-border internet signal transmission.

At the first location, a residence belonging to Rattanathon, officers found one router connected to a high-speed internet line transmitting signals to Cambodia. At the second site, authorities discovered approximately 850 meters of high-speed internet cable illegally running across the border to Cambodia without authorization. Testing with optical fiber examination equipment confirmed it was the same line connected from the first location.

The third location contained an internet management node (Node) operated by a licensed internet service provider (ISP) installed on the second floor of a commercial building, which was found to be legally compliant. However, the overall investigation revealed over 1.5 kilometers of internet cables illegally crossing the border. NBTC officials filed a complaint against Rattanathon with Khlong Luek police station. He faces charges of operating a Type 3 telecommunications business without authorization under the Telecommunications Act of 2001, Section 14(3), punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a fine not exceeding 10 million baht, or both.

Actress Ying Ratha Pho-ngam continues to ride momentum from her viral role as attorney Jitteri in Netflix's "Devil's Lawyer," and has just announced her return to musical theater with "Muang Marya: The Musical" at Muang Thai Ratchadamri Theatre. During rehearsals, she revealed it marks her comeback to stage performance after 11 years away from her last musical, "Bachelor's Day with Old Cases."

When asked about her hiatus, Ying explained that age has brought different priorities—she now values rest and recovery to maintain focus during rehearsals, whereas in her younger days she could perform late into the night and still attend after-parties. However, she emphasized that she has always missed musical theater, which she credits as the foundation of her acting education. She expressed gratitude for finally landing a role her director and mentor Thokklerkit (Boy) felt suited her, playing the good mother character Amanda Obdum in this new production.

Ying praised working alongside renowned stage actress Suthaisini (Pat), calling her Thailand's number-one musical theater actress. She described the new musical as a reimagined version of the classic Ratchadamri Theater story told for the digital age, featuring new storytelling and new music. The production runs from August 17 to September 27, with tickets available through ThaiTicketMajor.

Regarding her recent "Devil's Lawyer Runner" fan event, Ying revealed over 400 people registered, surprising her with the turnout. Since she enjoys fitness activities, she combined the fan meet with a running event and plans to make it a monthly occurrence, though she may limit participation numbers.

When asked about comments that "Ying never dies" in terms of career comebacks, she acknowledged life goes in cycles every 10-12 years, but noted she focuses on self-care and fulfilling her responsibilities. She described the pressure from juggling both "Devil's Lawyer" and the musical as positive pressure—motivating her to maintain quality across all her projects.

On "Devil's Lawyer" ranking fourth globally on Netflix, Ying expressed pride that Thai audiences and international viewers continue to watch Thai-made content. Regarding fan demands for a season two, she said director Anucha (Kai) has mentioned there are behind-the-scenes story elements being developed, but nothing concrete can be announced yet.

When asked about Botox treatments, Ying acknowledged she has had cosmetic procedures over the years but welcomed criticism. She noted that if audiences still connect with her performances, such treatments may not significantly impact her work. However, she admitted she plans to address past procedures—from about 20 years ago—when time permits, though this remains a future consideration.

Deputy Minister Supchai Patumnakaul presented awards at the 21st National Research Festival under the theme "Research Synergy: Powering Research to Build Sustainable Thai Economy and Society." The event, organized by the National Research Council (NRC) with all 38 Rajabhat Universities, featured participants including NRC Director Dr. Viparat Deeong, faculty, researchers, and students from across the network.

Patumnakaul emphasized that "Social Engineers Next Gen: Student Power Toward Community Development" reflects the vital role of the younger generation in driving change, applying knowledge and innovation to improve people's quality of life and strengthen communities. Dr. Viparat noted that the NRC has long worked with the 38 Rajabhat Universities to support students in developing their potential while creating tangible benefits for communities and society.

The competition selected outstanding community development innovations from Rajabhat Universities nationwide. Top awards included the Excellence Award for "90% Fresh Sugar Products Mixed with Palmyra Palm" from Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University; the Very Good Award for "Adding Value to Small Palm: Developing Brooches from Toddy Palm Leaves Through Social Engineering" from Songkhla Rajabhat University; and the Good Award for "Waste Bank Application Creating Happiness" from Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University.

Seven Commendation Awards were also presented to institutions including Yala, Phuket, Nakhon Pathom, Maha Sarakham, Phetchaburi, Valaya Alongkorn, and Chandrakasem Rajabhat Universities for innovations ranging from thermal energy boxes to herbal foot soaks and community enterprise development. An additional 28 Rajabhat Universities received certificates for participation, celebrating their contributions to community development through social engineering and knowledge application.