On July 4, 2025, Theeraphot Kachmathey, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), announced that the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Operations Center has been monitoring weather conditions and assessing risk factors. The Meteorological Department's first bulletin on Tropical Storm Maiskak indicates that a depression in the upper South China Sea has intensified into a tropical storm, expected to move through Hainan Island and make landfall in southern China between July 4-6. While the storm's center will not directly enter Thailand, its influence combined with a monsoon trough affecting the north and upper northeast, along with strong southwest monsoon winds over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, will cause significant rainfall increases and heavy downpours in some areas, particularly in the northern, northeastern, central, and southern regions from July 3-6.

Wave heights in the upper Andaman Sea will reach 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand will see approximately 2-meter waves, exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms. The DDPM has identified 55 provinces across four regions requiring monitoring for flash floods, flooding, and mudslides, with four southern provinces—Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi—also under alert for strong winds and waves from July 4-6.

The department has instructed all provinces and disaster prevention centers in high-risk areas to prepare for increased rainfall and heavy downpours that may cause flooding. Personnel have been directed to closely monitor weather conditions, rainfall, and water levels, while disaster response teams equipped with machinery have been stationed in vulnerable areas. Special attention is being given to areas with accumulated rainfall exceeding 90 millimeters in 24 hours and historically flood-prone zones, with urgent drainage operations underway to minimize damage.

A mother recounted her foreboding before her son, a Buddhist monk, was fatally struck by an 11-year-old driving a pickup truck during an alms-gathering procession. She recalled trying to stop him with concern, but he reassured her by saying "I won't die."

At 8:30 AM on July 4, 2025, a reporter met with Nang Pantja Chaileert, 69, from Pong Daeng village in Gud Khon Kaen Subdistrict, Phu Wiang District, Khon Kaen Province. She is the mother of Phra Kham Singh Chaileert, 41, who was struck and killed by an 11-year-old boy driving a pickup truck in Mukdahan Province. Nang Pantja remained deeply grieving and unable to come to terms with her youngest son's death.

Nang Pantja explained that Phra Kham Singh ordained during Buddhist Lent 2568. Before that, her son had suffered a severe accident requiring hospitalization, from which he recovered. However, following that accident, his physical condition and certain abilities were not fully restored. Eventually, Phra Yongyut came to practice his rainy season retreat at a temple in the village. Phra Kham Singh would often visit to speak with Phra Yongyut. When Phra Yongyut requested permission and consented to allow the young man to ordain, Nang Pantja felt great concern, given his previous accident and incomplete physical recovery. But Phra Yongyut assured her he would provide care himself and told her not to worry. Her son also expressed his desire to ordain, so she gave her permission.

"After his ordination, Phra Kham Singh and Phra Yongyut would often go on alms-gathering processions to various places and returned to the temple each time. Before the latest trip, Phra Kham Singh came home and said he would go on an alms procession first, then return to observe the rainy season retreat at the village temple as usual. Out of concern, I told him, 'Don't go, my son.' Phra Kham Singh replied, 'I won't die.' After that, he said nothing more and departed with the alms-gathering procession to Mukdahan Province."

Nang Pantja recounted that after learning of the accident, she was severely shocked, unable to function, her body weakened and exhausted. She urged her husband to call Phra Yongyut, but no one answered because Phra Yongyut was also injured in the incident. Later, a nephew who had accompanied the procession and was among the first to help reported that Phra Kham Singh was covered in blood. When they lifted his body, he gasped three times before becoming silent at the accident scene.

"I believe my son may have passed away right at the accident site. The night after the incident, the temple's dogs barked throughout the night. I believe Phra Kham Singh may have returned to the temple, choosing not to disturb his parents at home, since I had sent him off to a good rebirth and to the place he desired."

Below the Tides is partnering with local communities and young people to advance environmental protection through sustainable mangrove planting as part of the Mangroves Protect the Land Season 4 project at the Mangrove Forest School in Samut Songkhram province. Founded by environmental activists and siblings Arinchaya and Arisa Thongtaeng, Below the Tides continues driving change on the ground.

Most recently, the project returned to the Mangrove Forest School for Season 4 activities, bringing together student groups from local schools and working professionals as volunteers to plant mangroves and restore coastal ecosystems. Despite intense heat, volunteers remained committed to the cause.

This year's event marks the fourth consecutive year of Below the Tides' conservation work. The effort was graced by Phu Yai Daeng (Wisut Navamsiri), a former village headman and key figure in transforming eroded coastal land into the Mangrove Forest School. He also pioneered fish sauce production known locally as "mangrove rescue fish sauce." Community leaders welcomed the volunteers and updated them on environmental conditions.

Phu Yai Daeng expressed gratitude for the program's consistency, noting: "Though mangrove seedling survival rates may not reach one hundred percent, what truly matters is the 'heart' and 'dedication' of everyone returning year after year. This is the community's genuine driving force."

Mangrove forests represent nature's strongest yet most fragile defenses. Restoring fishing areas and coastlines enhances carbon sequestration, protects communities from erosion, and nurtures aquatic biodiversity. For Below the Tides, this annual event transcends tree planting—it creates lasting bonds between people and land, inspiring future generations to protect the environment.

Below the Tides thanks all students, working professionals, and community members who participated this season. The project continues advancing toward a greener, more sustainable future—one tree, one step at a time.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said the encounter with Cape Verde demonstrated there are no easy matches in World Cup football, while praising his opponents' performance.

The defending champions were pushed to extra time after a 1-1 draw before securing a 3-2 victory in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 on July 3.

Argentina advanced to the Round of 16 to face Egypt on July 7 at 11 p.m. Thailand time.

After the match, Scaloni, who reached his 100th game in charge, said: "For those who said we had an easy draw, of course we deserved to win and advance, but it was an extremely difficult game."

"I want to congratulate our opponents. Today they showed they are an excellent team. When people say there are no easy games in the World Cup, it's the truth."

"The players finished exhausted. There are areas to improve, but they showed their strength. They were tired from extra time and had some cramping, but when they play with heart, they can overcome everything."

"I will discuss the negatives with the players, but we remain focused on the positives. What stands out most is this team never gives up. We conceded at convenient moments, but throughout the game we were determined to win."

Argentina captain Lionel Messi spoke candidly after his team's narrow 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the round of 16 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that no match is easy at this level. The defending champions required extra time to overcome Cape Verde, who were making their World Cup debut. With this victory, Argentina remains on track to defend their title and will next face Egypt in the round of 32.

Following the match, Messi discussed the team's performance: "This is what makes the World Cup special. Every team competes fiercely, every game is difficult. We gave everything we had, but we didn't show our best football." He added, "We knew this would be a tough match. In the World Cup, nothing comes for free. Now it's time to rest, learn from today, and focus on the next game. I want to congratulate Cape Verde on their excellent performance."

Messi also reflected on the match's tactical challenges: "Scoring the first goal was the hardest part. We thought it would help us control the game and play more calmly, but it was the opposite. At times we lost possession, retreated too deep, and couldn't press them as we wanted. They used their strengths and managed to equalize."

In this match, Messi set several World Cup records: he became the first player in history to score 20 goals in World Cup history, the first player to score in 8 consecutive World Cup matches, and the first player to score against 14 different national teams in World Cup history.

Astrologer Khuntha Shinbunchon forecasts that Venus will enter Leo on July 6, 2569 at 11:19 PM, bringing peak charm for the year in love, finances, and social life for three fortunate signs.

Leo will experience the strongest personal magnetism of the year, with romance, finances, and social interactions flourishing. The sign will attract interest, admiration, and support from others.

Aries will enjoy vibrant love life and good fortune from personal talents, particularly in creative work, marketing, and entertainment.

Sagittarius will benefit from international relationships, travel, and long-distance romance.

Astrologer Khuntha Shinbunchon recommends making merit through monastic alms, donating light bulbs and candles during this auspicious period.