Trang — Nearly 30 shrimp farmers representing the Trang Aquaculture Cooperative from five coastal districts submitted formal letters on July 7 at Trang International Airport, addressing them to MPs Kanchana Tangpong and Ekphon Na Phatthalung for delivery to Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Suthammaphan, the Commerce Minister. The petition included a list of over 260 affected farmers and outlined demands to urgently resolve the shrimp price crisis and high production costs.

The farmers have been requesting relief for two months with little progress. They expressed skepticism about government promises to resume shrimp exports to Malaysia within 30 days, calling such assurances vague and impractical. Farmers face a perfect storm of challenges: rock-bottom shrimp prices, soaring production costs driven by regional instability, high feed and chemical prices, increased energy costs, losses from intermediary traders, and Malaysia's ban on Thai shrimp imports since June 1. Disease outbreaks including white spot and red disease have compounded losses, with about 50 percent of farmers suspending operations over the past two months.

Farmers submitted three concrete demands: First, accelerate Malaysia's resumption of Thai shrimp purchases within 5-10 days to allow inventory liquidation and reduce production costs. Second, develop a long-term industry strategy including nationwide domestic consumption campaigns, seafood markets in every province, fair pricing mechanisms, solar panel subsidies, and reduced production cost measures for feed and energy. Third, designate shrimp farming as a national priority with a sustainable development strategy.

Chareun Yongstar, chairman of the Trang Aquaculture Cooperative, warned that delays only worsen the crisis. He stated farmers would allow the government 5-10 days to respond—aligning with a July 14 deadline—after which coordinated nationwide farmer protests will target Government House if demands remain unaddressed.

Jenny demands the right to live her own life and has announced legal action against anyone who continues to damage her reputation through false claims. A tissue brand owner who is a creditor claimed he couldn't reach Jenny Dud Sod Chuen (another name for Jenny) regarding a house previously mortgaged by Mae Kethu, which was offered for 5.5 million baht but reduced to 4.5 million baht. When the creditor decided to lower the price and reached out, he received no response. This sparked social media speculation and attacks on Jenny. On July 7, 2569 (2026), Jenny posted to clarify the situation and vowed to pursue legal remedies against anyone who defames her or causes her harm. She explained that the house issue arose from her own inquiry about purchasing it back and attempting to negotiate the price due to its high cost, but the owner initially refused to lower it. Later, they agreed to reduce the price as she had requested, but by then Jenny no longer wanted to buy it back for personal reasons she kept private. She firmly denied ever telling anyone to wait for her to purchase the house and stated she never confirmed the sale, transferred a deposit, or discussed it further. Jenny emphasized that her decision not to buy the house back was not her fault. She warned that she will pursue legal action against anyone who continues to mention her name in public statements or media reports.

Daily Horoscope: Lucky And Unlucky Signs Wednesday, July 8, 2569 By Astrologer Bhushipan

Aries (Mesha) You may be tempted to spend money recklessly today, as financial matters weigh on your mind. Be cautious with your behavior, especially around influential people. Joking excessively with colleagues could damage your work, and inappropriate conduct with staff is unwise.

Taurus (Phreutsabha) You may react sharply to criticism of your work. Changes are constant in your workplace. Unexpected benefits may come your way, though old items may break if handled. A senior colleague may offer you genuine friendship and support.

Gemini (Methun) You'll be excited about news concerning your income and benefits. Positive changes regarding adversity are coming, but be very careful with your words as they affect various relationships. Avoid irritability over financial matters and exercise caution with investments.

Cancer (Krokka) Your work will go very well today. Family and close ones will collaborate to complete projects successfully and bring financial gains. Your staff will be praised for their good work, and some may experience financial luck that extends to you. However, loose talk could cause problems, and business dealings may result in losses or inadequate returns.

Leo (Singh) You'll have a narrow escape of good fortune. Local troublemakers may spare you from theft due to past familiarity. Avoid getting too close to overly dominant authority figures, as they may lack respect for anyone. Your romantic partner tends to stick with friends or enjoy outings excessively, causing you frustration.

Virgo (Kan) If you protect others' interests, your own may suffer. However, befriending seniors could be key to your prosperity and greater gains. Your work should have no hidden complications, and be wary of neighborhood disputes that could affect you.

Libra (Tula) You may find some staff drinking and quarreling at work. Sending staff to buy food could result in spoiled items. If staff reside on your property, it could become an entry point for thieves. Senior friends will help your work well, while your partner may not help much with household chores.

Scorpio (Pichik) You have favorable planetary alignment today. Financial problems will ease as you manage money smoothly. Loans from financial institutions may receive satisfactory responses. You'll contemplate new modern ways of earning income and may acquire antique items for worship.

Sagittarius (Thanoo) If you're pursuing further studies or working abroad, good opportunities will arrive soon. You may spend money on Western lifestyle temporarily. Work meetings may be disrupted or canceled, so be very careful with documents and communications.

Capricorn (Mangkorn) You'll face increased work-related stress, such as discovering staff has been careless with expenses, or close associates deceiving you. Communication and negotiations will be frustrating. Family members may bring up past issues, and younger household members may be problematic.

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul ordered Energy Minister Eknath Prom-phand during a cabinet meeting on July 7, 2026, to find ways to reduce retail fuel prices immediately and substantially. The PM noted that global oil prices have fallen and stabilized, making a domestic price cut justified. He emphasized the need to consider living costs, household expenses, and business operating costs. "When world prices went up, we asked people to accept higher prices. Now that global oil prices are down, we should pass that reduction on immediately and meaningfully, not gradually," Anuthin said. He specified there is no timeline set, but the Energy Ministry must work through its various committees, including the Fuel Fund Management Committee, to implement the policy. On food prices, the PM said Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Sophee Suthiramphan is aware and will proceed accordingly. The fuel price reduction is expected to lower prices across multiple product categories. The government will continue its blue flag affordable product program, price controls, and the Thai Helps Thai Plus initiative to reduce living expenses. When asked about inflation concerns, Anuthin stated the government must pursue multiple economic policies while focusing on improving public quality of life.

On Wednesday, July 8, 2024, the Buddhist community of Maha Sarakham commemorated the 58th anniversary of the death of Phra Khru Phituksuntharakarn, also known as Luang Pho Jan Chantsaro, the former abbot of Wat Ban Kham Pom in Kham Pom subdistrict, Wapi Pathum district, Maha Sarakham province. He was a monk of exemplary conduct and profound compassion, held in the faith of Buddhists from Maha Sarakham throughout his life.

Born into the Maldhara family in 1906 at Ban Kham Pom, he came from a farming background. He was ordained in 1926 at Wat Ban Nong Hai, with the renowned northeastern preceptor Phra Khru Suntharasathukij (Luang Pu Sun) of Wat Ban Sua Gok as his ordaining teacher. He studied the Buddha's teachings at the prestigious Wat Somanas Pradis school in Wapi Pathum district, achieving the highest levels of Dhamma studies. He also studied Buddhist philosophy with Luang Pu Sun, who compassionately transmitted vast knowledge and taught him to read and write in Lao, Khmer, and Thai Noi scripts, making him exceptionally learned in ancient writing systems.

He was strict in monastic discipline and cherished solitude. After the annual retreat, he regularly traveled to forests and mountains throughout the Northeast, seeking spiritual liberation following the Buddha's path. This deepened his understanding of both monastic law and meditation practice.

His exemplary and consistent conduct earned him quick recognition among the faithful. Daily, local devotees visited to pay respects and listen to his teachings. He continuously taught them to observe the Five Precepts, emphasizing that ordinary people need only uphold these precepts as a foundation for a life of happiness and prosperity.

He was a highly beneficial developer of Buddhism. Resources from the faith of devotees were directed toward temple development—buildings, religious objects, and structures like teaching halls, glass walls, and monk's quarters—while beautifying the temple grounds with abundant trees to create a serene, meditative atmosphere.

Using these resources, he also developed religious education, establishing a school at Wat Ban Kham Pom to teach Buddhist studies to ordained residents, many from impoverished families. He continuously supported the local community.

His virtuous conduct earned him the trust of the monastic community. He was appointed abbot of Wat Ban Kham Pom, district monk administrator for Kham Pom, preceptor, and received royal ecclesiastical ranks of Phra Khru with First, Second, and Third Class credentials under the name Phra Khru Phituksuntharakarn.

He worked tirelessly managing monastic affairs, community development, and ceremonial duties. Despite his declining health from advanced lung cancer, he initially refused hospitalization, recognizing that birth, aging, illness, and death are universal truths no one can escape. Eventually, his disciples persuaded him to receive treatment at a provincial hospital, though he later requested to return to the temple.

He passed away peacefully on July 8, 1968, at the age of 62, having completed 42 Buddhist retreat seasons.

The Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Culture, jointly with Wat Thai Bodh Gaya in Bihar State, India, the Thai Consulate General in Kolkata, and the Thai Consulate General in Mumbai held a 15-day merit-making ceremony to dedicate merit to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, Princess Siriphatchr, and Maha Vachiralakshadathida. Ceremonies were held at both Thai consulates general on June 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (local time) at Wat Thai Bodh Gaya's ordination hall in India.

Phra Brahmavachir Bodhivongs, abbot of Wat Thai Bodh Gaya and chief Buddhist missionary for India-Nepal, presided over the monastic side, while Chaiyapal Sukaiam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, led the lay participants. Deputy Consul General Benjapa Thabtong of Kolkata, Ministry of Culture officials, and Thai and Indian Buddhists attended. During the ceremony, ten Thai monks and ten international monks chanted Buddhist scriptures, offered merit dedications, conducted alms-offering rituals, and shared food with the assembled monks.

This ceremony was not merely a merit-making occasion but also a reflection on Her Highness's faith and commitment to nurturing Buddhism's connection with the sacred Buddhist lands. This bond has been evident since 2553 Buddhist Era (2010), when Thai Airways Limited organized a special merit-making flight to Bodh Gaya on the 50th anniversary occasion, with gracious royal permission from His Majesty, then as the Crown Prince, who served as the first pilot, bringing Buddhists to pay respects at the Mahabodhi Temple, the Sri Mahabodhi Tree, and the Vajrasana platform, accompanied by Princess Bajrakitiyabha and Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana—a display of royal faith that impressed both Thai and Indian Buddhists.

In 2559 Buddhist Era (2016), Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha visited Bodh Gaya again, where she meditated beneath the Sri Mahabodhi Tree within Mahabodhi Temple, the site where Buddha achieved enlightenment. She paid respects at four sacred pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal and graciously provided aid to local underprivileged communities, earning her the affectionate title "Maharani" (Great Queen) among Indians, reflecting her virtuous character, boundless compassion, and beloved status.

In June 2026, Thai monks and administrators of Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya conducted a memorial ceremony beneath the Sri Mahabodhi Tree, the very place where Her Royal Highness once meditated, reflecting the enduring respect, affection, and gratitude that Buddhists and monks in the sacred Buddhist lands continue to hold for her.

This merit-making ceremony aimed to dedicate merit, honor her royal faith, compassion, and efforts in promoting Buddhism, while reflecting the steadfast bond between Thailand and the sacred Buddhist lands that remains honored by Buddhists to this day.