PHUKET: A road crash in Thalang that left a 16-year-old motorcyclist injured has sparked heated debate online after a video of the incident appeared to show a car colliding with the teenager while changing lanes.
PHUKET: A road crash in Thalang that left a 16-year-old motorcyclist injured has sparked heated debate online after a video of the incident appeared to show a car colliding with the teenager while changing lanes.
Chonburi FC signs 33-year-old left-back Phiraphat Notchaiiya, a Thai national team veteran with experience at top clubs, as their eighth new signing ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Chonburi FC has officially announced the signing of Phiraphat Notchaiiya, a 33-year-old left-back, to reinforce the team's defense and prepare for the 2026/27 Thai League season. Notchaiiya is among Thailand's most experienced left-backs, having played for numerous top-tier clubs including BEC Tero Sasana, Muangthong United, True Bangkok United, and most recently Phlang Kanchanaburi FC. He made 22 appearances across all competitions last season, logging 1,467 minutes of play.
At the international level, Notchaiiya has represented Thailand across all age groups, from the U-19 to U-23 teams and the senior national squad, reflecting his quality, experience, and professionalism. Notchaiiya is Chonburi FC's eighth new signing for the season, joining Wellington Priori, Ryoma Itou, Stenio Junior, Krawich Thasaa, Chaoowat Veeraphat, Dennis Murillo, and Triston Do as the club prepares for a successful campaign in the 2026/27 Thai League.
A severe storm battered a Thai border patrol police base in Trat province on July 12-13, toppling over 10 large trees and damaging buildings, solar panels, and infrastructure, though no personnel were injured.
A severe storm struck a Thai border patrol police base in Ban Tua Kum village, Mueang district, Trat province, on July 12-13, toppling more than 10 large trees and causing extensive damage to the facility. Trees over 10 meters tall crashed onto the base, destroying a residential building, laboratory, bathroom, and damaging the roof, solar panels, drone netting, and flagpole. Nearby durian orchards also sustained significant damage. When the storm intensified, personnel took shelter in bunkers to safety, and fortunately no one was injured.
Following the incident, residents initially attempted to clear debris with chainsaws, but requested assistance from the Tua Kum subdistrict office to deploy machinery for large-scale tree removal. Trat City Municipality Mayor Surasak Phuttipat has been overseeing city repairs and safety improvements, with municipal workers clearing sidewalks, roads, and public areas. The municipality is also surveying and dredging waterlogged areas and drainage channels to prevent flooding and reduce disruption to residents, particularly after the heavy rainfall and strong winds of the past two days.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed a crackdown on those involved in a 2024 local civil service exam fraud scandal affecting approximately 5,000 illegally appointed officials. The government plans to present cases to a civil service co
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the Central Investigation Police Bureau on July 15, 2025, to review progress in the 2024 local civil service exam fraud scandal. Speaking at the meeting, the PM stressed his government's commitment to exposing wrongdoing without compromise, saying the case involves approximately 5,000 individuals who were illegally appointed to local positions.
Anutin warned that politicians implicated in the fraud would face severe consequences, noting that some falsely portrayed themselves as heroes while committing extensive misconduct. He confirmed that multiple officials have already been suspended pending investigation results and emphasized that all proceedings must follow strict legal procedures based on factual evidence. "This case offers no leniency," he stated. "Everything must proceed according to law, and no one should fear unfair treatment or interference."
The PM also announced plans to present the entire matter to the Central Civil Service and Local Government Employee Commission in a meeting scheduled for July 23, 2025, to decide on removing the 5,000 fraudulently appointed individuals from their positions. He assured the public that the investigation would be transparent and swift, with all findings based on verified evidence rather than political considerations.
A royal delegate opened a new learning center at a Bangkok temple dedicated to Thailand's UNESCO World Heritage sites, presenting gifts to donors and students while promoting cultural preservation and Buddhist heritage awareness.
On July 1, 2026 at 5:48 p.m., His Majesty appointed General Oranong Piyanatvachirpat to represent him in conducting a golden Buddha casting ceremony and opening the "World Heritage, Dharma Heritage" learning center at Wat Arunrajvararam in Bangkok's Bang Kok Yai district.
The royal delegate presented commemorative gifts to 60 donors supporting the temple, distributed royal gifts to 10 local residents, and presented school bags to 50 student representatives from schools in Bang Kok Yai district out of 200 total recipients. The delegate then visited the monument of King Rama I to lay flowers and light incense in tribute, making merit offerings and expressing the Thai people's loyalty to the late king.
The "World Heritage, Dharma Heritage" program is designed to conserve, restore, and promote the value of Thailand's UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites while building knowledge and awareness of heritage preservation. The program has expanded from Ayutthaya province to establish a learning center at Wat Arunrajvararam in Bangkok, serving as a hub for learning about Thailand's cultural world heritage. The exhibition presents information on the significance, history, conservation, and management of all five of Thailand's cultural heritage sites using modern display formats.
Rev. Chomphon Nitisao, assistant abbot of Wat Arunrajvararam, revealed that the learning center features four zones. Zone 1 explains what world heritage is, its types, criteria for consideration, and the world heritage map of Asia. Zone 2 displays a chronology of Buddhism, Thailand's world heritage sites, and the tentative list alongside important Asian heritage sites, featuring Thailand's five cultural world heritage locations (Ban Chiang, Phimai, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya) and a timeline of Asian Buddhist heritage. Zone 3 highlights Wat Arunrajvararam's prang and its outstanding universal value, authenticity, and integrity compared to similar world heritage sites. Zone 4 covers world heritage and dharma heritage management practices by the sangha, including Buddhist learning activities in heritage areas such as Ayutthaya and other temples.
The rare "Fingernail Buddha" amulet from late abbot Luang Pho Phong of Bangkok's Wat Kuha Sawan exists in two versions cast between 1914-1921, with fewer than 5,000 pieces produced and primarily held by jealous Thonburi collectors.
A dharma teaching from Luang Pho Cha Suphatho of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani states: "Practice goes against the current—against our own inclination and against defilement." The article explores the "Phra Somdet Leb Mue" (Fingernail Buddha amulet), a highly revered sacred object from the late Luang Pho Phong Thammacho, former abbot of Wat Kuha Sawan on Bangkok's Thonburi side. Two versions exist: the first cast around 1914 with a smooth back, and the second from 1921 featuring a sunburst pattern, with fewer than 5,000 pieces produced combined.
The amulet features a mold resembling a fingertip or glass cover, with a Buddha figure in diamond meditation pose wearing robes above a thick base. The material is fine, smooth white powder. Though less famous than other sacred objects from renowned monks, these amulets are primarily held by Thonburi residents, especially in the Phasi Charoen area, who guard them jealously.
The article also discusses related commemorative coins, including a coin series by Luang Pho Ham Kesaro of Wat Krang in Samkok, Pathum Thani, cast in 1926 for a rice-blessing ceremony. Additionally, a "Luang Pu Pian" amulet coin from 1929 commemorates the 67th birthday of Luang Pu Pian Inthasaro, former abbot of Wat Chaiyachumpol Chana Songkhram in Kanchanaburi. The article concludes with a 1916 amulet coin of Luang Pu Iamr from Wat Don Khuang in Uthai Thani, cast to commemorate the monk's 72nd birthday.
PHUKET: A fire at an abandoned building in Chalong last night (July 14) was brought under control within about 30 minutes, with police later seizing two motorcycles found near the scene as part of their investigation.
PHUKET: A fire at an abandoned building in Chalong last night (July 14) was brought under control within about 30 minutes, with police later seizing two motorcycles found near the scene as part of their investigation.
Two suspects are being held pending investigation into local government civil service exam fraud, with evidence linking them to falsified data and altered scores affecting thousands of test-takers. Prime Minister Anuthín is monitoring the c
On July 15, Prime Minister Anuthín Charnvírakul and Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Artsíts Sámphanrat attended a meeting to review progress in the local government civil service exam fraud investigation following the arrest of three suspects, including director Pichít. The national police chief and senior law enforcement officials participated alongside representatives from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), the Interior Ministry, and related agencies.
Deputy National Police Chief Natsasák reported that evidence links all three suspects, who allegedly falsified data entered into computer systems and altered exam scores, leading to their arrest. All three suspects have denied the charges. Police are actively investigating masterminds and co-conspirators based on evidence from nine search locations, including documents, digital evidence, and witness statements.
Natsasák said that during questioning, one suspect mentioned meeting with staff from Srinakharinwirot University's Prasanmit campus. Police are investigating whether this contact relates to the fraud, but emphasized this is only the suspect's statement and lacks sufficient evidence to charge the university employee. No state officials have been linked so far, though anyone implicated will face prosecution and referral to the NACC for corruption charges.
Permanent Secretary Artsíts reported that of 15,520 exam passers, 14,988 have reported. Comparing raw scores from answer sheets with announced results revealed discrepancies for 5,814 people: 3,621 should have failed but were given passing scores; 1,713 passed but had scores inflated to improve ranking; and 480 cases involved scanning errors requiring verification against NACC-seized answer sheets.
Prime Minister Anuthín said he previously challenged the central civil service selection committee and requested delayed reporting from passers pending fact-checking, but once matters enter the committee's jurisdiction, everything must proceed by law and committee authority. In his personal view, if exam fraud is proven from the beginning, all involved passers should be disqualified. He confirmed the government will pursue all legal avenues and consult with the justice system to ensure fairness for unaffected test-takers.
Anuthín announced appointment of a separate case-monitoring committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nílpraphan, including the national police commander, representatives from the NACC, PACC, and the Office of the Ombudsman, along with the Justice Minister and related officials.
Luang Por Daeng, a revered Buddhist monk from Phetchaburi who became abbot in 1918, was honored with a Military Commander amulet created in 1968 for his ninetieth birthday, featuring his portrait and produced in multiple metals by the Royal
Luang Por Daeng Ratpo, formally known as Phra Kru Yanavilash, was a highly respected ascetic at Wat Khao Bandai It in Muang District, Phetchaburi. Born into the Angsang family on the second lunar day of the eleventh month in 1879, he spent his childhood helping his parents farm and had no opportunity for formal schooling. When he came of age, his parents arranged for him to study under Phra Ajarn Plian at Wat Khao Bandai It. At age 22, he was ordained in a ceremony conducted by Phra Kru Yanavissuthi of Wat Kaen Lek. He received the monastic name Ratpo and devoted himself to studying Buddhist scriptures and maintaining strict discipline. Phra Ajarn Plian taught him meditation techniques and spiritual knowledge without reservation, leading him to become an accomplished practitioner of the highest seniority.
When Phra Ajarn Plian passed away, Luang Por Daeng became the abbot of Wat Khao Bandai It starting in 1918. Despite his administrative duties, he continued his daily meditation practice and never boasted of his spiritual attainments. However, his sacred talismans and amulets demonstrated remarkable protective power.
During the 1934–1937 period, a severe livestock epidemic struck Phetchaburi, killing many cattle and buffalo. Villagers sought Luang Por Daeng's help, and he blessed sacred cloth squares inscribed with yantras, which families tied to their animal pens. Remarkably, animals in pens protected with his yantra remained unharmed while others perished.
When World War II bombing devastated Phetchaburi, destroying railways, bridges, homes, and closing schools and government offices, villagers who possessed his blessed cloth or amulets reportedly remained safe and unharmed. On December 5, 1959, he was granted ecclesiastical promotion to Phra Kru Sannyabat with the royal title Phra Kru Yanavilash. He was known for his kindness, gentle temperament, and refusal to speak harshly to anyone, particularly forbidding crude language about parents. He passed away peacefully on January 16, 1960, at age 96 after 74 years of monastic life.
Luang Por Daeng created many sacred objects and amulets that became widely sought after. After his first series of amulets gained popularity, another highly successful edition emerged: the Military Commander series amulet, created in 1968 on his ninetieth birthday at the request of General Samran Petcharakul, then commander of the First Region. The Royal Mint designed and produced 48,000 copper amulets, along with silver, gold, and alpaca versions. Measuring approximately 2.7 centimeters wide and 3.7 centimeters tall, the amulet features a half-length portrait facing forward with the word 'commemoration' inscribed above and text on a ribbon below.
A Thai baker has built a premium pandan leaf product line through partnerships with organic farmers, recently achieving top-three rankings in Hong Kong with an innovative powder that preserves the leaf's distinctive aroma for international
Entrepreneur Yui-Veena Tasnai has successfully transformed ordinary pandan leaf into a premium product ready to compete in global markets. Initially a baker importing French butter and Belgian chocolate, she pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic to embrace local Thai ingredients, choosing pandan leaf for its accessibility, fast growth, and distinctly Thai aroma. When her father, the original pandan farmer, suffered an accident, she nearly gave up but continued under his guidance, gradually learning to cultivate and expand the crop.
She partnered with organic farmers in Phichit province, establishing clear standards for leaf harvesting, size, age, and timing with documented SOPs. The partnership benefits farmers with supplementary income while ensuring quality raw materials. Her current network includes about 10 farmers, with plans to expand further toward official organic certification. She recently purchased an additional 4 rai of land to build a learning center and dedicate 1 rai specifically for pandan cultivation as a sustainable production base and educational resource.
Pandan's key advantage is that one planting yields harvests for 10 years, with new shoots emerging every month after cutting. Her brand has expanded internationally, recently achieving top-three rankings in Hong Kong through a startup support program. Fresh pandan exports command higher prices but face quality issues from freezing that degrades aroma and color. In response, she developed premium pandan powder that retains approximately 80% of fresh leaf flavor and aroma while solving storage problems—opening significant opportunities for Hong Kong and Chinese markets.
A traveling Thai shadow puppet theater project launches to honor Queen Suthida's 60th birthday, blending traditional puppetry with modern music and lighting while promoting Thai cultural heritage to younger audiences across all four regions
The Department of Cultural Promotion and Ban Tukka-toon Thai Shadow Puppet Theater unveiled a traveling puppet drama project honoring Queen Suthida to celebrate her 60th birthday on June 3, 2026. The inaugural performance at Pichaya School in Nonthaburi featured the classic tale "Painting Gold on Buddha's Back" presented as a modern musical puppet show, blending traditional puppet artistry with contemporary lighting, music, and sound design to captivate more than 200 attending teachers and students. Department director Yuthika Isranagul Na Ayudhya explained that the project aims to demonstrate loyalty to the Queen while promoting, publicizing, and preserving Thai cultural heritage through the art of traditional shadow puppetry.
Dr. Niwet Waewsamana, founder of Ban Tukka-toon, noted that the production adapts ancient Thai puppet traditions with modern design, engaging scripts, and contemporary technical elements to make Thai arts and culture more accessible to younger generations. School principal Dr. Sunongnart Sutabut added that bringing national-level cultural arts directly to students not only brings joy but also instills beauty and loyalty in young people's hearts.
The main initiative features the traveling puppet theater exhibition alongside an "Exhibition Honoring the Queen" containing information about her royal history and royal works. The program will tour all four regions of Thailand. More details are available at www.culture.go.th and the Department of Cultural Promotion's Facebook page, or by calling 0-2247-0013 ext. 4113 or 4115.