What began as the accidental discovery of a bronze drum beneath a rice field has become one of Thailand's most significant archaeological excavations in recent years. Months after archaeologists broke ground at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Ban Don Phlap, Ban Lat district, Phetchaburi, the picture emerging from the excavation extends far beyond a single artifact. Instead, it tells the story of an affluent prehistoric community connected to regional trade networks stretching from present-day Vietnam to India some 2,000 years ago.

The excavation began in February after a metal detector identified what turned out to be Phetchaburi's first bronze drum. Archaeologists from the Fine Arts Department initially set out to recover two bronze drums. As they excavated layer by layer, however, they uncovered far more than expected.

Beneath the soil lay a prehistoric cemetery containing eight human skeletons, pottery, bronze ornaments, glass and stone beads, gold jewellery and six Dong Son-style bronze drums—ceremonial objects associated with the Bronze Age culture centered in northern Vietnam. The arrangement of the burials offered the first clues about the people buried there.

All eight skeletons were laid with their heads facing northeast and accompanied by grave goods. Bronze vessels were positioned near the head, body and feet, while many of the deceased wore ornaments including anklets, stone and glass beads, and bronze head coverings. Gold jewellery was also found, including rings, a bracelet and a pendant, with one gold bracelet still encircling the arm of a skeleton.

Archaeologists believe the cemetery was used multiple times. Four skeletons on the southern side appear to have been buried simultaneously, while those to the north may represent successive burials, with earlier graves disturbed to make room for later ones.

The bronze drums themselves appear to have formed part of the burial ritual. Rather than being placed separately, they were laid on the same level as the bodies before being covered with pottery. Their position suggests they were intentionally incorporated into funeral ceremonies rather than buried as isolated objects.

The discoveries point to people of considerable social standing. Bronze drums were prestigious objects across mainland Southeast Asia and are widely regarded as symbols of authority and ceremonial power. The quantity of gold jewellery, bronze ornaments and imported beads found alongside the burials suggests the individuals interred at Don Yai Thong were members of an elite community.

The artifacts also reveal that Phetchaburi was far from isolated. The bronze drums closely resemble examples found at the ancient city of Khu Bua in neighbouring Ratchaburi, while the gold ornaments share stylistic similarities with finds from Chumphon and Surat Thani that reflect Indian artistic influence. Glass beads resemble those discovered at Khao Sam Kaeo in Chumphon, one of Southeast Asia's earliest trading centers.

Nathawut Buapraput, a Pheu Prachaachan party list member and chair of the parliamentary committee on children, youth, women, elderly affairs, persons with disabilities, ethnic groups, and sexual diversity, addressed Parliament's agenda for the week. The session includes consideration of the Domestic Violence Protection Act, which was submitted by over 20,000 citizens demanding urgent parliamentary approval and the formation of a special committee. Citizens specifically opposed delaying tactics or claims that the bill needed further study—practices they said had hindered victim protection and efforts to address the mounting domestic violence cases reported daily.

Nathawut noted that the government, particularly the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, had previously declared its commitment to prioritizing the bill. However, the Cabinet's version has stalled for over three years despite maintaining similar principles to the citizen-submitted version from the 2007 law repeal framework.

Meanwhile, opposition parties had also submitted versions. Yotchanan Wongswasdi of Pheu Thai submitted one with other party MPs, and Phassarin Ramvong of Pheu Prachaachan submitted another with party colleagues, both emphasizing victim protection and their interests as the priority. These drafts differ from the citizen version mainly in proposing a protection fund, which classifies the bill as involving state finances requiring the Prime Minister's endorsement—a process that could consume additional time.

Nathawut stressed that financial and procedural concerns should not delay consideration of the citizen-submitted version or cause further postponement affecting daily domestic violence cases. He urged Parliament to dedicate full time on July 8 to consider this important legislation affecting citizens' quality of life, and to establish a special committee for expedited review if the bill passes initial consideration.

"Don't play games by requesting schedule postponements or citing procedural rules to stall the bill for study, as happened in previous governments," Nathawut said. "Citizens will criticize their representatives for wasting parliamentary time."

The royal decree elevating Phra Phrom Wachirwethi to the rank of Somdet Phra Racha Khana with the title Somdet Phra Yana Wachiroddom was officially announced on July 5, 2569. The decree states that the King has recognized the monk's exceptional dedication to Buddhism and his contributions to the Sangha, thereby warranting elevation to higher ecclesiastical status. Phra Phrom Wachirwethi, honored with multiple titles reflecting his scholarly and spiritual accomplishments, is based at Wat Pathumwanaram Royal Temple in Bangkok. He will oversee Buddhist teaching, resolve monastic disputes, and provide guidance to monks and novices under his jurisdiction. The elevation is effective from July 3, 2569, announced on July 5, 2569, marking the 11th year of the current reign.

On July 5, 2025, Nangthiwalrat Angkinandton, a Phetchaburi MP from the Bhumjaithai Party and chair of Parliament's Religion, Arts and Culture Committee, clarified that reports suggesting the committee would investigate a monk injured in a hit-and-run accident in Mukdahan province are false. She firmly stated that no such matter has ever been brought before the committee for consideration.

Angkinandton said the misleading reports have created confusion about the committee's mandate and authority, causing misunderstanding among the monastic order and the public. The committee's actual duties are to promote, protect and preserve Buddhism, arts and culture, not to handle criminal cases or conduct disciplinary investigations into monks—responsibilities that belong to relevant government agencies and the monastic order itself.

According to the 2019 parliamentary regulations, the committee's authority is limited to research, fact-finding, and examination of matters related to safeguarding religion, preserving historic sites, and promoting arts and culture. It has no power to investigate criminal cases or discipline monks.

Angkinandton urged all parties to verify information from official sources before publishing to avoid unnecessary confusion and division. She noted the committee plans to attend chanting services for the deceased monk and visit injured monks to offer condolences—actions consistent with its role in supporting Buddhism and strengthening the clergy.

The committee remains committed to working fairly, transparently and in accordance with law and monastic discipline, serving as a bridge between the state, clergy and public to preserve Buddhism, arts and culture on the basis of correctness, unity and societal trust.

On Monday, June 22, 2026, the National Office of Buddhism and its network partners held the third Tripitaka recitation ceremony to celebrate the 99th birthday anniversary of the Supreme Patriarch on June 26, 2026, at the marble Tripitaka hall in Buddhmonthon. Somdet Phra Maha Veeravongsa, a committee member of the Supreme Sangha Council and assistant abbot of Rajbophit Temple, was appointed as head of the monastic delegation, while M.L. Panadda Diskul, a royal advisor, led the lay delegation. Over 500 Buddhist devotees participated in the event.

Udompon Ekiam, director of the National Office of Buddhism, presided over the ceremony with full coordination from government officials and staff. Government officials, civil servants, private sector representatives, and devout community members attended in large numbers.

The atmosphere was peaceful and filled with reverence, reflecting the commitment to sustaining Buddhism and preserving the Tripitaka as a vital intellectual treasure of the nation.

The Tripitaka recitation ceremony aims to instill Buddhist principles into the hearts of all believers and foster deep connection to the Dharma across all ages. It supports the preservation and transmission of Tripitaka teachings, promotes wisdom development, and encourages cooperation between the Sangha and government and private sector organizations. The initiative also aligns with royal and Sangha policies to make Buddhmonthon a center for Buddhist education, propagation, and activities in Thailand.

Mixed-grade farm chicken eggs are increasing in price by 20 satang per egg, or 6 baht per tray, effective tomorrow. On July 5, 2569, a network of chicken egg farming cooperatives—comprising Paet Riab, Chachoengsao, Chiang Mai-Lamphun, and Mae Nam Noi Basin cooperatives—notified member cooperatives and egg farmers of the price adjustment. Prices are rising from 3.60 baht per egg to 3.80 baht per egg, beginning Monday, July 6, 2569, and remaining in effect until further notice.