On July 22, 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surathn Tanpravet, a neurologist and brain specialist at Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Medicine, provided information about cholesterol-lowering medication and when patients should take it.

During his medical career treating stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, Dr. Tanpravet identified two groups of people with elevated blood cholesterol: those eager to take medication out of fear of disease, and those reluctant to take medication who first attempt lifestyle changes. Some view medication as harmful, leading to anti-statin groups, but cholesterol-lowering drugs are highly effective when used appropriately for the right patients based on individual risk.

When asked "Do I need cholesterol medication and at what level should I start?", Dr. Tanpravet explained that looking only at LDL (bad cholesterol) levels is insufficient. The 2026 guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) have shifted from treating based on LDL numbers to treating based on individual cardiovascular risk. The goal is not simply to lower blood cholesterol numbers, but to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death.

LDL cholesterol accumulates in artery walls, forming atherosclerotic plaques that thicken over time, narrowing blood vessels. If these plaques rupture, they trigger sudden blood clots, causing heart attacks, strokes, or peripheral artery disease. Lowering LDL is one of the most effective prevention methods.

Statin medications work by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, the primary enzyme responsible for cholesterol production in the liver. As cholesterol production decreases, the liver increases LDL receptors, allowing more LDL to be removed from the bloodstream, reducing LDL levels by 30-60% depending on the medication type and dose.

Beyond cholesterol reduction, statins have "pleiotropic effects" or additional benefits including reducing artery wall inflammation, stabilizing fatty plaques to prevent rupture, improving blood vessel lining function, reducing certain blood clots, and slowing atherosclerotic disease progression.

Camp mai mee chue began as a simple dream by Sam and Um to convert a small hillside in Pong Yaeng village, Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai, into a quiet retreat where people could escape the chaos and reconnect with nature. The land once held a lychee and longan orchard belonging to Um's father, along with a small rice mill that was the heart of family life. Though time has passed, the rice mill has been preserved and now tells the story of the place's history.

The camp's humble beginning started with a Volkswagen Beetle converted into a rooftop tent, offering visitors a unique camping experience. Gradually, glamping-style dome tents were added and warmly welcomed by both Thai and international travelers.

Encouraged by visitors, Camp mai mee chue evolved into the cozy resort it is today. Currently offering eight rooms, each with full mountain views, the camp provides early mornings with fresh air, bird songs, and during rainy season, mist rolling through the valley. Winter temperatures drop to around 7 degrees Celsius, attracting many visitors seeking authentic cool weather experiences. The resort also features a small vegetable garden where guests can pick fresh produce to cook their own meals—a simple activity connecting people to nature and a simpler way of life.

Over the past seven years, Camp mai mee chue has welcomed Thai and international tourists, as well as artists, actors, and celebrities who return regularly. What draws people back is not just the beautiful mountain views, but the warm, familiar feeling and rare sense of peace found here.

Located in Pong Yaeng village, Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai, approximately 40 kilometers from Chiang Mai International Airport (45-50 minutes' drive), the camp is accessed via Highway 1096 and is easily reached year-round.

Sometimes the best rest is not traveling the farthest, but spending time in a place where your heart can truly find peace.

PHUKET: Phukets expanding crackdown on foreign nominee businesses has produced arrests, raids and promises of tougher enforcement. But one key question remains unanswered: why have police and law enforcement agencies so far avoided any mention of action taken against those who helped create the companies now under investigation?

Housewives frustrated as pork prices climb again by 2 baht per kilogram, effective today. The Chachoengsao Pig Farmers Cooperative, together with the National Pig Farmers Association, has announced a price increase for live fattening pigs at farm gate for cooperative members and pig farmers of an additional 2 baht per kilogram from the previous rate, effective July 22, 2569 (2026). Before the adjustment, the recommended price for live fattening pigs in the Eastern Region was 66–69 baht per kilogram. With the additional 2-baht increase per kilogram, the latest recommended price now ranges from 68–71 baht per kilogram.

The chairman of Thailand's Local Officials Examination Committee (KSTO) is awaiting clarification from the Department of Local Administration regarding the removal of 5,924 local government employee names, stating the verification process remains underway. On July 22, 2569, Wanchai Janphon, the committee chairman, revealed progress on the name removal process following an earlier KSTO resolution on July 17 to request clarity from the Department of Local Administration, as the name verification is still in progress. When asked about the expected timeline for the review, Janphon said the timeframe is unknown but the department must be allowed time to complete the verification. Regarding whether the incomplete removal process contributed to postponement of the central committee meeting, Janphon stated he is uncertain since that matter falls within the ministry and department's domain, reiterating that the committee is awaiting the department's action. When asked if the completed removal would need to be presented to the central committee meeting, Janphon said he must await the department's clarification first and cannot provide an answer at this time. Regarding whether reporting to the Ministry of Interior's Permanent Secretary is necessary, Janphon noted that the Permanent Secretary is continuously monitoring the situation, but requested to wait for that official's guidance.

The Thai Gold Traders Association announced on July 22, 2026 that gold prices surged strongly, breaking through the 1,000 baht mark. Gold prices for July 22, 2026 jumped 1,050 baht compared to the closing price on July 21, with ornamental gold selling at 66,600 baht per baht. The latest data from the Gold Traders Association, published on their website at 09:02, shows that gold bars have a domestic buyback price of 65,600 baht per baht and a selling price of 65,800 baht per baht under announcement 1. For 96.5% ornamental gold, the buyback price is 64,293.56 baht per baht and the selling price is 66,600 baht per baht. Global gold spot prices (Gold Spot) stood at 4,121.00 US dollars per ounce. Announcement 1: Gold bars – Buyback: 65,600 baht per baht; Selling: 65,800 baht per baht. Ornamental gold – Buyback: 64,293.56 baht per baht; Selling: 66,600 baht per baht. The chairman of gold traders predicted that the market opening tomorrow would see gold prices surge by 1,000 to 2,000 baht per baht, potentially breaking through 80,000 baht.