According to a new study released by the Pew Research Center, a non-partisan US-based think tank, 25 of 36 countries surveyed now view China more positively than the United States—marking the first time this finding has emerged since the organization began tracking global opinion in 2002, 24 years ago. The research shows that favorable views of China have reached historic highs in many countries, while perceptions of the United States have declined significantly. Over 42,000 respondents across 36 countries surveyed between February and May expressed low confidence in both US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, although Xi received higher confidence ratings than Trump. The survey found that the United States is still seen as more respectful of individual freedoms than China, but China is viewed as less likely to meddle in other nations' affairs than the US. The Pew Research Center noted that favorable views of the US had dropped sharply in the past, including in 2008 during the final years of President George W. Bush's administration and in 2017 at the beginning of Trump's first term, but Chinese favorability ratings had remained at similar or slightly lower levels during those periods. Among the countries with the most positive views of China are Spain, Indonesia, Italy, Greece, and Canada, while the six countries that still favor the United States are mostly strong US allies: Poland, the Philippines, South Korea, India, Japan, and Israel.

Luang Pho Thiang Pandito, the second abbot of Wat Tham Nimit in Mae Klong Subdistrict, Muang District, Samut Songkhram Province, was a renowned Buddhist scholar of the Mae Klong river basin with deep expertise, though limited biographical records survive. He was born in B.E. 2370 and ordained on May 15, B.E. 2392 at age 22 at Wat Tham Nimit under Phra Upachaya Bun, the temple's abbot, with Phra Ajarn Ma serving as preceptor in the ceremonial role. He then departed to pursue higher Buddhist studies at Rajpradithesat Temple in Bangkok for four monastic seasons.

During his fourth season, Phra Ajarn Ma passed away in B.E. 2396, prompting his return to Wat Tham Nimit. He temporarily managed the monastery before being formally invited to serve as abbot in B.E. 2403 with Phra Ajarn Sang assisting him. As abbot, he upheld strict monastic discipline, taught both monks and laypeople in both doctrine and morality, and earned such respect that devotees voluntarily contributed resources to develop the temple's buildings and sacred objects.

He died of old age on Friday, February 18, B.E. 2458, at age 83 with 61 monastic seasons. Phra Khemabhimukkha from Wat Pichayayadika Temple in Bangkok carried news of his death to the capital, informing Somdet Phra Mahasamana Chao Krom Phraya Wachirayana Worothes, who approved Phra Ajarn Thonwom to succeed him in B.E. 2458.

In B.E. 2459, the high prelate visited to order funeral preparations, personally presiding and donating a commemorative kutee (monastic dwelling). The cremation that year was conducted with the high prelate as principal, Phra Ajarn Thonwom as vice-principal, and prominent lay supporters attending. Though the ceremony was delayed due to the prelate's other duties, it eventually concluded with full dignity and ceremony.

Luang Pho Thiang's scholarly achievements remain celebrated to this day. The amulets and blessed objects he consecrated remain highly sought after. Most notably, the first-edition medal, cast in B.E. 2461 as a cremation memorial in brass only, remains popular among collectors, though the total number produced was never recorded.

Kyo Roll En is launching its moon cakes earlier than competitors this year, and doing so in style with a high-profile collaboration between Chef Dech Kiuakachcha and Chef Hideki Sato of Ta Vie, a three-Michelin-starred French-Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong, to create Thailand's first three-Michelin-starred moon cake.

The connection between the two chefs is remarkable: Chef Dech, once an admirer, traveled to intern at Ta Vie in Hong Kong in 2019 to train under his idol. Chef Dech's skills have since flourished, making him the first Thai pastry chef to win Asia's Best Pastry Chef 2025 from Asia's 50 Best Restaurants. He has also collaborated with numerous leading chefs, including Chef Ton-Thitipat, Chef Pam-Pichaya, Chef Andy Yang, and other Michelin-starred chefs from Japan and Singapore.

Now, teacher and former student have reunited in the kitchen to create a limited-edition moon cake series. The collection features four limited flavors: two from Chef Sato—Chestnut Pu-Er Tea and Osmanthus Custard with Orange—and two from Chef Dech: Yuzu Lava and Satsuma Imo.

The packaging is premium and elegant, featuring red cloth with a phoenix feather pattern. The wooden box can be repurposed as a photo frame. Each box contains eight pieces covering all four flavors, paired with "Simple Kaffa" championship coffee from Taiwan, priced at 1,688 baht.

For those preferring the classic Cantonese-style moon cake, Kyo Roll En also offers its original recipe in four flavors: Custard with Salted Egg Lava (Hong Kong recipe), Durian with Salted Egg, Matcha Lava, and Taro with Black Sesame—a new flavor featuring whole black sesame seeds with a chewy mochi texture.

Two sizes are available: the large set with eight pieces covering all four flavors in a lantern-shaped box, priced at 1,288 baht, and the small set with four pieces in a chic handbag-shaped box, priced at 688 baht.

All moon cakes are open for pre-order from today until August 12, with an early-bird discount of 20% at Kyo Roll En or www.kyorollen.com/order. Products can be received from August 1 onwards.

Thailand's Region 5 Appeals Court has upheld a two-year prison sentence for human rights lawyer and activist Anon Nampha on lèse-majesté charges, bringing his total sentence across all cases to approximately 31 years and 8 months. The conviction stems from a November 23, 2020 speech at Chiang Mai University's Arts and Culture Hall during a gathering that included commentary on changes to royal property management. The court found his remarks constituted an offense against the monarchy under Article 112 of the Criminal Code. The original trial court had convicted Anon and sentenced him to two years imprisonment, which he appealed. The appellate judgment was read via video conference to Bangkok's special detention facility, where Anon remains incarcerated. This marks the first Article 112 case against Anon to be decided on appeal, with his accumulated sentences now totaling approximately 31 years and 9 months across all prosecutions.

Noodle lovers seeking a complete and satisfying meal should not miss Yan Ta Fo Phanni in Sai Noi, Nonthaburi. This restaurant serves rich, aromatic yan ta fo with a smooth broth and toppings so generous they overflow the bowl. Every spoonful delivers excellent value, leaving diners full and satisfied from first bite to last.

The restaurant's standout feature is its generous use of nine different toppings: round fish balls, rugby fish balls, squid tentacle pieces, fish dumplings, fried shrimp pieces, jellyfish, crispy squid, blood cake, and fried dumplings. Each component offers a different texture—crunch, crispness, and tenderness—perfectly balanced in a single bowl.

Beyond the abundant toppings, the yan ta fo broth is another draw for many customers. It boasts a rich, well-rounded flavor with a distinctive aromatic sauce that coats the noodles and toppings evenly. Combined with plump, tender fish ball pieces, the result is so delicious diners struggle to put their spoons down.

The restaurant offers noodle choices including small, large, crispy, and egg noodles, plus yan ta fo in classic, tom yum, and dry tom yum versions, as well as tom yum noodle soup and dry tom yum noodle soup. Value comes not just from portion size but also quality ingredients, ensuring every bowl is packed with fresh flavors. The restaurant suits lunch, dinner, or anyone craving hot noodles on a budget.

The restaurant also serves blanched fish dumplings, blanched squid, blanched jellyfish, mixed fish balls, and fried dumplings. Customers seeking flavorful yan ta fo with generous toppings and tender fish balls at excellent value can expect to return again and again.

Yan Ta Fo Phanni has relocated from its previous spot near 7-Eleven in Sai Noi to a new location on Bangrua-Sai Noi Road, about 50 meters past The Hamilton development, near Sai Noi Subdistrict Municipality. The new spot is more convenient and easier to visit. The restaurant is open daily and accepts dine-in and Line Man delivery orders.

For those seeking delicious yan ta fo with full toppings, flavorful fish balls, and genuine value in every bowl, this restaurant is a must-visit destination. Open daily 11:00–19:00. For more information, call 06-1662-8787.