ANG THONG — 29 June 2026, A rare Garuda sculpture in a flying posture has been found at a temple hall in Ang Thong, drawing attention for its unusual design. Unlike traditional depictions of the mythical figure in seated or standing poses, this soaring Garuda is believed to be one of a kind. A temple official has revealed some of its history, but the reason behind its distinctive design remains known only to the artisan.

On Monday, reporters visited Sri Maha Pho Temple in Rong Chang subdistrict, Pa Mok district, Ang Thong province, to inspect the striking stucco sculpture, estimated to be around 60 to 70 years old. The "Flying Garuda" is positioned on the pediment of the temple's refectory and stands out from the more common seated or standing Garuda figures typically seen in Thai religious architecture.

The temple's abbot and Ecclesiastical Sub-district Head of Bang Sadet, Phra Kru Viboon Photharangkan, said the Garuda sculpture has been in place for many decades. According to historical records, it dates back to the tenure of a former abbot. While other parts of the temple have undergone renovations over the years, the refectory housing the Flying Garuda has remained unchanged.

An 87-year-old lay administrator at the temple said the refectory featuring the Flying Garuda, also referred to as the "Swooping Garuda," is likely at least 50 years old. He recalled watching the sculpture being created in his youth during the tenure of Abbot Phra Sansoen. According to him, it was crafted by an artisan named Krit, although the reason the craftsman chose to depict the Garuda in a flying posture remains unknown.

Former Fine Arts Department director-general Anek Sihamat said the area surrounding Sri Maha Pho Temple was an ancient settlement dating from the late Ayutthaya period to the early Rattanakosin era. Traces of historic religious structures remain visible today, including an ancient chedi, or stupa, behind the temple and temple bases decorated with Ayutthaya-period stucco crown motifs.

Regarding the refectory's pediment, Anek explained that royal artisans traditionally depicted Garuda figures in either seated or standing postures, making flying depictions extremely rare. He believes the Flying Garuda was the work of a local folk artisan who wanted to create a unique interpretation. As seen on the pediment, the Garuda is portrayed soaring with both feet raised while holding a naga, a mythical serpent, between its legs.

Garuda sculptures placed on temple pediments are traditionally believed to protect sacred buildings from harm, symbolise divine power and represent the official royal emblem of the Thai monarchy. The refectory also bears the inscription "Traimit Upatham."

BANGKOK — 29 June 2026, Türkiye's ambassador to Thailand said Ankara hopes the Royal Thai Navy will consider Turkish frigate proposals as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral defense ties, while stressing that Türkiye respects Thailand's procurement decision and is applying no pressure.

Speaking at the Turkish Embassy on Sathorn Road, Ambassador Jülide Kayihan said Türkiye is seeking closer military cooperation with Thailand after expanding defense ties with Indonesia and Malaysia.

She said Türkiye's defense industry manufactures a broad range of military equipment, including frigates, tanks, armored vehicles, fighter aircraft, integrated air defense systems, drones and missiles. The equipment has been deployed by the Turkish military and meets NATO standards, as Türkiye is a member of the alliance.

The ambassador said Türkiye is aware that the Royal Thai Navy is evaluating proposals for a new frigate program. While Ankara hopes Turkish companies will be given the opportunity to cooperate with the Thai military, it fully respects Thailand's decision-making process.

One of the bidders, Turkish state-owned defense company ASFAT, has offered to build the frigates entirely in Thailand, along with transferring the ship design license. The proposal includes full technology transfer, allowing Thailand to independently construct future vessels of the same class, as well as an offset investment program.

Another Turkish bidder, TAIS, has proposed its I-Class frigate, which is currently in service with the Turkish Navy. Indonesia has also recently ordered two I-Class frigates.

The Burapha Command denies issuing a curfew in Ban Nong Chan, clarifying that the nighttime area restriction at markers 46-47 was implemented after outsiders were found creating content in the military zone. On June 29, 2026, Maj. Gen. Natthawut Somphrom, commander of the Kok Sung Task Force, issued an urgent announcement under martial law authority prohibiting public access to military-occupied areas at markers 46-47 on the eastern side of Sri Penh Road in Ban Nong Chan, Non Makmuang subdistrict, Kok Sung district, Sakaeo province, to prevent ill-intentioned groups. Two strict measures were implemented: (1) All members of the public are banned from entering the area between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following day, and (2) Only residents with farmland may enter during daylight hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and must carry identification and register with officials each time. The announcement took effect immediately. Meanwhile, military engineers have accelerated installation of additional barbed wire barriers to seal off natural passages at the border checkpoint between markers 40-41 in Ban Nong Chan. The Burapha Command, First Army Region, later clarified that while the area falls under martial law, it is not technically a curfew, as curfews refer to prohibitions on leaving residences. Rather, this is an additional measure restricting access to markers 46-47 at night because outsiders have been entering to create content, necessitating this preventive security measure.

Bangkok voters elected Chadchart Sittipunt back to the Governor's seat for a second term on June 28, 2026, with over 1.44 million votes. Beyond reflecting his increased popularity since the 2022 election, the result demonstrates that Bangkok residents continue to trust his administrative approach, giving him another four years to continue his work.

However, a landslide victory does not necessarily mean the job will become easier; on the contrary, public expectations have risen higher, as people have witnessed both concrete achievements and persistent unresolved limitations during his first term.

The capital's major challenges remain unchanged, including waste and environmental management, reducing PM 2.5 dust pollution, solving traffic problems, flooding, public safety, and livelihood and quality of life for residents amid a fragile economic situation.

Chadchart is adopting the "Bangkok 9 Good" strategy as the foundation for his second-term administration, covering transparent governance, safe city, environment, public health, transportation, education, economy, society, and infrastructure. The goal is to make Bangkok a city that creates opportunities and hope for everyone.

In policy terms, this constitutes a comprehensive plan touching nearly every dimension of urban development. However, the real challenge lies not in announcing policies but in executing them, particularly large-scale projects requiring substantial budgets that depend on cooperation from multiple agencies and approval from the Bangkok Metropolitan Council.

Although Chadchart was elected as an independent candidate, politics within the council remains crucial for policy implementation, as no single party or faction commands an absolute majority.

Coordinating cooperation with councilors from various political groups requires leadership skills, flexibility, and consensus-building rather than relying solely on public popularity.

Another issue is the accusations raised by political opponents during the campaign, particularly the so-called "air system" allegations and suspicions regarding the city's budget use. Although Chadchart has maintained his innocence and challenged critics to file complaints with the National Anti-Corruption Commission, the final answer does not rest on his explanations but on transparent investigation processes and facts revealed to the public. His second-term trust is therefore not a reward for past work but a new social contract that people have entrusted him with, accompanied by heightened expectations.

Over the next four years, Bangkok residents will be watching closely whether Chadchart can "eliminate weaknesses" from his first administration while "build upon strengths" that previously earned public confidence.

Ultimately, what will determine the success of Bangkok's governor is not the number of votes received, but the tangible improvement in the quality of life for Bangkok residents across all dimensions.

Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angsakulkiatti announced on June 29, 2569, at Parliament that the Transport Ministry has met with Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprasab and the Finance Ministry to propose a 400 billion baht loan package under a Royal Decree to support the energy transition from fossil fuels to electricity, particularly for public transportation. The initiative targets seven vehicle categories totaling approximately 80,000 vehicles, including taxis, app-based ride services, motorcycles-for-hire, three-wheelers, non-scheduled buses, scheduled buses, trucks, and student transport vehicles.

Siripong emphasized that this measure provides multiple benefits: enhanced public safety, reduced operational costs for operators without raising fares, and reduced dependence on oil energy. The Department of Land Transport calculated that converting all 80,000 vehicles to electric would reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 200,000 tons annually. The project, named "GOV TOPUP," allocates 240 billion baht with differentiated subsidy structures, such as upfront assistance for operators transitioning from old to electric vehicles.

Siripong clarified that the government initiative targets mass transit operators to ultimately improve service quality for the public rather than primarily benefit business operators. When asked about criticism that this isn't an urgent matter, he countered that with current high fuel prices causing widespread public hardship, this is precisely when action is needed. He added that other measures will follow for the general public, but this current focus addresses the public transportation sector where passengers bear fare costs.

Airports of Thailand (AOT) is advancing improvements to Hat Yai Airport to elevate service quality, convenience, and safety while supporting future passenger growth. The project aims to create a travel experience that reflects the area's distinct identity and warmth from the moment passengers arrive.

The improvements include renovations to the departure hall on the second floor, restrooms within the passenger terminal, and lounge areas, incorporating architecture and building systems that showcase the cultural diversity of Hat Yai residents—Thai, Chinese, and Muslim cultures. Artistic patterns and design elements will tell the story of a city that values both diversity and harmonious coexistence, maintaining modern aesthetics while improving passenger experience. This phase is scheduled for completion by September 2027.

Meanwhile, AOT is preparing a multipurpose building to accommodate Hajj pilgrims and their families. The design emphasizes a serene, simple, and open atmosphere to serve as a comfortable waiting area, reducing crowding and providing passengers peace of mind throughout their travel preparation. Improvements include air conditioning systems, renovated bathrooms and prayer rooms, additional ramps for accessibility, and enhanced building systems. This phase is expected to be completed by March 2027.

Regarding baggage security standards, AOT has implemented check-in counter and baggage conveyor belt system upgrades, including an In-Line Baggage Screening system with X-ray machines and automated baggage inspection to improve efficiency and provide passenger confidence in safety standards. This is scheduled for completion by December 2027.

AOT is also prioritizing airport access improvements by upgrading entrance and exit roads and security gates. The entrance traffic lanes will be expanded to three lanes, with six additional security checkpoints—four for vehicles and two for motorcycles—along with expanded vehicle queue areas. This will streamline airport access, with completion expected by August 2028.

AOT remains committed to continually developing the airport responsibly, transforming it from merely a travel destination into a welcoming space that reflects the city's character and warmth, leaving a positive impression from the first step and enriching every passenger's travel experience.