PHUKET: A group of 120 youths from Thailand’s southern border provinces visited Phuket this week for educational activities focused on the island’s natural environment, history and multicultural heritage.
PHUKET: A group of 120 youths from Thailand’s southern border provinces visited Phuket this week for educational activities focused on the island’s natural environment, history and multicultural heritage.
Thai Buddhist amulets from revered monks such as Luang Phu Kam, Luang Phu Chao, Luang Phu Phring and Luang Phu Huang are highlighted for their historical significance and collector appeal. The piece details the first-edition issues, materials, inscriptions and current market trends, noting rising rarity and value. It serves as a guide for enthusiasts interested in these sacred objects.
Luang Pho Rak Itthathammo, former abbot of Wat Noi Saeng Chan in Samut Songkhram, was ordained in 1931 and later became a respected spiritual leader known for his Buddhist teachings and amulet creation. He oversaw the temple’s growth, taught meditation to local communities, and remained a beloved figure until his peaceful death in 1995 at age 85. His legacy lives on through the sacred amulets that continue to be sought after across central Thailand.
Thai canoe slalom athlete Piyanat Koetsuk captured a bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, finishing the final with a time of 121.68 seconds. Despite placing eighth in the semifinals, he surged in the final to claim bronze, trailing the gold medalist by 23.59 seconds and the silver medalist by 2.59 seconds. Piyanat, who also won a gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games, will receive a 500,000-baht incentive from the National Sports Development Fund.
Supreme Patriarch Ariyavongsagatanana expressed concern over challenges facing Thai Buddhism and urged missionaries to stay steadfast in spreading the Dhamma. He spoke at the opening of the annual Buddhist propagation personnel seminar at Buddha Monthon, where General Chalermchai Sittisat gave a special address on propagating Buddhism under royal patronage. The Patriarch emphasized proper Buddhist education and warned against misusing the faith for personal gain.
Macau Tourism has teamed up with Thai stir‑fry chain EASY! buddy to launch the 'Taste of Macao' campaign, offering three new Macanese‑inspired dishes. Diners can win flight tickets and receive travel discounts while enjoying the dishes, available until November 7, 2026.
Grab reported a 75% increase in ride-hailing demand from Chinese tourists during the first nine months of the year, driven by popular spots like the Song Wat-Khlong Bang Luang area and Chiang Rai. Street food on Thong Lor saw a threefold rise in ride-hailing trips, while mango sticky rice remained the top dessert ordered via GrabFood, up over 50%. The data highlights growing Chinese interest in photogenic locales, cultural sites, and wellness trends across Thailand.
Chiang Rai has warned residents not to use water from the Mae Sai River after tests found arsenic levels 28 times and lead levels five times above safety standards. The provincial order bans direct consumption of the river water and calls for stricter tap‑water treatment and avoidance of locally caught aquatic animals. Authorities will continue monitoring the contamination and public health risks.
PHUKET: A 17-year-old boy was shot in the abdomen after two men on a motorbike approached the motorcycle he was riding with two friends on Patong Hill late last night (Sept 30).
Villagers in Wang Nam Khiao, Nakhon Ratchasima, are collecting and selling honey mushrooms that thrive during the rainy season. The bud‑sized fungi are prized for their crunchy, sweet taste and fetch about 200 baht per kilogram. Experts warn that proper identification is essential, as some wild mushrooms are poisonous.
The Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat raised its discharge to 2,400 cubic metres per second, flooding over 400 homes in Hat AaSa sub‑district and forcing residents to evacuate to tents along the Maharat Canal road. Authorities had issued early warnings, allowing most belongings to be saved, but many families remain displaced for an estimated one to two months. The situation highlights the community’s ongoing adaptation to recurrent floods despite the hardship.
