PHETCHABURI — On May 7, 2026, residents in Phetchaburi province gathered to make merit and pay respects to eight ancient skeletons discovered at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site, believed to date back 1,500 to 2,000 years. The ceremony took place in Ban Don Phlap village, Samo Phlue subdistrict, Ban Lat district, where locals offered food to Buddhist monks and dedicated merit to the deceased. Officials present included Phetchaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation President Chaiya Angkinan, Ban Lat District Chief Preecha Ananworanat, and Nipa Sangkhonakhin, director of Fine Arts Office 1 in Ratchaburi.

Archaeologists from Fine Arts Office 1 began excavations after discovering two ancient bronze drums in February in a rice field. These "Mahorathuk" drums are believed to originate from the Dong Son culture in northern Vietnam and later spread throughout the Suvarnabhumi region. No similar drums had previously been found in Phetchaburi or Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces, making this discovery significant. Excavations under archaeologist Kannika Premjai began on February 9, 2026, and have continued for nearly three months.

Initial findings included damaged bronze drum fragments, pottery, bronze containers, human leg bones, and gold jewelry, which prompted the team to expand their search. Between March and April, archaeologists uncovered eight skeletons laid flat on their backs in rows, some overlapping each other. All eight skeletons had bronze head ornaments resembling helmets placed over their skulls, and were accompanied by bronze artifacts, stone beads, glass beads, and pottery. The first skeleton discovered contained a remarkable collection of gold ornaments including bracelets, rings, pendants, beads, and earrings. Four additional bronze drums were later found, bringing the total to six.

Archaeologists believe these discoveries reveal prehistoric burial practices dating back approximately 1,500 to 2,000 years, before cremation became common practice. The presence of gold jewelry, bronze artifacts, and bronze drums indicates the buried individuals held high social status rather than being ordinary villagers. Experts noted that the intricate gold ornaments resembled Indian craftsmanship, suggesting the community had trade connections with external civilizations. Nipa expressed gratitude to local residents, officials, educational institutions, and landowners for supporting the excavation. However, she warned that heavy moisture, underground water, and the approaching rainy season were creating significant challenges for the ongoing work.

Doctors Warn: Three Morning Habits for Men Damage the Liver Faster Than Alcohol

Compiled by Sanook Online News Team May 7, 2025

According to foreign media reports, when people think of behaviors that harm the liver, alcohol consumption usually comes to mind first. However, certain habits performed regularly in the morning can damage the liver just as severely.

At 6:30 a.m., 52-year-old Zhou from China wakes up and goes through his normal daily routine before starting his day. Although he doesn't drink alcohol and doesn't stay up late, his annual health checkup shocked him when it revealed abnormally high liver enzymes (ALT and GGT) and fatty liver disease.

Doctors analyzed that the main cause stemmed from behaviors he performed regularly every morning to energize his body: smoking, drinking strong tea, and exercising. Fortunately, Zhou had some good health habits, including avoiding alcohol, so his liver hadn't suffered severe damage and could still be treated.

Zhou's case serves as a warning, especially for men, about morning behaviors that many overlook but are silently damaging the liver. Even without touching alcohol throughout life, one can still risk serious liver disease or even liver cancer if engaging in these three daily morning habits:

1. Skipping Breakfast Generally, men place less importance on diet than women, whether due to rushing, work stress, waking late, or health negligence. Many skip breakfast despite it being one of the behaviors silently "eroding" the liver.

Experts note that skipping breakfast can lead to nutrient and protein deficiency, factors that cause fat accumulation in the liver. After sleeping all night, the body lacks energy. Without breakfast, it cannot handle daily activities normally.

During this time, the body draws glycogen from the liver and stimulates insulin production. Without sufficient food for metabolism, the liver must work harder. If this continues for extended periods, it may lead to liver dysfunction and disease. Additionally, prolonged breakfast skipping or long gaps between breakfast and lunch harms the gallbladder, as bile remains too long and becomes concentrated, potentially forming gallstones. Though not immediately apparent, this behavior accumulates long-term liver damage.

2. Smoking Immediately After Waking Many men smoke immediately after waking to feel refreshed or relieve nicotine cravings after sleeping all night. Some even use cigarettes instead of breakfast or as an energy boost before starting the day.

However, chemicals in cigarettes damage not just the lungs but also the liver, since the liver detoxifies the body. Smoking makes the liver work harder and increases damage risk, especially on an empty stomach in the morning.

Doctors explain that after sleep, the liver is still in recovery and detoxification mode, making it weakest and most vulnerable to damage. Meanwhile, the body lacks nutrients and immunity is low.

Additionally, metabolism is slower than normal in the morning after waking. Smoking during this time allows toxins to enter the body faster and more severely, making the liver work harder and increasing risk of liver weakness and disease with continuous exposure.

The State Railway of Thailand held its first public consultation meeting to advance survey, design work, and environmental impact assessment for the Suphan Buri-Bangkok-Ban Pachi Junction railway construction project. Engineer Arthapol Kao Prasert, head of special projects and construction at SRT, explained that the meeting aimed to accelerate rail network development in important provinces, enhance transportation capacity, and improve travel connections between the southern region and the central, northeastern, and northern regions. Nattapong Songwanchit, Governor of Suphan Buri Province, chaired the meeting, which included SRT executives, government agencies, private sector representatives, community leaders, and local residents who offered extensive input at the Lae Thani Hotel Convention Hall in Muang Suphan Buri District.

The Suphan Buri-Bangkok-Ban Pachi Junction railway project is part of the government's "National Railway System Strategy" and is included in the urgent implementation plan (2023-2027). It will connect a new railway line to the existing main rail network, starting from Suphan Buri Railway Line and terminating at Ban Pachi Junction, linking the northern and northeastern rail lines with the Nong Pla Duk-Suphan Buri junction line. This allows seamless travel and freight transport between the southern and central, northeastern, and northern regions without requiring passage through Bangkok.

The study area covers a 500-meter radius from the center line of the route across Suphan Buri, Ang Thong, and Ayutthaya provinces, spanning 31 subdistricts in 8 districts. The route begins near Sak Yang Moo Stop in Bang Pla Mua District, about 4.5 kilometers from Suphan Buri city, branching eastward parallel to Highway 357, crossing the Chao Phraya River, Noi River, and Lopburi River before connecting to the existing northern and northeastern rail lines near Phra Kaew Station, approximately one kilometer before Ban Pachi Junction. The total route length is approximately 73.8 kilometers.

At 3:20 p.m. on May 7, 2025, Ekapop Luangprasert, founder of the 'Sai Mai Tong Rot' Facebook page, accompanied a 32-year-old businessman identified as 'A' to the Crime Suppression Division to file charges against a famous fortune teller for sexual assault during a supposed karma-cleansing treatment.

The victim explained that he suffered from chronic migraines that caused severe distress. After seeking treatment at numerous public and private hospitals without relief, his mother discovered the fortune teller's online videos claiming to cure karmic diseases. They traveled from Chiang Mai to the fortune teller's compound, which resembled a meditation center.

Upon arrival, the fortune teller questioned the victim about his condition, then claimed he had accumulated significant bad karma and would be treated last for the day. The fortune teller separated the victim from his mother, leading him to a locked private room. Citing ancient Brahmin-Shiva texts, the fortune teller ordered him to remove his pants for a 'karma check,' then instructed him to touch three specific points on the fortune teller's body twice each—both thighs and genitals.

The victim stated the fortune teller then had him move to a corner of the room and engage in sexual acts, claiming it was part of the treatment. The fortune teller subsequently sat between the victim's legs, performed obscene rituals, showed him pornographic material on a phone, and performed oral sex. The victim secretly recorded a video as evidence.

When asked why he didn't flee, the victim cited fear for his mother's safety given the large compound and uncertainty about other disciples or weapons present. He noted he came seeking healing after medical treatment failed and didn't know the fortune teller would use such methods.

After returning to Chiang Mai, the victim experienced severe psychological distress and suicidal thoughts. He refuses any settlement and will pursue the case fully to protect other potential victims. The Crime Suppression Division confirmed preliminary coordination with Unit 4 to investigate and file charges based on evidence.

On May 5, 2025, Supersports, part of Central Retail and Thailand's number one sports retail and brand destination, announced its commitment to driving social and environmental impact through a major campaign partnership with Central Phuea and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The 'May Move Up' campaign, now in its 13th year, carries the message "Pass on your shoes to give someone else a new move," and this year expands its scope across shopping, giving, and broad community participation throughout May to promote sports equality and create equal access to athletic opportunities. Customers are invited to participate in passing along gently-used shoes with inspiring stories to underserved communities in remote areas, enabling them to pursue their athletic dreams further. The campaign launch was honored by the attendance of Pichai Jiratthiwat, Managing Director of Central Group, and Panida Kaewmak, Deputy Director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Culture, Sports and Tourism Office, demonstrating organizational commitment to building a sharing society with sustainable exercise habits. Supersports has expanded shoe donation collection points nationwide across all 88 branches, plus partner networks including 14 Bangkok sports centers, Chulalongkorn University Sports Center, and 13 key locations such as CentralWorld and Central Ladprao shopping centers, Robinson shopping malls in six provinces (Ratchaphruek, Srisaman, Ladkrabang, Chachoengsao, Kanchanaburi, and Saraburi), and lifestyle and sports destinations in Phuket including Canal Village Laguna, Turtle Village, and Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort. The campaign demonstrates growth from a social activity inviting everyone to "move" together, creating significant results from small efforts. Customers can donate quality athletic shoes or contribute 100 baht through the Million Gifts Million Smiles program to provide sports opportunities to youth and disadvantaged people in remote areas, such as schools under the Central Phuea program, while earning 100 The 1 reward points as appreciation for turning old shoes into new steps for others.

CP Extra Public Company Limited, which operates the Makro and Lotus wholesale and retail businesses, has unveiled AXTRA AGRI-CONNEXT in collaboration with public and private sector agencies. The platform serves as a crucial mechanism linking farmers, entrepreneurs, and modern markets to enhance competitiveness and create sustainable growth for Thailand's grassroots economy.

Siriporn Dech Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at CP Extra, explained that the company believes good opportunities should be accessible to all. The platform operates as a 24-hour online system that reduces limitations and complex procedures, accelerates business transactions, and creates real opportunities. It seamlessly connects farmers to modern trade, allowing direct product presentation to Makro and Lotus, helping reduce market gaps and increase competitive potential. The platform provides comprehensive support from product training and development through product selection to sales opportunities.

Jirawuth Suanwanit, Deputy Director-General of the Internal Trade Department under the Ministry of Commerce, noted that the department plays a vital role in maintaining price stability and ensuring market fairness, particularly for agricultural products, which form the heart of Thailand's economy. He emphasized that the key challenge is enabling farmers to access markets more directly, reducing inequality, and strengthening producer bargaining power. The opportunity platform represents an important mechanism that will help connect farmers to modern markets through both retail formats and digital channels. This collaboration will provide agricultural products with diverse sales channels, fair pricing, and easier consumer access to quality goods.

Veerasak Bunchern, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Agricultural Extension under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, stated that the department's mission is to develop Thai farmers to produce quality goods and sell them at higher value. The department has focused on knowledge and technology transfer and production planning to help farmers become Smart Farmers capable of producing goods that match market demand. The department also supports the i-Trace (Traceability System), which enables full supply chain verification and food safety standards improvement. By scanning a QR code on products, consumers can verify information including origin, variety, production standards, growing location, and nutritional data.

Pakdee Jankaset, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Cooperative Promotion under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, views cooperatives as important mechanisms for uniting farmers' strength to enhance both production and product quality through establishing standardized packaging facilities and managing markets. This collaboration will strengthen cooperatives' ability to access modern markets, improve distribution efficiency, and promote cooperatives to become capable entrepreneurs in the supply chain.