Phetchaburi — The Fine Arts Department is conducting a rescue operation to recover human skeletal remains and artifacts from the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Samop Ploem Subdistrict, Ban Laad District, Phetchaburi Province. The excavation has been affected by groundwater, salinity, and humidity during the rainy season, risking damage to the remains and artifacts.

According to Panom Boonkaset, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, during archaeological documentation on July 2, researchers discovered two additional gold rings from skeleton number 4. One is a signet ring with ancient script engraved on its bezel.

Dr. Uten Wongstit from Silpakorn University's Archaeology Department and ancient language experts from the Fine Arts Department preliminarily identified the script as ancient Indian Brahmi, dating to the 5th-7th Buddhist century, or approximately 1,900-2,100 years ago. The inscription reads "Pusarashita," meaning "belonging to Pusarashita" or one protected by the auspicious star Pushya. The ring owner is believed to have been a member of the merchant class. The second ring is a plain gold band without decoration.

This discovery provides important evidence of trade and cultural relations between the Suvarnabhumi region and India in ancient times. Similar Brahmi script has previously been found on ornaments and seals at Khlong Tom in Krabi Province and Khao Sam Kaew in Chumphon Province.

The Fine Arts Department is expediting careful recovery of the human remains using appropriate methods, including individual piece extraction and block lifting for fragile skeletal material. For a recently discovered child skeleton with a large bronze vessel positioned at its center, the block-lifting method will be used to preserve the artifacts in their best condition.

Singer Cham Chamrampai has signed a contract renewal with Grammy Gold Records, marking 29 years with the record label that launched his successful career. "This contract means a lot to me," Chamrampai said. "It's been 29 years with this label. I went from being nobody to becoming 'Cham Chamrampai,' and I'm still 'Cham Chamrampai' under Grammy Gold. I ask for your continued support and love."

The renewal demonstrates the enduring loyalty between artist and label, having grown together for nearly three decades. Chamrampai also announced he is preparing new music for fans, with releases coming soon. He remains committed to creating quality work to thank his devoted listeners.

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Mahachulalongkornraj University in Wang Noi District, Ayutthaya Province, held its sixth university council meeting for 2026 to consider the succession of its rector. Phraprombat Wachiratheeracharya (Somjin Sammapanyo), the current rector whose four-year term concludes this year, was unanimously reappointed for another term. He has dedicated himself to Buddhist religious work, particularly in academic affairs, education, and monastic university development.

Now 65 years old with 44 Buddhist years of ordination, he serves as assistant abbot of Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, deputy head of the Bali Sangha, deputy head of the 5th Buddhist region, and rector of Mahachulalongkornraj University. Originally named Somjin Vanjanthorn, he was born on September 28, 1960, in Ban Guangngoi, Lam Plai Mat District, Buriram Province. He completed primary school at age 12, then ordained at Wat Ban Kaert in 1974, later transferring to Wat Sao Hai in Saraburi Province where he studied Pali Buddhist texts and earned the titles of second and first class Tham scholar.

In 1976, he moved to Wat Chai Chumpol Chana Songkhram in Kanchanaburi to study Pali, achieving the rank of seven-verse Pali scholar. In 1978, he transferred to Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen. In 1982, after earning his nine-verse Pali scholar rank, he was ordained as a fully-fledged monk, receiving the ecclesiastical name Sammapanyo.

He later earned a Bachelor of Arts from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in 1989, a Master's degree in Buddhist Studies from Mahachulalongkornraj University in 1991, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Banaras Hindu University, India, in 1994. Upon completing his doctorate, he joined Mahachulalongkornraj University's academic affairs office. His career progressed steadily: in 1997 he became director of academic affairs, in 1998 dean of the Graduate College, and in 2006 vice rector for academic affairs.

In 2013, he was appointed professor of Buddhist Studies in the Faculty of Buddhist Studies. In 2016, he became secretary of the Bali Sangha. He has devoted himself fully to religious work, particularly academic and educational endeavors. He has authored numerous academic works and books, including "The Development of Buddhist Ethics," "The Development of Ancient Indian Thought," and "Mahayana Buddhism." He has written extensive scholarly articles on topics such as Vajrayana analysis, metaphysical problems, Monastic Discipline, Madhyamaka philosophy, and Buddhist logic. His research includes studies on Buddhist ethics, Thai Tripitaka dictionary, and Buddhist principles integration for administrative development. In 2003, he received the royal award for contributions to Buddhism.

On July 3, 2569, the Criminal Investigation Bureau and Revenue Department coordinated a major operation against a counterfeit liquor network. Led by senior officials including Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthsakdi Chaovenasai and coordinated with revenue authorities, the operation announced results of investigating an illegal liquor manufacturing and distribution ring.

The investigation began when officers discovered a retail outlet in Chachoengsao province engaged in illicit counterfeit liquor sales. Deeper investigation revealed a sophisticated criminal organization with specialized divisions handling procurement, manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, and distribution to evade police detection. The counterfeit spirits were distributed to retailers across the region at suspiciously low prices.

Officers conducted searches at eight locations: five liquor retailers in Chachoengsao Province, two residential buildings in Bangkok's Bang Khun Thian and Bang Bon districts used as production facilities and money collection points, and one warehouse in Samut Prakan Province.

The operation seized over 6,700 completed bottles of counterfeit foreign brand spirits and approximately 478,054 pieces of related equipment including bottle capping machines, packaging boxes, stickers, and bottle seals.

Three suspects were arrested: Abhiwat (surname withheld), age 37; Yupha (surname withheld), age 50; and Wuthichai (surname withheld), age 54. They face charges under the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 for possessing counterfeit trademarked goods for sale. All three initially denied knowledge that the goods were counterfeit, claiming ownership of legitimate products. Investigators remain unconvinced and continue expanding the investigation to pursue other network members, including financial backers, raw material suppliers, and distributors.

Rev. Lt. Yongyut Phoompredesha noted that this successful operation resulted from close coordination between the two agencies, preventing distribution of over 6,700 bottles of illegal imported spirits. Preliminary assessment indicates the government lost approximately 2.2 million baht in tax revenue, with distribution networks identified across eastern Thailand tourist areas.

The government is proceeding with structural reform of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports under Prime Minister Anupthane Chanweerakul's directive to create an independent Sports Ministry while integrating tourism operations with the Ministry of Culture.

On July 2, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phanthajareonwongkul disclosed to sports media that the establishment of a separate Sports Ministry has progressed clearly and concretely since he took office. The process has moved rapidly, and barring any setbacks, the Cabinet is expected to approve the operational framework at its Tuesday, July 7, 2026 meeting via the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC). The Sports Ministry will definitely become an independent entity, though tourism's planned merger with Culture initially raised questions about the combined ministry's name—whether it would be called the "Ministry of Culture and Tourism" or "Ministry of Tourism and Culture." After careful consultation among all stakeholders and comparison with ministry structures in other countries, the decision was made to call it the "Ministry of Culture and Tourism."

Surasak further noted that while the original three-year implementation roadmap could be significantly accelerated, potentially creating an independent Sports Ministry by end of 2025, he personally believes this timeline is too ambitious. The new Sports Ministry will more likely emerge in 2026. If the sports policy reform succeeds, sports will become an exceptionally important national priority for Thailand going forward. He expressed confidence that this restructured framework represents the correct direction.

CATIA LA MAR, Venezuela — A Venezuelan security guard has been rescued alive after spending eight days trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building following last week's devastating twin earthquakes.

The survivor, identified as Hernán Gil, was pulled from the ruins of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping centre in Catia La Mar after a rescue operation lasting more than 100 hours from the moment rescuers detected signs of life.

Gil had been trapped beneath an estimated 140 tonnes of rubble after the building collapsed during earthquakes on 24 June. Despite his ordeal, officials said he was in remarkably good condition. A Costa Rican Red Cross medic explained that Gil survived because he was inside a small concrete security booth in the basement car park when the building came down, which formed a protective pocket around him.

One rescuer reported that Gil had not even suffered a broken or torn fingernail. Another described the operation as one of the most technically complex rescue missions ever faced.

Rescue teams from Venezuela, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal and the United States participated in the effort. During the operation, crews supplied Gil with water, an IV drip, a face mask and protective goggles through a narrow opening. The rescue tunnel collapsed several times during the work, highlighting the danger faced by both Gil and the rescue workers.

A small camera eventually captured Gil looking toward rescuers, one eye reddened and his face covered by a protective mask. Despite his ordeal, Gil remained alert and even requested his preferred flavour of electrolyte drink. A Mexican Red Cross worker noted that Gil helped encourage the rescue team, telling them he was glad they had returned to stay with him.

The rescue came as Venezuela continued searching for survivors following the 24 June earthquakes, which have killed more than 2,000 people, injured thousands more and left many others missing.