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Community

Ariyadhamma Lokum the Sixth – Commemorating 12 Years Since the Passing of Khruba Boontha Yatikro

A memorial service on May 2, 2569, commemorated the 12th anniversary of the death of Khruba Boontha Yatikro, a revered Buddhist master and former abbot of Wat Chedi Sam Yod in Lamphun Province. Known for his calm demeanor, strict adherence to monastic discipline, and powerful spiritual blessings, Khruba Boontha dedicated his life to Buddhist practice and teaching throughout northern Thailand. His legacy as a respected teacher and spiritual guide continues to be honored by local communities and monks throughout the region.

1 May Khaosod

On Saturday, May 2, 2569, a memorial service commemorated 12 years since the passing of Khruba Boontha Yatikro, former abbot of Wat Chedi Sam Yod in Pa Sang District, Lamphun Province, a venerable Buddhist master of northern Thailand.

Born on June 22, 2475, in Nong Gerd village, Pa Sang District, Lamphun Province, he completed fourth grade education in his village school at age 11. His family then entrusted him to study under Khruba Sao of Wat Nong Gerd, an important spiritual teacher of Pa Sang District at that time. Khruba Sao taught him to read and write the Lanna script, practice chanting, and deliver dharma teachings until he became proficient and fluent.

At age 15, he entered the novice monastery, studied under Khruba Sao, and received instruction in meditation practice. At age 22, he received higher ordination and moved with Khruba Sao to oversee Wat Tha Tum. He spent the rainy season there studying with his preceptor and other monks, after which he traveled as a wandering monk throughout northern Thailand.

Four years later, he was invited to serve as abbot of Wat Hua Khwang, where he remained for more than ten years. Eventually desiring solitude, he resigned from the abbacy and traveled to Chiang Dao District to practice meditation alone in the forest.

Upon learning of Khruba Sao's death, he returned to pay respects. After the funeral, Khruba Som, the abbot of Wat Chedi Sam Yod and his senior fellow disciple, invited Khruba Boontha to stay for the rainy season to assist with temple development work.

When Khruba Som eventually passed away, Khruba Boontha, having earned the faith and reverence of the local community through his virtuous conduct and dedicated practice, was appointed as abbot of Wat Chedi Sam Yod, a position he maintained until his passing.

He was a monk of calm temperament, thoughtful demeanor, who carefully considered every word before speaking, maintained constant mindfulness, and showed compassion to all disciples. Simultaneously, he was firm and resolute in his monastic discipline, never failing in his daily chanting and meditation practice. He preferred solitude and rarely accepted social invitations.

When others attempted to document his biography, he spoke little and remarked that "I have no interesting stories—what would you do with them?" making it difficult to compile detailed accounts of his life.

He was a Buddhist preceptor who strictly adhered to the dharma and vinaya, studying Buddhist doctrine and various teachings according to the Buddha's way and the traditions of northern Thai masters. He was considered a venerable monk worthy of deep respect and faith.

Regarding amulets and sacred objects, he never formally commissioned any. Instead, those who created such objects would seek his blessing and consecration. Buddhist consecration ceremonies for amulets and sacred objects throughout northern Thailand regularly required his presence and blessings. Remarkably, he never created his own sacred objects.

During consecration ceremonies, he would hold amulets in his hand and rotate them in all directions throughout the ritual, surprising those who served him closely. Even before completing the full consecration chant, merely from his brief breathing patterns, those present would become confident in the efficacy of the blessed objects.

After concluding the brief ceremony, he would explain to his disciples: "To receive the power of Buddha's grace, Brahma's grace, and the devas' grace, as well as the merit of the bodhisattvas from the venerable teachers invited to participate in this ceremony, who surround this temple in all directions."

As a monk of exemplary conduct, when invited to perform ceremonies, he would apply himself with complete physical and mental dedication, focusing his consciousness and unwavering spiritual power to ensure the successful completion of the work.

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National

PM launches 'Thai Helps Thai' scheme, visits market

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul launched the "Thai Helps Thai" cost-of-living relief programme on May 1, offering everyday goods at discounted prices across 800+ districts nationwide, with the initiative rolling out through markets and m

1 May Khaosod

NONTHABURI — On May 1, 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul unveiled the "Thai Helps Thai" programme designed to help ease the cost of living, making a market visit in Nonthaburi where bargain merchandise attracted large crowds on opening day.

At 11:00, Anutin, who also holds the post of interior minister, walked through stalls at Bang Yai City Market alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthamphan and other government officials, inspecting and purchasing basic household items including cooking oil, rice and instant noodles.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Commerce and Interior ministries, provides goods at prices below market rates across more than 800 districts nationwide, with mobile trucks planned to bring items to communities in rural areas.

During the visit, an opposition People's Party lawmaker, Sutthat Meesiri, pushed the prime minister's shopping cart. Anutin invited him over and emphasized that the effort transcends party politics, stating that "people are helping one another," and the two posed together for photographs.

Observers noted that despite the oppressive heat, hundreds of shoppers and vendors turned out at the market. One vendor expressed frustration about economic hardship, asking whether officials had "made enough money" and calling on them to provide more assistance to struggling families.

Anutin sampled local dishes, including fish curry, durian and ice cream, and purchased fruit and ornamental fish, gifting some items to a young child at the market.

He also called officials in four provinces—Songkhla, Si Sa Ket, Trat and Chiang Mai—to monitor how the scheme was rolling out, instructing local authorities to maintain sufficient inventory and keep prices fair.

In remarks to journalists, Anutin explained that the programme aims to lower household costs by supplying everyday items at reduced prices while maintaining quality standards. He noted that savings come from cutting back on branding and marketing rather than reducing production quality.

The prime minister arrived at the event driving an electric vehicle, which drew the attention of onlookers eager to photograph its license plate.

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National

Extreme Challenge! 23-Year-Old German YouTuber Solves Rubik's Cube While Skydiving, Breaks World Record

German YouTuber Tom Kopke solved a Rubik's cube in 23.333 seconds while skydiving over South Africa, beating the previous world record by nearly five seconds.

1 May Khaosod

A 23-year-old German YouTuber has gone viral online after jumping from an airplane to attempt the extreme challenge of solving a Rubik's cube mid-air while skydiving, and successfully breaking the world record. The YouTuber in question is Tom Kopke, known online as @tooleko, who managed to solve the Rubik's cube in just 23.333 seconds while freefalling before safely deploying his parachute over Mossel Bay, South Africa last February. This achievement broke the previous world record of 28.25 seconds, which was set by Australian Sam Sieracki in 2023. Kopke revealed to Guinness World Records that he began practicing Rubik's cube solving at age 18 and trained continuously, eventually developing the idea to push his limits by attempting the puzzle mid-air. He explained that he had previously created unusual Rubik's cube challenge content and set a goal back then to eventually complete this mission while skydiving. However, this plan was delayed for a period since he didn't yet have a skydiving license, until he finally undertook serious training that culminated in this world record achievement. Kopke acknowledged that the greatest difficulty wasn't simply solving the cube itself, but rather controlling and holding it steady while descending from the sky, which carries a high risk of dropping it. He compared it to the baton pass in relay racing, where mistakes happen most easily.

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National

Jai Clinches Track Cycling Championship as Expected – Thai Cycling Association Identifies Youth Prospects for 2026 Youth Olympics

General Decha Mekraksri, president of the Thai Cycling Association, presided over the second round of Thailand's national track cycling championships, where Jai Angsuthasarawit won the men's keirin championship as expected. The association will use this competition and an upcoming youth games event to identify and prepare cyclists aged 15-17 for Thailand's participation in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

1 May Khaosod

The second round of Thailand's national track cycling championships for the Queen Sirikit Trophy took place from May 1-3, 2025 at the Velodrome stadium within the Sports Authority of Thailand in Huamark. The opening ceremony on May 1 was presided over by General Decha Mekraksri, vice president of the Asian Cycling Confederation, president of the Asean Cycling Federation, and president of the Thai Cycling Association. The event was livestreamed on Facebook Live and YouTube through Thailand Cycling Association and TCA Channel, attracting over 8,000 viewers.

Following the opening, General Decha announced that the cycling association will evaluate athletes aged 15-17 to prepare for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for October 31-November 13 at Senegal. While cycling traditionally featured only road events at youth Olympics, the host may add track cycling, prompting Thailand's preparation. Young athletes are also using this competition to test their skills before the 41st National Youth Sports Games in Surat Thani from May 7-17.

General Decha emphasized that cyclists accumulating the highest scores across all five rounds will become Thailand's national champions and receive the royal trophy, bringing honor to themselves, their families, and educational institutions. Despite economic pressures from rising fuel costs, many cycling clubs sent numerous athletes to compete and develop their riders. The public is invited to watch the three-day competition livestreamed on Facebook Live and YouTube.

On the first day, the second round awarded 15 gold medals. Notable results include: Men's open keirin champion Jai Angsuthasarawit from Fisherman Friends Rama 3 team and Thai national squad won as expected; Women's open elimination champion Kanyadet Noi Kaew from the Ministry of Defence team (Thai national squad); and under-23 women's elimination champion Gavinart Krueathong from HCCT by Uncle Theng Pump team and Thai national squad.

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Police

Thai police arrest suspect in serial killings of homeless

Police in Chiang Mai arrested a 31-year-old homeless man on April 30 who confessed to murdering three other homeless men, including one whose body he burned to conceal the crime.

1 May Khaosod

CHIANG MAI — On May 1, 2026, police in northern Thailand arrested a 31-year-old serial killer who confessed to murdering three homeless men in separate incidents and burning one body to conceal the crime, according to authorities.

At a 10:30 press briefing on May 1, 2026, Provincial Police Region 5 commander Lt. Gen. Kritthaphon Yeesakhon announced that the suspect was captured on the evening of April 30, 2026, near Chang Phueak Market in Chiang Mai. The suspect, identified as Panhae Pooli, was arrested with items believed to have been used in the crimes, including clothing and personal belongings that appeared in surveillance footage.

The investigation began after Chang Phueak police station received a report at 8:15 on April 29, 2026, of a burned body discovered under Rattanakosin Bridge in Chiang Mai. The victim, a 51-year-old homeless man from Mae Hong Son province, had suffered a stab wound to the neck before being set on fire.

A second body was found at 11:13 on April 30, 2026, beneath Khrua Sali Wiang Ping Bridge in the same city. The 46-year-old homeless victim showed injuries and bleeding from the mouth.

Investigators connected these cases to an earlier killing on January 7, 2026, in Chiang Rai, where another homeless man was beaten to death near Singhaklai Road.

Police identified the suspect through CCTV footage showing a man wearing a black sleeveless shirt, red elephant-patterned trousers, and trainers near multiple crime scenes. He was later identified as also being homeless.

Authorities said the suspect confessed to all three murders. He faces charges of intentional murder and concealing a body to obscure the cause of death, and has been transferred to investigators for legal proceedings. Police said the investigation is continuing.

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National

Royal Blessing Ceremony – His Majesty Bestows Sacred Water for the Funeral Rites of Phra Rajveeraphon at Wat Sri Boon Ruang

His Majesty the King bestowed sacred water for the funeral rites of Phra Rajveeraphon, the highly respected former abbot of Wat Sri Boon Ruang in Loei province. The distinguished monk, known for his exemplary conduct and dedication to Buddhist education and monastic discipline, served as a spiritual leader and development monk throughout his life. The ceremonial blessing was attended by high-ranking government officials, ecclesiastical leaders, and members of the Buddhist community.

1 May Khaosod

His Majesty the King has bestowed sacred water for the funeral rites of the late Phra Rajveeraphon (Saor Aphinan-o), the former provincial ecclesiastical advisor of Loei and former abbot of Wat Sri Boon Ruang, accompanied by a solid gold coffin decorated with insignia. The ceremony was held at the Sala Ruam Jai Pattana on the second floor of Wat Sri Boon Ruang in Kud Pong subdistrict, Muang district, Loei province, presided over by Phra Thammakunaphon (Keng Asapho), provincial ecclesiastical advisor for Region 8 at Wat Trimitvitthayaram. In attendance were Chaiyapoj Joroompong, Loei provincial governor; Lertsakdi Pattanachaigul, MP for Loei District 1 and second deputy speaker of parliament; and Brigadier General Prasert Singkhrakiao, commander of the 28th Military Region.

Phra Rajveeraphon (Saor Aphinan-o) was a venerable monk known for his exemplary conduct and compassionate heart, serving as a spiritual refuge for the Buddhist community of Loei. He was devoted to developing human resources through the principle of lifelong learning and was a true development monk who dedicated himself entirely to Buddhism.

Born on April 17, 1934, he was ordained at age 20 in 1954 at Wat Aran Waset in Roi Et province. A dedicated scholar who loved both worldly and religious texts, he earned numerous Buddhist education certifications including bachelor's, master's, and doctorate levels in Buddhist studies from Wat Chai Mongkol, as well as advanced Dharma studies from various institutions. He completed a degree in Buddhist Studies from Maha Chulalongkorn Buddhist University's Loei campus in 2005.

In his ecclesiastical career, he was appointed district sangha leader of Muang Loei in 1972, assistant provincial sangha leader in 1977, abbot of Wat Sri Boon Ruang in 2000, and provincial sangha leader of Loei in 2006. He served as provincial ecclesiastical advisor from 2016 onwards. He received the monastic title of Phra Ratchakana (Ordinary Grade) as Phra Ratnakaowi and was subsequently elevated to Phra Rajveeraphon (Royal Grade) in 2007.

In 1970, Phra Rajveeraphon moved to Wat Sri Boon Ruang in Kud Pong district to teach Pali Buddhist scriptures, as there was a shortage of qualified Pali instructors at that time. He maintained strict adherence to Buddhist discipline and monastic codes throughout his life, establishing regulations for the monks under his governance including daily morning and evening chanting and regular Uposatha ceremonies.

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National

Saturday Fresh – 'Fern' Pairs with 'Tor' in Intense New Film 'Blood Love Killer'

Netflix is launching a new action-romantic-drama film called "Blood Love Killer," featuring Fern Pimchanok Luewisetpaiboon and Tor Thanapob Leeratanakajorn in leading roles. The story follows Lan, a Vietnamese girl with rare blood hunted by assassins, who grows up with Pran in an elite assassination family and must fight to protect those she loves and break free from her fate. The film blends intense action sequences with romantic drama, exploring themes of love, family bonds, and loyalty across different relationship types.

1 May Khaosod

Netflix presents a new action-romantic-drama film titled "Blood Love Killer," produced by 'Jeeb' Wanthana Veeriyavorrathan and 'Bew' Orporn Atchasmirth, directed by 'Kuei' Taweevat Vanda, with Thananucha Ibrahim as producer and Wanthana Veeriyavorrathan as screenwriter.

'Fern' Pimchanok Luewisetpaiboon plays 'Lan,' a woman with rare blood who refuses to surrender to fate, opposite 'Tor' Thanapob Leeratanakajorn as 'Pran,' the true heir to the House 89 assassination family. 'Porsche' Shivakorn Edulsutti plays 'M,' an orphan raised alongside Pran and Lan. Also featured are Tony Raktaen as 'Pruk,' a hunter of rare artifacts, and 'Chai' Chatchatyod Hirunyathasidhi as 'Po,' the commanding officer of the House 89 assassination family.

"Blood Love Killer" tells the story of Lan, a Vietnamese girl with a rare blood type, hunted by Pruk, an assassin who coldly murdered her parents. When Po, leader of the House 89 assassination family, captures her and hides her in Thailand, Lan grows up alongside Pran, Po's biological son, and M, another orphan Po adopted. Pran is tasked with protecting Lan, and their closeness gradually transforms into a deep relationship. However, their happiness shatters when Pruk finds Lan and seeks her blood again. Fueled by vengeance against the man who killed her parents and determined not to be victimized again, Lan decides to fight alongside the people she loves to break free from her role as prey.

Director 'Kuei' Taweevat Vanda, known for his horror films, stated: "I actually grew up with romantic films and action films too. This is something I wanted to do but nobody saw. I must thank Jeeb Wanthana and Bew Orphorn. This story is a fun mixture. We had to create chemistry between the romantic, drama, and action elements so perfectly balanced that we couldn't drop any part of it. For the action sequences, I used a raw and realistic style with bare-hand fight scenes, gunfight scenes, and fights in tight spaces."

'Tor' Thanapob shared: "This is an intense and demanding action role, so the actor's stamina is crucial. We had to prepare physically, assess our performance limits, and prioritize safety—not just for the actors but for the entire crew. Since I prepared so intensely, I wanted to perform the stunts myself, so I worked hard to minimize the use of stunt doubles."

'Porsche' Shivakorn added: "The action in this film is brutal. Since M grew up fighting from childhood, her combat adapts to each situation and varies scene by scene. I learned the craft of stunts—fighting for the camera with various techniques, including calculating weight and rotation timing. The stunt team and director worked together to make our movements smooth, natural, and even more fun."

The director further revealed: "Beyond action, this film showcases love in many forms—romantic love, familial love, and most importantly, love and relationships that transcend bloodlines, much like the bonds within House 89, where everyone grows up together and stands ready to fight and protect one another."

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Community

Gold Casting Artisan Clarifies 50-Baht Golden Buddha Relic: Insists Work Was Completed and Handed Over, Requests Internal Inspection

A master goldsmith denies switching a 50-baht golden Buddha relic with brass, claiming he completed the work and handed it over to the temple in 2016, and has requested the relic be cut open for internal inspection to prove it contains gold

1 May Khaosod

On November 1, 2025, a master goldsmith from a casting workshop released a statement regarding the case where a customer brought in a golden Buddha relic weighing nearly 50 baht for inspection, only to discover that the gold donated by relatives had turned into brass worth only 2-3% of the original weight. The artisan explained that around 2016, after completing an earlier Buddha statue casting, he proceeded to cast a new golden relic using approximately 50 baht of gold donated by local residents. However, due to insufficient gold to completely fill the mold on the day of the ceremony, he poured what he had and then gave the mold to the abbot for safekeeping. The Buddha statue was later returned to the workshop for finishing, and an additional brass relic was cast—the same piece now making headlines. The artisan then brought this back to the temple with a melting pot to remelt the gold that remained unfilled in the original mold and complete it properly, pouring the melted gold into the brass relic before sealing it with plaster and handing it to the abbot. The casting master stated he cannot understand why reports claim the workshop switched pieces with a counterfeit, and requested that the relic be cut open for internal inspection to verify whether it contains gold inside. If it is indeed the same piece, he believes the inspection would clear his name.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Cabinet to Approve Expansion of School Milk Program to Grade 9 to Address Oversupply Crisis

Thailand's agriculture ministry plans to expand its school milk program through Grade 9 to tackle a dairy oversupply crisis affecting farmers, with Cabinet approval expected within 30 days.

1 May Khaosod

The Deputy Agriculture Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives has announced plans to expand the school milk program after chairing a meeting with dairy cooperative representatives to address milk distribution quotas. Two key issues emerged from dairy farmers: allocation criteria for school milk quotas and the problem of excess milk inventory in the system. The ministry is preparing documentation to submit to the Cabinet for approval to extend the school milk program through Grade 9, aiming to increase milk consumption and ease farmers' hardship within a 30-day timeframe. The minister stated he is setting a 30-day target to resolve the oversupply crisis and is urgently engaging multiple agencies, including state funds, state enterprises, and private companies, to purchase milk for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled persons.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Sky and Nani Excited as Series Nears Release, Thank Fans for Support – Sky Forgets Passport

Actors Sky Wongravee and Nani Hiranyakrit are counting down to the May 5th premiere of their action series "WU" on GMM25, thanking fans for their support after appearing at a CentralWorld event. Sky humorously recounted nearly missing his f

1 May Khaosod

Actors Sky Wongravee and Nani Hiranyakrit are thrilled as their series "WU" approaches its premiere date. On April 30th, both appeared at the "Punthai Everything is Possible: Family Day" event at CentralWorld as the latest Punthai presenters, sharing their excitement about the upcoming release and thanking fans for their warm reception.

The series "WU" will premiere on May 5th, airing every Tuesday at 8:30 PM on GMM25, with same-day replays available on VIU at 9:30 PM. Both actors expressed gratitude to fans and the production team, noting they gave their full effort to action sequences to deliver the best possible work.

Sky shared a humorous account of his near-disaster during their China filming trip. He explained that his original passport went missing, so he rushed to get an emergency replacement. Just as he was heading to the airport for the flight to China, his old passport mysteriously reappeared. Realizing he'd brought the reported-lost passport by mistake, he had to rush back home to retrieve the correct one. He made it back to the airport at 9:30 AM for a 10 AM flight—barely in time.

Regarding the action sequences, Nani noted that his fighting scenes required precise timing and coordination, making it physically demanding. He emphasized that while they aimed for visually impressive choreography, safety remained the top priority. Sky's character involves different types of action, focusing more on ceremonial movements and mental concentration rather than intense physical combat. Both actors acknowledged significant physical soreness from the demanding action work, but expressed excitement about sharing the finished product with fans.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Community

Wave Sarin and Bung Bai Jade Open Up About Their Love Life: Didn't Know He Was a Hotel Owner, Overcoming 'My Love Isn't Pleased'

Thai celebrities Wave Sarin and Bung Bai Jade revealed how they overcame family disapproval and relationship struggles, including arguments that left Bung emotionally traumatized, during an appearance on Club Friday Show.

1 May Khaosod

Wave Sarin and his wife Bung Bai Jade opened up about their love story on the Club Friday Show produced by CHANGE2561. They revealed that when they first met, Bung had no idea Wave owned a hotel and thought he was joking. As the family's most treasured daughter, she faced significant obstacles, with family members expressing disapproval saying "my love isn't pleased." Bung also shared that during one period, she was so heavily infatuated with Wave that she would become nauseous seeing his face, which stemmed from intense arguments between them.

When asked how they first met, Wave joked about past life connections, while Bung made humorous remarks. Wave explained that when he first met her, he didn't even know she was a hotel owner's daughter and didn't take it seriously, thinking he was joking. After learning the truth, everything changed dramatically.

Regarding family acceptance, Bung described how about a month into dating, Wave came to greet her parents. As the family's most treasured daughter, her mother was protective and concerned about whether he might harm her. Her father rarely spoke, and before the wedding, the family called him "Bung's friend," later changing it to "Wave" because they couldn't remember his name. Only her older brother Beer was strongly opposed and didn't speak to Wave for two years.

Bung admitted she was heavily attached to Wave before marriage and having children, calling and texting him every 15 to 30 minutes. When asked how her deep infatuation turned into nausea when seeing him, Wave explained it resulted from their arguments, during which he would raise his voice uncontrollably. Bung revealed that after he threw things at her, she experienced panic attacks and depression, leading to nausea and breathing difficulties. She developed anxiety, especially during rainstorms, and her emotional state became increasingly fragile, eventually leading to unpredictable mood swings.

Follow Wave Sarin and Bung Bai Jade's life and love story on Club Friday Show, airing Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 AM on Channel One31, with replays available on YouTube at CHANGE2561.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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