On May 12, 2025, General Chaiyapruks Duangprathet, Chief of the Royal Thai Army and Commander of the Army Operations Center, conducted an on-site inspection of the Sai Yok border checkpoint area in Buriram Province to monitor security operations and evaluate safety measures in the region.

He subsequently visited and offered encouragement to Aphirak Butphet at his residence in Ban Kwad District, Buriram Province, following an incident in which both men encountered an armed group of Cambodian soldiers while gathering forest products. The encounter raised concerns among local residents living near the border.

The Army Chief directed the Suranari Command to adjust military deployment appropriately, deploy enhanced border surveillance equipment and support systems, and install additional monitoring devices to improve operational effectiveness and ensure comprehensive area coverage. He also ordered all units to maintain maximum readiness of personnel and equipment, capable of protecting national sovereignty and ensuring public safety at all times, in accordance with policies prioritizing security along all Thai border areas.

Victorina Himeji, a Japanese volleyball club, has confirmed its separation from Thai national volleyball player Chatchachon Moksoree, known as 'Boombim,' after three seasons of partnership. The club announced that the 26-year-old player will depart at the end of the 2025-26 season. Since joining Victorina Himeji in 2023, Chatchachon has supported the team with her brilliant smile and powerful playing skills. The club expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating: "We are sad to announce that Chatchachon Moksoree will leave our team at the end of the 2025-26 season. Throughout the three seasons she has been with us, she has continuously dedicated herself to the team, and we all wish her continued success on her new journey. Thank you, BB."

In response, Chatchachon shared through the club's announcement: "I have decided to leave the club. Thank you for all the encouragement throughout these three seasons. I have spent wonderful time at this outstanding club and feel I have grown greatly as a person. I have always received support from our fans. Winning the V2 Division championship and promotion to the SV League, along with capturing the Emperor's & Empress's Cup in 2024 together with the team and fans, are invaluable experiences I will never forget in my volleyball career. None of this would have been possible without the support of our fans and sponsors. I am grateful to the coaches, staff, and all my teammates who have always taken care of me. Please continue supporting Victorina Himeji, a team I love very much. Thank you so much."

Lucky and Unlucky Days Wednesday, May 13, 2025 Horoscope by Hor Busaban

Aries: Today you may receive unexpected windfalls that come without your knowledge. Your studies and research will see complete success. You may travel in various ways and receive excellent assistance from people from other regions. Importantly, maintain humble manners always, otherwise people may easily become annoyed.

Taurus: Today you may feel discouraged about work despite rewards waiting for you. You're not enthusiastic about them. Using your authority to pressure those beneath you, while not ideal, is something you can do since you've given them advantages before. You'll have income from work and retail business transactions.

Gemini: You shouldn't invite too many people into your home beyond what you can manage properly, as you won't know who is trustworthy and may face uncontrollable conflicts. Even contractors or workers improving your home should be monitored carefully. However, enemies won't have the strength to harm you.

Cancer: Today you'll work with greater decisiveness. There are special tasks involving academic work, education, or document translation and contract preparation. You're drawn to making new friends or joining associations with new people. Expenses decrease, but expected profits fall far short of your hopes. Stock and lottery play result in losses.

Leo: Whatever you undertake today succeeds because you receive excellent help from elders. There are no conflicts with anyone over interests or authority. Those in relationships will introduce their partners to their family. Single people will have relatives introduce them to someone they'll like. Travel, whether near or far, will bring personal or material gain.

Virgo: Today you'll discover something hidden among your friend group meant to disturb your friendship. Be cautious about being too decisive at work as you may create cunning enemies. Your dependents may need to travel for further study or long journeys—support them whether by necessity or choice.

Libra: You'll receive good news from afar, but nearby news isn't so good. Some important belongings have gone missing and you won't find them again. New plans are emerging in your workplace. Mysteries remain mostly unclear at this stage. Someone unwise may entice you into injury or illness.

Scorpio: You shouldn't provoke or antagonize mentally unstable people. Work involving documents requires extreme care, as mistakes could cost you significant income. You may gain a new foreign friend of a different language whom you'll like very much. You may travel and encounter strange or mysterious situations.

Sagittarius: Whatever you do or express will likely face opposition or criticism. If someone speaks badly of you, don't hold a grudge or extend the conflict, as responding will cause greater loss to you. Work progresses smoothly with good income from multiple sources.

Capricorn: When you give things to others, they often don't truly appreciate your kindness. If someone invites you to travel far, you shouldn't go as you may face hardship or illness. Don't eat food offered by others as it may not suit your constitution at this time. An important dependent may be affected.

On Friday, May 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., His Majesty graciously appointed Air Chief Marshal Chom Rungsawang, a royal advisor, to present a certificate of rank, fan, and three-colored cloth to Venerable Phra Thepvichiryan Sundhorn at Wat Phutthavanaram (Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen) in Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province.

The Sovereign issued a royal charter on April 16, 2026, elevating the venerable to the rank of Phra Racha Khana Chadnimitti with the royal title 'Phra Thepvichiryan Sundhorn Bowordhammapani Siribhawananustittha Mahakanissara Buworsangkharam Kamwasi,' of the Vipassana tradition, currently stationed at Wat Mahachai Royal Monastery in Maha Sarakham Province, with five subordinate temples registered under his name.

The Director of the National Office of Buddhism assigned Supathorn Muangmaj, Director of the Buddhist Education Division, along with officials from the National Office of Buddhism and the Maha Sarakham Provincial Buddhist Office, to participate in the ceremony and assist with sangha affairs.

Venerable Phra Thepvichiryan Sundhorn, formerly known as Suriyant Wanasasub, is a renowned Buddhist scholar from Maha Sarakham, tracing his spiritual lineage from the late Venerable Luang Pu Kamphan Kosobunyo, a celebrated meditation master from Nakhon Phanom Province.

Currently 47 years old with 27 years of monastic service, he serves as the abbot of Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen in Geung Sub-district, Mueang District, and as assistant abbot of Wat Mahachai Royal Monastery. Born on February 13, 1979, in Maha Sarakham Province to parents Thongchai and Lamun, he was ordained at age 15 at Wat Don Kloi in Kalasin Province.

He was fully ordained on April 17, 1999, and subsequently traveled throughout Northeast Thailand's forests seeking spiritual advancement. Learning of Luang Pu Kamphan's reputation, he became his student and studied advanced meditation techniques, ancient scriptures, and sacred amulet-making rituals for four years.

In 2006, after returning to Maha Sarakham, devoted followers invited him to establish Wat Phutthavanaram (Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen), which has flourished through the patronage of donors. The temple features remarkable permanent structures, including the nation's largest wooden dharma hall, constructed entirely from hardwood.

Venerable Master Luang Pho Neuang Govidho, formally known as Phra Kru Govidh Samutkun of Wat Chula Mani in Bang Chiang Subdistrict, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province, was a highly esteemed Buddhist monk whose original name was Neuang Tao Suwanna. Born on February 14, 1909, in Klong Yai Village, Phraek Nam Daeng Subdistrict, Amphawa District, he completed his primary education through fourth grade at Wat Bang Kapo School in 1920. At age 23, he was ordained on July 29, 1932, at Wat Bang Kapo, with Luang Pho Kong Thammacho serving as his preceptor, Luang Pho Chaem Solos as his ceremonial instructor, and Phra Ajarn Plong as his exemplary teacher.

He pursued Buddhist scriptural studies and achieved the highest examination rank in 1936, while simultaneously mastering meditation and esoteric practices under prestigious masters including Luang Pho Kong of Wat Bang Kapo—who created one of the five most sought-after amulet sets in Thai history—as well as Luang Pho Chaem of Wat Chula Mani and Luang Pu Chai of Wat Sadet, famous for his legendary protective tapers. This distinguished lineage of teachers exemplified his profound spiritual knowledge and exceptional power within the Buddhist tradition.

Venerated by devotees throughout Samut Songkhram and neighboring provinces, Luang Pho Neuang dedicated his life to developing Wat Chula Mani and its community. He received his first ecclesiastical rank as Phra Kru Sanyabat Tri in 1933 and was promoted to Phra Kru Sanyabat Tho in the Vipassana lineage in 1974. Wat Chula Mani itself is an ancient temple, believed constructed between 1629-1647 during the reign of King Prasatthong, originally named Wat Mae Chao Thip. As a historically significant temple related to the Chakri Dynasty's Bang Chiang branch, it had deteriorated over time, but Luang Pho Neuang oversaw its restoration into a magnificent and complete facility, notably the four-sided marble hall measuring 40 meters wide, 80 meters long, and 10 meters high, with construction valued at tens of millions of baht. The foundation stone was laid on August 15, 1968, by the Supreme Patriarch.

In early 1987, Luang Pho Neuang's health declined, and he passed away peacefully at 6:20 a.m. on November 27, 1987, at Sammitivet Hospital, at the age of 78 (56 in Buddhist years).

The most popular amulet associated with Luang Pho Neuang is the "Sitting Table Coin Edition," created in B.E. 2511 in a limited run of 2,000 pieces in copper only. According to accounts, Luang Pho Neuang commissioned his disciples to design the first amulet edition for Wat Chula Mani, though his first coin was actually issued at Wat Prasatbunyawat in Bangkok in 1964. Initially designed as a full-length seated figure, Luang Pho Neuang disapproved and requested a half-length version instead, with only limited numbers of the full-length edition distributed.

The new model debuted at the recent motor show and has received positive reception. The new Nissan Kicks e-Power features a completely redesigned exterior and comprehensive safety enhancements, including ProPILOT driver assistance system to help reduce stress from congested city traffic.

To familiarize drivers with the new design, overall performance, and safety features, PR representative Kamlachon Charoencindaratana organized a test drive at an EV testing facility in Rayong province for electric vehicles, connected vehicles, and autonomous driving.

The testing began with an introduction to the vehicle's exterior design. The all-new exterior features Nissan's distinctive V-Motion grille, sleek redesigned headlights, and three-arrow shaped daytime running lights that enhance the modern aesthetic. The side profile conveys SUV strength with solid proportions and sharp lines that add a fresh, energetic feel. The rear features minimalist line design with large KICKS badging and hexagonal taillights characteristic of Nissan SUVs.

Inside, the new display supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A 7-inch TFT instrument cluster with digital speedometer adds modern appeal with clear graphics. The rear-view mirror can switch between actual mirror and rear camera footage. The driver's seat adjusts electrically in six directions, and the leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel features wireless smartphone charging.

The new Nissan Kicks e-Power uses a 1.2-liter Euro 6 compliant engine that generates electricity stored in a battery, which powers the motor to drive the vehicle. This delivers an electric driving feel without requiring behavior changes, as it still uses conventional fuel.

Nissan's team simulated various driving conditions at multiple test stations. Starting with normal driving on straight roads and diverse curves, the 136-horsepower, 280 Newton-meter motor provides smooth continuous power. Acceleration is responsive like an electric vehicle but with slight delay, making vehicle control easier.

One notable change is the remarkable quietness inside the cabin—regardless of road type or speed, the interior remains consistently quiet.

On smooth highways at higher speeds, there's no wandering sensation. Cornering feel after the first turn isn't particularly sharp, so lighter braking helped increase confidence.

Next was testing the ProPILOT system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic distance maintenance from the vehicle ahead. The system maintains speed, distance from the car in front, automatic stop and start, and keeps the vehicle centered in the lane. If the vehicle drifts out of lane, the system provides gentle warnings and steering assistance. The driver must maintain hand contact with the steering wheel. Both systems work seamlessly together, providing smooth, fluid acceleration, braking, and steering inputs.

Finally came testing the rear collision prevention system and automatic braking when reversing, which emits warning sounds when obstacles are detected behind the vehicle during parking and provides alerts when approaching dangerous points. If the driver hasn't braked at critical moments, the system activates automatic braking.