This article explores Buddhist amulets and sacred coins created by renowned monks across Thailand. Luang Pho Naen Posso, a legendary Kanchanaburi abbot, created popular 'Phra Somdej' powder amulets around B.E. 2510, reportedly mixing morning-fallen Pukul flowers and sacred powder combined by hand, available in two sizes emphasizing compassion and featuring Phra Somdej designs on three-tiered bases with the syllables "Na Ma Pa Ta" inscribed. Kruba Phat Phusitdhamma created commemorative coins in B.E. 2527 for his 60th birthday ordination ceremony at Wat Sri Don Muang in Chiang Mai, produced in gold (108 coins), silver (500 coins), and copper (5,000 coins), with his portrait on the obverse and Lanna script "Namo Buddhaya" on the reverse. Luang Pho Khluap Sangworthamma of Wat Nong Kradi in Uthai Thani had coins created in B.E. 2539 by the Uthai Thani Lions Club to benefit the underprivileged, featuring his half-length portrait in yellow robes and a four-directional Yantra with Khmer script on the reverse, blessed on September 8, B.E. 2539. Luang Pho Toh Kangkasuvanno, a revered master of powerful children's amulets at Wat Sam Ngam in Nakhon Pathom, created his first-edition coins in B.E. 2486, produced as ancient-style stamps featuring his portrait wearing shoulder-draped robes on the obverse and a Buddha image in elegant pose surrounded by five ancient characters on the reverse, found in rare copper and silver versions.

Border area traders in Ban Krud District, Buriram Province are growing anxious as tensions escalate again along the Thai-Cambodian border, raising fears of a third armed conflict. Following two previous clashes, merchants have significantly reduced their purchases of raw materials—cutting investments nearly in half—due to uncertainty about whether fighting will erupt again and force them to evacuate, repeating the losses they suffered in the two previous clashes.

Nang Phaeng, 65, who operates a food stall, expressed her fears about a potential third round of conflict, which she desperately hopes will not happen. She revealed that the two previous clashes caused her immense hardship: beyond financial losses, she lost all income, couldn't afford her vehicle's installment payments and had it repossessed, and accumulated debt exceeding 100,000 baht from borrowing to purchase inventory. Although business has resumed, her daily sales have plummeted from 3,000-4,000 baht to just 1,000-2,000 baht, barely covering her debts. With tensions rising again, she has further reduced raw material purchases, fearing another outbreak of violence, and is pleading with the government to resolve the situation.

Ms. Laddaporn, a roasted chicken vendor, echoed similar concerns, saying she has reduced raw material purchases by nearly half due to uncertainty about whether fighting will resume. She suffered significant losses in both previous conflicts, and although she has resumed selling, her revenue has been cut in half compared to before. She hopes that if a third clash occurs, authorities will resolve it decisively without a fourth round, as border merchants and residents have already suffered enough.

Chan Ta Thale Waterfall is a large waterfall situated in the Khao Khiao-Khao Chomphu Wildlife Sanctuary in Bang Phra subdistrict, Si Racha district, Chachoengsao province. The waterfall is exceptionally beautiful, especially during the rainy season when water volume increases significantly. This area is a lush forest serving as the headwater source for Bang Phra Reservoir and represents Chachoengsao province's last remaining forest area that maintains its ecological integrity and biodiversity.

Chan Ta Thale Waterfall consists of five tiers spanning approximately one kilometer to the highest point, with each tier clearly marked: Tier 1 is Nen Ta Thale, Tier 2 is Hub Ta Thale, Tier 3 is Chan Ta Thale, Tier 4 is Si Hluan, and Tier 5 is a restricted forest headwater zone. The most spectacular is Tier 4, best visited during the rainy season (August-November) when water volume is high and the atmosphere is lush and cool.

Each waterfall tier features abundant rocky outcrops with diverse plant species including ferns, rattan, wild vegetables, bamboo varieties, mushrooms, and colorful fungi. The area is home to various wildlife such as hornbills, wild boar, squirrels, gibbons, woodpeckers, palm civets, flying lemurs, and multicolored butterflies, as well as a large freshwater crab species inhabiting the mountain waterfall.

The name "Chan Ta Thale" has no recorded origin, but local legend claims a young monk once fell from a cliff while visiting the waterfall. The waterfall was originally named "Chan Ta Nen" (Monk's Tier) but the name evolved into "Chan Ta Thale" over time.

This attraction has been developed into a premier tourism destination where families enjoy picnicking by the waterfall, swimming, and relaxing. Wildlife sanctuary officials provide maintenance and visitor assistance. A tent camping area is available at the base, along with shops and service facilities.

The waterfall is located approximately 15 kilometers from Sukhumvit Highway or 20 kilometers from Si Racha, accessible via Highway 3144 towards Wat Khao Mai Daeng. After reaching the parking area, visitors must walk an additional 700 meters. Songthaew taxis are available from Bang Phra Market.

Those interested in organizing youth conservation camps should contact the Khao Khiao Wildlife Development and Conservation Station, P.O. Box 10, Bang Phra, Si Racha, Chachoengsao 20210, or call 06-4735-1024.

Open daily 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Admission: Thai adults 30 baht, Thai children 20 baht, foreign adults 200 baht, foreign children 100 baht. Vehicle fees: cars 60 baht, motorcycles 30 baht, vehicles 6 wheels and up 100 baht, vehicles 10 wheels and up 200 baht. Tent camping: 30 baht per site per night. RV parking: non-towed 300 baht, towed 600 baht, tent-roof RV 200 baht per night. Cash payment only.

ICON Siam invites visitors to view artworks by emerging student artists at the GRAD AND GLOW ARTS THESIS SHOWCASE 2026, featuring the thesis project "DAP Thesis exhibition 2: the turning point(s)" by fourth-year students from the Department of Applied Art Education, Faculty of Decorative Arts at Silpakorn University for the 2025 academic year. The exhibition runs from May 11-22, 2026 at ICON Art & Culture Space on the 8th floor of ICON Siam.

The event is graced by renowned female street artist Prinyada Sirisinsuk (Benzilla), celebrated for her distinctive LOOOK character, who will share her experience under the theme "From studio to the World" and offer guidance to budding artists pursuing their creative paths.

"The Turning Point(s)," the central theme of this thesis project, represents both an ending and a beginning in the students' creative journeys. The exhibited works convey perspectives that reflect their potential, determination, and accumulated knowledge throughout their studies. Diverse and distinctive techniques are woven together through thoughtful processes, experiences, and personal identity, each leading to different paths.

Students recognize the importance of sharing their art with the broader public, particularly in the digital era where media and platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for artworks and artists to reach audiences. This exhibition represents a crucial opportunity for students to showcase their full potential while introducing the public to the field of applied art education. This thesis project transcends a mere display of finished works—it demonstrates the creative thinking, individuality, and potential of a new generation in the art world, marking an important starting point in their development as fully-fledged creative artists.

The exhibition presents diverse artistic forms, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, textile art, Thai art, and contemporary art. Rather than serving merely as a conclusion to their studies, it opens the door to a new chapter where each artist creates with full passion, reflecting the distinctive voices of their generation.

This exhibition thus stands as an important milestone in a journey of growth and learning, with hope that it will contribute to advancing the art world solidly along the path ahead.

Mother Vibhada Chantam, 59, tearfully recounts the agonizing moments following the train-bus collision at the Makkasan railway crossing on Asoke-Dindaeng Road, where her 25-year-old daughter Rose remains missing. On May 16, while Vibhada was at home in Ubon Ratchathani province, her daughter's smartwatch continuously buzzed with notifications, creating an unsettling sense of dread. Despite numerous attempts to call her daughter, Vibhada could not reach her until rescue workers answered the phone and informed her of the accident.

Vibhada recalls watching her daughter's final social media post showing her seated on the bus with her bag on her lap, leaving uncertainty about whether her daughter was holding her phone or had placed it elsewhere. The mother flew from Ubon Ratchathani to Bangkok desperately searching hospitals for information, clinging to hope that her daughter might have survived or been admitted elsewhere. However, rescue workers indicated that among the final three deceased victims was a small, thin-bodied figure resembling her daughter's frame, filling Vibhada with unbearable anguish.

Vibhada shared that her daughter was hardworking with dreams of saving money to return home and care for her mother, having recently graduated with honors from Kasetsart University. Though she worried constantly about her daughter's commute in Bangkok, she took pride in her daughter's intelligence and careful nature, making this tragedy even more incomprehensible. The grieving mother pleaded for a miracle, hoping her daughter might have somehow survived, while fighting back tears and raising her hands in prayer for divine protection.

Po Anuphap, an entertainer increasingly recognized for his spiritual devotion, has shared the origins of his faith in Thao Wessuwanna. After traveling to film programs and visit sacred sites, he learned about the deity through various experiences and elder guidance that Thao Wessuwanna is the guardian of treasures, protector from danger, and one of the Four Heavenly Kings. This led him to seriously study the history and develop genuine faith, ultimately joining the "Jade Tiger Team" to spread this spiritual power.

Po explained that he currently worships Thao Wessuwanna Naa Thep, the compassionate manifestation distinguished for great compassion, negotiation, commerce, and fortune—qualities well-suited to entertainment work requiring constant human interaction. He feels the deity not only protects him but also enhances his charm and appeal to others. Since beginning sincere worship, his life has transformed noticeably, particularly regarding opportunities and work. Hosting gigs, singing performances, and shows have flowed continuously, with everything turning to gold. He has also gained clarity and confidence in decision-making and problem-solving, leading many to call this his "golden year."

Po also revealed how he joined the "Jade Tiger Team" through shared faith, after meeting team leaders and experiencing their commitment to creating auspicious artwork aligned with Buddhist principles and imbued with sacred power. When discussing the goal of bringing Thao Wessuwanna's blessings to younger generations more accessibly, he decided to join as another bridge for transmitting this spiritual power.

Po concluded with a core philosophy he has maintained: "Faith coupled with action is the heart of success." Beyond belief itself, sincere work and mindful living are crucial forces that open the path to stable and sustainable progress in life.