The Bank of Thailand is monitoring four key risk factors that could pressure the Thai economy in the second half of the year: high cost of living, geopolitical uncertainty and U.S. trade policy shifts, and potential impacts from El Niño conditions. Deputy Governor Chayavadee Chaianan revealed Thailand's May 2025 economic outlook, noting the economy remains stable overall despite slowing exports, supported by strong tourism, private consumption, and private investment. Inflation remains elevated but steady, and the labor market continues to show stability.

Tourism revenue and foreign visitor numbers increased, particularly from long-haul markets including Chinese and Malaysian tourists during their respective long holidays. However, tourists from some Southeast Asian countries declined due to weak travel demand and fewer flights caused by rising energy costs.

Exports excluding gold fell from the previous month, especially electronics, jewelry, and automobiles, after rapid growth earlier. This reflects weakening foreign demand, though chemical and some petrochemical exports expanded due to higher commodity prices.

Domestic demand improved slightly, with private consumption rising 0.6% from the previous month as spending on consumer goods and vehicles—particularly cars and electric vehicles—expanded despite high oil prices. Consumer confidence declined, however, due to concerns about living costs, income, and future employment trends.

Private investment increased 1.2% from the previous month, driven by transportation and vehicle investments and machinery imports, though commercial construction slowed. Government spending expanded year-on-year from increased central government current and capital expenditures, especially from ongoing stimulus program disbursements, while state enterprise investment declined due to slower infrastructure and utilities spending.

Manufacturing contracted slightly in line with export slowdown, particularly automotive and electronics production, while services remained stable with tourism supporting retail, hotel, and restaurant businesses. Agriculture saw farmer income rise 5% year-on-year from higher prices for palm oil, rubber, and rice.

General inflation stood at 2.79%, steady from the previous month, as energy prices began falling with global crude oil prices. Core inflation edged up slightly from production cost increases passed to some goods, but no broad-based price increases were detected. The current account deficit was $6.4 billion in May, an improvement from April due to reduced energy imports and lower trade deficits, while the labor market remained stable despite some impacts from Middle East tensions and higher costs affecting hotels and transport sectors.

Daily Horoscope: July 1, 2025 By Buspon Luckana

Aries Today, those living alone may receive an unexpected visitor at home. On the positive side, you'll find joy in old matters. If single, you may gain friendship from the opposite sex introduced by relatives. When asking relatives to work on your behalf, evaluate their abilities carefully.

Taurus Today you have a strong body and mind, and work diligently without complaint. You'll receive symbols of beauty and life success. You may meet relatives who are monks, teachers, or morally upright individuals. Don't let loved ones take unnecessary risks, as accidents happen easily.

Gemini Today you judge people's character accurately and see friends and enemies clearly. Contacting influential people in your field brings mutual benefits with multiple parties. Opportunities arise in work and love. Avoid commenting on people in uniform, as it may cause you loss.

Cancer Today you should not represent anyone in risky negotiations, especially regarding finances and friendship. Don't believe anything without credible evidence, as you're prone to disadvantage in matters of principle. Those caring for young children must supervise constantly, as children may cause you loss.

Leo Today you gain profit from decisiveness and fear nothing. However, avoid investing in real estate or land, as losses outweigh gains. Don't borrow others' vehicles. Contact with distant lovers is good, but proximity causes irritation and frequent quarrels.

Virgo Those uncertain about love should be patient and stay calm. Though relatives may introduce suitable matches, now isn't your ideal time. Long-term installment purchases aren't favorable. Work changes improve, but office reorganization feels slightly obstructive.

Libra You'll encounter someone criticizing your relatives, whom you trust without doubt. Some relatives resist or have issues with your staff. Speak highly of influential people in your circle and those affecting your income, as you risk losing earnings or incurring heavy expenses.

Scorpio Don't do things outside your responsibility, such as taking over someone's driving. Your good intentions toward some relatives are futile. Mediating between angry people won't work. Giving advice to anyone will bring no benefit. Avoid expressing opinions on social media.

Sagittarius Those with new friendships shouldn't reveal them much, as you're still getting to know each other. Your body is weak; exercise as prescribed, but overdoing it causes more harm than good. New academic work won't be as smooth as expected.

Capricorn You'll have various puzzles and suspicions about partners or loved ones. Singles contacting opposite-sex individuals who are divorced or widowed should be extra cautious. Avoid involvement with any occult practices.

Venerable Chuen Putthosaro, a highly revered former abbot and distinguished teacher at Wat Yansaen in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, was originally named Chuen Yodchim and born on March 18, 1907, in Saraburi Province to parents Chun and Ngim Yodchim. He took his initial ordination at age 15 and temporarily disrobed at 18 to support his family's farming. At age 20, he received his higher ordination on May 14, 1927, at Wat Koh Loi with Venerable Kru Prasut Sanghkij as his preceptor.

He pursued Buddhist scriptural studies, earning degrees in Dharma scholarship, and then undertook intensive training in ancient medicine, astrology, and alchemical practices with various masters. Eventually settling at Wat Yansaen in Ayutthaya around 1955, he studied under Venerable Achan Saen, with whom he later undertook rigorous meditation practice. Despite criticism from some who questioned his unconventional methods, he remained steadfast, eventually completing a month-long intensive meditation retreat under the Bodhi tree.

He became widely respected for his ascetic lifestyle, detachment from material gains, and compassion toward all beings. His blessed amulets and talismans became highly sought after by collectors. In his final years, he required medical care and attention from physicians. On March 18, 2003, his disciples celebrated his 97th birthday. He passed away peacefully on June 17, 2003, at Wat Yansaen, completing a life of devoted spiritual practice.

Luang Pu Shim Promo, formally Phra Kru Sri Chalung Sangwan and abbot of Wat Chuk Ka Choe in Si Racha, Chachoengsao, was one of the most renowned Buddhist teachers of the post-1950s era, having trained under Luang Pu Tim of Wat Laharn Rai in Rayong Province. Born July 7, 1905, in Si Racha, he was ordained at age 20 at Wat Laem Chabang under Phra Kru Sunthorn Dharma Ros, with Phra Ajarn Jam and Phra Ajarn Lam Duan as co-witnesses. He received the monastic name Promo and developed a lifelong passion for Buddhist scholarship, traveling widely to study with renowned teachers. Later in life, he devoted himself to vipassana meditation practice to transcend the cycle of rebirth, until his death on July 19, 1995, at age 90 with 70 years of monastic life. His royal cremation took place on July 7, 1996, mourned deeply by Chachoengsao residents.

He created and consecrated blessed amulets across multiple editions, some of considerable value. His most highly sought amulet is the "Phra Gring Promo First Edition, B.E. 2527." It was crafted using sacred materials including bell metal from Luang Pu Tim's original Phra Gring Chinbanchar from Wat Laharn Rai in Rayong, combined with 108 yantra sheets and 14 naga elements, following ancient bell-making traditions. Luang Pu Shim additionally consecrated hundreds of yantra sheets featuring designs such as the waving fan yantra, prosperity yantra, wealth yantra, golden goose yantra, and zodiac yantras.

The amulet underwent three separate consecration ceremonies: first at Wat Chuk Ka Choe in Chachoengsao in 2527 by Luang Pu Shim; second by Luang Por Sakhorn Manun, first edition of Wat Nong Krap in Rayong in 2529; and third at Wat Laharn Rai in Rayong in 2533. Today, these amulets are highly sought after and have become so rare that counterfeits are common. Collectors should examine examples carefully before acquiring them.

The mak tui amulet represents a distinctive sacred object from Wat Nang, created by Luang Pu Iem Suwanasaro using natural materials inscribed with protective yantra numerals for his disciples. While later abbots, including his senior disciple Phra Khun Phon, produced similar amulets, Luang Pu Iem's versions are distinguished by hand-braided cords with ear-loops for attachment and securing knots. In 2016, the venerable Luang Pu Songkh Kanthadhammo of Wat Ban Sai in Lop Buri, at age 104, created an ancient-style Buddha image amulet with a square metal body and three-tiered base. The article also documents rare amulets from Luang Pho Daeng Visuddhasilo of Wat Chong Lom in Chon Buri, featuring an egg-shaped design with decorative details and yantra symbols, and medals from Luang Pho Nai Indasilo of Wat Ban Chaeng in Ayutthaya, which feature connected loops and sacred inscriptions. These historically significant Buddhist amulets have become increasingly rare as many have been collected into temple treasuries.

Though Chery arrived later to the EV market than some rivals, the launch of the Chery Q—a compact, five-door electric city hatchback with rear-wheel drive—proves the automaker has packed this vehicle with appealing features and clever innovations. Under the concept "So Qute, So You: Cuter Than Expected, More Complete Than Its Class," the Q delivers notable standout qualities.

The design follows a retro-modern Square-Circle Design philosophy that balances angular lines with curves, merging cuteness, modernity, and sportiness in one package. The vehicle earned recognition at the 2026 German Red Dot Product Design Award for Product Design. Distinctive touches include Q-shaped LED headlights and taillights, two-tone side mirrors, semi-hidden door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels in two-tone finish, and a floating C-pillar design linked to the side glass. The rear hatch and front storage both open electrically.

The spacious interior features a Smart Centre Console maximizing storage and a 50W wireless smartphone charger. A 15.6-inch central touchscreen and 8.88-inch driver information display support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The driver seat adjusts electrically in six directions.

Personalization options include Quick Gestures, customizable wallpapers with eight character choices, and adjustable display modes. Users can install a DVR camera via USB port for added daily convenience.

A delightful feature is Q Talk, an external communication system with five preset message formats. A microphone lets drivers broadcast voice messages outside the vehicle for up to 59 seconds, and ambient sounds—such as whale calls—can create a pleasant atmosphere for fellow road users, eliminating the need for horn-honking frustration.

The powertrain uses an LFP battery with 41.278 kWh capacity. DC fast charging reaches 80% in roughly 16.5 minutes, and a full charge delivers 400 kilometers (NEDC standard), with real-world range around 300 kilometers. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability provides up to 6.6 kilowatts of power for external devices, supporting diverse activities and lifestyles. The rear-wheel-drive system offers Eco, Comfort, and Sport modes.

Safety and convenience technologies abound, including 21 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) functions such as low-speed driving support, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, front and rear collision warnings, door-opening alerts, reverse blind-spot warnings, and automatic door unlock upon impact—a critical safety feature when occupants cannot manually open doors after an accident. The vehicle also supports CarLinko remote connectivity.