Chulalongkorn University Rector Prof. Dr. Wileśs Puriwatсhr emphasized that Thailand is one of three countries competing to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, representing an invaluable golden opportunity that should not be overlooked. The government must take this seriously, as the benefits are substantial—enhancing national reputation, generating revenue, developing human capital, and nurturing youth. Chulalongkorn University has confirmed full readiness to the International Olympic Committee, including sports facilities, student dormitories to serve as an athlete village, and activity spaces in the city center with unique distinction.

The rector revealed that during the International Olympic Committee delegation's visit led by IOC Member Danka Obrenovic, who heads the evaluation committee, they inspected Thailand's readiness in Bangkok and Chon Buri from April 28-30, 2025. Thailand competes alongside Asunción, Paraguay and Santiago, Chile for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games. The university confirmed full preparedness with existing facilities—sports stadiums, a sports science center, dormitories accommodating 1,000-2,000 athletes, plus additional facilities from other institutions totaling approximately 5,000 rooms, along with youth activity spaces like Siam Square. All existing infrastructure requires no new construction budget and aligns with IOC policies.

The rector noted that most current sports competitions are held outside cities, but Thailand's unique advantage is having complete facilities within the city center, which the IOC prefers. The university is prepared to fully support this national endeavor, as it aligns with institutional goals of developing quality youth leaders with athletic spirit. Thailand's previous largest sporting event was the Asian Games. Being among the top three candidates to host the Youth Olympic Games, which will attract 200 participating countries, represents an exceptional opportunity that must not be missed. The government should prioritize this seriously, as benefits include significant national prestige, revenue generation, and youth development, with all expenditures staying within the country.

Luang Pu Si Chanthasiri of Khao Tham Boon Nak Temple in Takli District, Nakhon Sawan Province, is a renowned Buddhist teacher revered throughout the region. He maintained close friendships with famous senior monks such as Luang Pu Suk, Luang Pho Glun, and Luang Pho Pan, regularly exchanging teachings and spiritual practices. He also served as a mentor to several distinguished abbots, including Luang Pu Waen of Doi Mae Pang Temple in Chiang Mai and Luang Pu Budda in Chai Nat Province.

Among his most sought-after creations is the Long-Life Herbal Powder (Phra Phong Ayuyuen), first produced in 1976 by Phra Kru Wisit Somphot of Wat Phra Chettupon Vimolmangkhalaram (Wat Po) in Bangkok. Luang Pu Si contributed his own specially prepared powder along with betel leaves and areca nut juice. After initial creation, the powder was brought to Luang Pu Si for a special blessing ceremony. Phra Kru Wisit Somphot further enhanced the mixture with sacred ingredients including incense ash from major Bangkok temples such as Wat Rakhang, Wat Saket, and Wat Arun, as well as flowers from the City Pillar Shrine and offerings to the Emerald Buddha.

The amulets are egg-shaped, measuring 2 centimeters wide, 3 centimeters tall, and 0.5 centimeters thick. A total of 22,999 pieces were created in three varieties: 999 pieces with special formula mixed with betel and areca nut, 2,000 pieces with betel-mixed formula, and 20,000 pieces with standard clay composition. The front features a seated Buddha image with "Long Life" inscribed below in raised lettering, while the back displays a sacred triangle yantra with Khmer script. The year 2517 (Buddhist Era) appears on the lower front, with Luang Pu Si's name on the side. These amulets are considered highly valued spiritual objects worthy of devotion and collection.

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.

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.

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.

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.