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.

The Ministry of Finance's Office of Fiscal Policy launched a training program on June 24-25 for liaison officers from government agencies and financial institutions tasked with hosting the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings. Participating organizations included the Bank of Thailand, Commerce Ministry, Foreign Affairs Ministry, the National Economic and Social Development Council, and the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

The training aims to prepare staff to represent Thailand with distinction while accommodating over 15,000 delegates from 191 countries. Nattavut Thammasiri, deputy director of the Office of Fiscal Policy, welcomed trainees and emphasized the meeting's significance as one of the world's most important international conferences, expected to attract finance ministers, central bank governors, government officials, private sector representatives, and media from around the globe.

Thailand's selection as host reflects its prominent role in the global economic arena and provides an opportunity to showcase national capabilities. The training covered diplomatic protocol, international conference management, etiquette, international coordination, and communication skills. Officials stressed that reception staff serve as the country's face, making thorough preparation essential to create confidence and positive impressions among international delegates. The initiative forms part of the "Road to Thailand" campaign to ensure readiness for hosting what has been called the "financial Olympics."

Young actor Big Nattaraschaya Charusmas has returned to television after a two-year absence, taking on the role of Norinthorn, a composed young doctor in the period drama "Took Onu Ruthai" on Channel 7HD. The role marks a significant character departure for the actor.

Big recently updated fans on his current projects and personal life with girlfriend Ice Atichinan Srisawak.

When asked about his current work, Big shared: "I'm currently in the drama 'Took Onu Ruthai' on Channel 7HD and also a vertical series on TrueID."

Regarding the challenges of the period drama, Big explained: "Playing a period piece is quite difficult, especially portraying a doctor. The language and terminology of historical doctors differ from modern times, though the medical principles remain the same. Medical instruments and technology were vastly different back then. I had to study how they treated patients historically. For me personally, the dialogue is the biggest challenge. Some historical phrases don't come naturally to my lips, and some words are unclear, but I try to deliver them as naturally as possible."

Asked about the industry slowdown, Big revealed: "For the past two years, there haven't been many acting jobs. There were occasional short films and invitations, but not many long dramas. The industry landscape has changed, and I understand that the world evolves quickly. Sometimes working alone, I miss being on set—I've been in the industry for 12-13 years since childhood. But I've had to accept the gaps in work and focus on personal development, maintaining myself physically and mentally, staying ready whenever opportunities come. If acting work comes, I'll continue accepting it as before."

On the vertical series format, Big said: "A senior invited me to audition. When I tried it, I realized it's still acting, but the pacing is faster because the monitor screen is smaller. Working in a single frame requires different technique. Usually I like expressive movements, but in a narrow frame I have to be careful, and the editing pace is much quicker."

Asked about now being a freelance actor, Big confirmed: "Yes, I've been a freelance actor for two and a half years now. I can work with any channel, though I've continued with Channel 7 when they've called. When I decided not to renew my contract, I had to move forward and encourage myself to keep fighting. On the day I didn't renew with the channel, my heart was torn—part of me wanted to stay, part of me wanted to embrace new challenges."

Regarding his relationship with Ice, Big shared: "We've known each other for over 10 years since our university days at Chulalongkorn. She was a senior, and I knew she was at Channel 7. We'd greet each other at work but never collaborated until recently when we worked together on a vertical series. That's when we started talking and it felt comforting. We sparked on many topics. I consulted her about life, and it turned out we were both single at the right time. The more we talked, the more I wanted to know her. So I tried to initiate a conversation.

Ice is a capable, disciplined, and very mature woman, so I approached her carefully. I tend to move forward in life, so I was honest about my feelings when I told her, admitting I was nervous about what would happen if she didn't feel the same. But she's very professional, both in work and relationships. After talking with her, I thought if we click, let's move forward; if she doesn't feel the same, we can remain colleagues as before."

When asked how long it took before they became a couple, Big said: "Two to three months. I always respect her—first, she's older than me; second, she has a very good temperament. As for those who think it was too fast, it's because we both had just become single. Whether it's love or loneliness is a fair question. I think everyone has the right to their own interpretation, but love isn't about time. We might spend our whole lives together."

Bangkok University's College of Business has officially closed out the Advertising Mastermind Challenge 3 (AMC 3) following an intense four-month learning and development program. The initiative was designed to equip students for the digital-age job market through integrated learning with real businesses, covering skills, knowledge, and strengthening ties between academia and industry.

During the closing ceremony and final pitching event at The Banquet hall in the A5 building, student teams presented advertising campaigns developed from real-world briefs provided by major partner brands: KFC (under Yum Restaurants International Thailand and The QSR of Asia) and Alibaba Cloud (Thailand). Their work demonstrated sophisticated use of Generative AI and marketing technology tools across strategy, content creation, and data analysis.

Throughout the program, students participated in various activities including workshops led by KFC and preparation sessions from Alibaba Cloud. Senior executives mentored participants directly, including Pattra Pattasuwan, Associate Marketing Director at KFC; Ornrat Pukaphonrat, Managing Director at The QSR of Asia; Charlene Sawasdee, Country Managing Director; and Jaru Nartboon, Lead Solution Architect at Alibaba Cloud (Thailand). They covered topics such as brand essence, global franchise brand building, text-based and image-based Generative AI, and marketing applications.

AMC 3 demonstrates Bangkok University's "Practical University" approach successfully produces graduates equipped for the digital job market. Students gained knowledge in AI prompting, data-driven marketing, and creative thinking while developing portfolio-ready work for their future careers.