A retired police captain shot and killed his 38-year-old son at their home in Ban Takrut Phiban village, Phai Sali district, Nakhon Sawan province on May 2 following a violent altercation. Officers found the victim with seven gunshot wounds to his torso and arm, still clutching a knife in his right hand, with eight 9mm shell casings at the scene. The 64-year-old suspect, whose identity was withheld, surrendered immediately and handed over his legally registered 9mm service weapon to forensic officers.

Witnesses reported hearing a heated argument before gunfire erupted, with a relative fleeing the house in distress. According to the investigation, the son demanded money from his mother and became enraged when refused. He allegedly attempted to attack family members with a knife and tried to seize his father's gun, prompting the father to open fire in self-defense. "If I hadn't done it, he would have killed me," the suspect told police.

The victim had a documented history of drug use and prior arrests. Neighbors described the retired officer, who left service about two years ago, as generally calm, but noted his son frequently caused disturbances when money was withheld. Police have detained the suspect pending further investigation and initially charged him with murder. The case remains under investigation.

Lucky and Unlucky Days Monday, May 4, 2569 By Bussapon

Aries Today you will act decisively without wavering. Family and close friends understand you well. Your decisions will flow smoothly without obstacles because elders and employers constantly support you. You'll have comfortable spending money and may experience unusual gains and experiences, though patience is required for any undertaking.

Taurus Today, if you've had health concerns, you'll receive reassurance that there are no serious illnesses. Some symptoms may simply result from eye strain or unhealthy living habits. You should avoid making enemies, as your adversaries tend to be gossips. Don't take their criticism to heart.

Gemini Today you'll receive small gains like new glasses, a new phone, or jewelry. Avoid putting objects in tight spaces where they may become stuck. While you may lose accumulated savings to theft, fortunate opportunities continue to come your way.

Cancer Today you'll experience natural good fortune unrelated to gambling. Single natives will meet romantic prospects or find benefactors of both genders, which may make decisions difficult. Your living situation will improve. Avoid repetitive work; refresh long-standing routines with modern approaches.

Leo Today, don't give or help anyone without being asked. Don't initiate construction or land transactions as delays will persist. Romantic relationships may face obstacles. You may receive unexpected gains without significant expenses, unrelated to gambling.

Virgo Today elders will assign you challenging work tasks. If you succeed, it will bring great recognition and benefit the community. Consider artistic pursuits like music or performance. Avoid acting as a mediator or handling public relations matters now.

Libra Don't restructure your finances today. Your financial situation will remain tight and unstable for some time. Avoid short-term investments, especially risky ones. Few friendships emerge, though those that do are genuine. Single natives should enjoy their freedom for now.

Scorpio Don't allow your dependents to travel far alone due to accident risks. If someone approaches you about selling or pawning items, verify their claims carefully. You may hear disturbing news about fires near relatives' homes. Don't interfere in workplace decisions.

Sagittarius You work with strength and patience; elders recognize this. Single natives will only encounter unreliable prospects. Those in relationships may notice their partner's behavior changing; don't rush for answers now. Your finances are unstable; refinancing may be necessary.

Capricorn Today you may face criticism from elders based on misunderstandings or false accusations. This could also indicate illness without apparent cause. Your work is demanding and others offer little help, yet you remain willing and content with your efforts.

The Commerce Ministry reported brisk consumer activity on the opening day of the "Thais Helping Thais" cost-of-living relief program, which offers over 3,000 products—including major brands and secondary labels—at discounts up to 60% at district offices and local shopping centers. The program also promotes community products to generate additional income for local vendors. Commerce Ministry spokesperson Ranit Nonjui revealed survey results showing strong public satisfaction with both brand-name and budget products available at convenient local locations, with many provinces reporting increased sales for community-based producers.

The program features essential consumer goods such as soap, shampoo, detergent, rice, sugar, cooking oil, and seasonings—typically 20% cheaper than branded alternatives—now reduced by up to 58%. Premium government-subsidized items like rice, cooking oil, sugar, eggs, and instant noodles are also available, alongside community products from small producers including food, processed agricultural goods, clothing, and prepared products.

Surveys conducted by provincial commerce offices found high satisfaction levels among consumers, including those traveling from remote areas to district offices and local retailers. The program will continue every Friday throughout May 2025 on May 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, offering guaranteed low prices and genuine cost-of-living relief.

Phra Khru Bhavana Phirat, widely known as Luang Pu Tim Isariko, was the former abbot of Wat Laharn Rai in Rayong Province and a highly respected Buddhist master revered throughout Eastern Thailand. He was the originator of the famous protective amulets and sacred powder talismans. Though he passed away more than 40 years ago, devotion to him has remained steadfast. All of his consecrated amulets are highly sought after, commanding prices reaching hundreds of thousands to millions of baht. There is even a saying that whoever possesses a Luang Pu Tim amulet holds the equivalent of liquid cash in their hands.

Particularly coveted are the 2507 BE portrait coins, his earliest stamped series. Another highly collectible piece is the 2517 BE coin, known as the "Prosperity Blessing" coin, created by Ajarn Chinporn Suksathit, his final and most favored disciple.

Luang Pu Tim authorized production of no more than 20,000 Prosperity Blessing coins, with the strict directive that all stamping be completed before sunset on Saturday, April 21, 2517 BE. However, the production timeline was extremely tight. Work began in early April 2517 BE, and by the time the dies were finished and minting progressed, it had already reached April 17. Consequently, only 17,820 coins were successfully produced. Luang Pu Tim's sunset deadline was based on a spiritual principle: those who use amulets consecrated and completed before sunset will experience only prosperity and success, never decline like the setting sun.

The Prosperity Blessing coins were produced in five different metals:

1. Gold coins: 26 pieces, with "Prosperity Blessing" characters on the lower portion 2. Silver coins: 343 pieces, with "Prosperity Blessing" characters on both upper and lower portions 3. Alloyed metal coins: 1,166 pieces, with "Prosperity Blessing" characters on the upper portion 4. Chin metal coins: 400 pieces, with "Prosperity Blessing" characters on the upper portion 5. Copper coins: 15,895 pieces, with "Prosperity Blessing" characters on both upper and lower portions

Every coin bears a control stamp. All coins underwent seven days and seven nights of consecration.

On Monday, May 4, 2026, the 14th anniversary of the passing of Phra Kru Vimolsilabhon, known as Luang Pu Noy Somjitto of Wat Pa Non Saen Kham, is commemorated. He was a forest monk and dedicated practitioner of insight meditation who scrupulously observed monastic discipline, earning the deep respect and faith of Buddhists for decades.

Born on Friday, September 17, 1937, as Noy Mulsutup in Kut Hae Village, he attended school from age seven but suffered from chronic illness causing him to miss three months. At age 11, he completed fourth grade and left school to help his parents farm. During that era, continuing education required traveling to distant places, which was difficult, so he had to help support his family.

When he reached age 20, his parents presented him with monastic robes to Ajarn Di Channo, a senior disciple of Ajarn Sao Kantasilo and Ajarn Man Bhuridatto, requesting that he be ordained in the forest meditation lineage. After three months of novice training, he received full ordination on May 20, 1957, at Wat Pa Suntharam with Phra Kru Patthakunathorn as preceptor, Phra Ajarn Singtong Papakon as the ceremony conductor, and Phra Somuh Uay as the assistant.

He regularly studied the Dhamma under Ajarn Di Channo, the abbot of Wat Pa Suntharam. Each rainy season retreat, he would undertake extended meditation practice, though his health eventually declined, leading him to remain at Wat Pa Non Saen for his practice.

He was known for his exemplary moral conduct and strict adherence to monastic discipline. He was serene, dignified, and refined in his practice of the precepts. He consistently taught that maintaining moral precepts and observing the monastic rules were the heart of Buddhism, requiring constant vigilance with every breath—this was an absolute duty with no exceptions, even for minor precepts. He demonstrated through his own exemplary practice rather than mere words.

Even when ill or in poor health, he never complained to relatives, and few knew of his physical suffering. Some communities even invited him to travel great distances, which demanded tremendous endurance.

Ultimately, he passed away peacefully from acute kidney failure on Friday, May 4, 2012, at Wat Pa Non Saen Kham at the age of 74 with 54 years of monastic life.

On Tuesday, April 21, 2025, the Ministry of Culture through the Department of Religious Affairs held a merit-making ceremony dedicated to the late kings and almsgiving to Buddhist monks in commemoration of the '244th Anniversary Under Royal Patronage: Rattanakosin' event. The ceremony was presided over by Somdet Phra Mahatherajarya (Pasridit Khemangkoro), the Supreme Patriarch of the Northern Region, and the Abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm. Deputy Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaisesetrth delegated Deputy Permanent Secretary Prasop Riangngern to chair the proceedings, joined by Director-General Chaiyapol Sukiam and representatives from various government agencies at Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm in Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok.

At 9:30 AM, the City Pillar Shrine veneration ceremony took place. Prasop presented garland offerings to the Buddha image, made alms offerings at the Birthday Buddha Chapel, offered incense and candles, draped cloth around the replica City Pillar, and presented garlands at all five spirit shrines: Phra Seua Mueang, Phra Thong Mueang, Phra Kala Chai Si, Chao Chetakup, and Chao Hok Long.

The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with government agencies, private sector, and religious, arts, and cultural networks, organized the '244th Anniversary Under Royal Patronage: Rattanakosin' event from April 22-26, 2025 at Chulalongkorn University's Centennial Park, the National Museum of Bangkok, and Wat Prayurwongsa to celebrate the 244th anniversary of Rattanakosin's founding and to honor the gracious virtues and revere the legacy of King Rama I, the first of the Chakri Dynasty, who established Bangkok as the capital on April 21, 1782. The late kings of the Chakri Dynasty embodied the ten royal virtues and undertook various royal projects to strengthen the nation through wisdom and vision, while nurturing Buddhism, arts, and culture to flourish until the present day.

Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm, originally called Wat Podharam, was established during the Ayutthaya period. In 1868, when King Taksin founded Thonburi as the capital, with the Chao Phraya River dividing the two districts, the temple was renovated and elevated to the status of a royal monastery. King Rama I subsequently commissioned a complete reconstruction of Wat Podharam, building the ubosot, porticos, viharas, and other necessary structures, as well as permanent installations. He had Buddha images from various cities enshrined in the ubosot, viharas, and porticos, and granted the temple its new name: Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm.

During the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851), the temple underwent extensive restoration and renovation, with damaged structures either rebuilt or expanded. New kutis were constructed as multi-story buildings, and eight categories of texts were inscribed on marble plaques displayed around the cloisters to disseminate knowledge to the public.