Community

Foundation Donates Wheelchairs To Vulnerable Patients

The Puree Heart Foundation distributed wheelchairs to vulnerable patients in Samut Prakan and Bangkok, including a seven-year-old with cerebral palsy and a woman left bedridden by a car accident, easing families' financial burdens and impro

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The Puree Heart Foundation partnered with the Citizen Station program on Thai PBS to distribute wheelchairs to children with cerebral palsy and patients confined to bed following accidents, helping alleviate their daily hardships and reducing financial burden on families.

On July 5, 2026, Theerarat Navamawat, chairman of the Puree Heart Foundation, and the Citizen Station team visited Bang Pu Mai subdistrict in Samut Prakan province to present a wheelchair to seven-year-old Satakun Nitayachit, who suffers from cerebral palsy and muscle weakness. The boy is cared for by his grandmother Radamani Chanthop, who lacked the financial means to acquire mobility assistance equipment. The family had appealed through the Citizen Station program, which then coordinated with the foundation to deliver the wheelchair.

The team also visited Pravet district in Bangkok to present a wheelchair to 41-year-old Wandee Phanbua, who became bedridden after a car accident last June. She was previously the family's main financial support but can no longer work. She is cared for by her 75-year-old mother Duen Srimon and 19-year-old son Thanwa Naksikhaew. The wheelchair donation will facilitate her mobility, access to medical care, and daily living activities while easing the family's burden.

The foundation's chairman stated that providing opportunities to vulnerable patients improves quality of life in society, particularly those with mobility needs whether for medical appointments or daily tasks. The foundation hopes these wheelchair donations will genuinely improve patients' lives and reduce family hardship.

The foundation remains committed to enhancing quality of life for all members of society through charitable projects and collaboration with all sectors to ensure assistance reaches those most in need.

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National

Ancient Burial Site Reveals Phetchaburi's Elite Trade Connections

Archaeologists in Phetchaburi have uncovered a 2,000-year-old elite cemetery containing eight skeletons, bronze drums, gold jewelry and imported beads that reveal the region's connections to ancient trade networks spanning from Vietnam to I

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What began as the accidental discovery of a bronze drum beneath a rice field has become one of Thailand's most significant archaeological excavations in recent years. Months after archaeologists broke ground at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Ban Don Phlap, Ban Lat district, Phetchaburi, the picture emerging from the excavation extends far beyond a single artifact. Instead, it tells the story of an affluent prehistoric community connected to regional trade networks stretching from present-day Vietnam to India some 2,000 years ago.

The excavation began in February after a metal detector identified what turned out to be Phetchaburi's first bronze drum. Archaeologists from the Fine Arts Department initially set out to recover two bronze drums. As they excavated layer by layer, however, they uncovered far more than expected.

Beneath the soil lay a prehistoric cemetery containing eight human skeletons, pottery, bronze ornaments, glass and stone beads, gold jewellery and six Dong Son-style bronze drums—ceremonial objects associated with the Bronze Age culture centered in northern Vietnam. The arrangement of the burials offered the first clues about the people buried there.

All eight skeletons were laid with their heads facing northeast and accompanied by grave goods. Bronze vessels were positioned near the head, body and feet, while many of the deceased wore ornaments including anklets, stone and glass beads, and bronze head coverings. Gold jewellery was also found, including rings, a bracelet and a pendant, with one gold bracelet still encircling the arm of a skeleton.

Archaeologists believe the cemetery was used multiple times. Four skeletons on the southern side appear to have been buried simultaneously, while those to the north may represent successive burials, with earlier graves disturbed to make room for later ones.

The bronze drums themselves appear to have formed part of the burial ritual. Rather than being placed separately, they were laid on the same level as the bodies before being covered with pottery. Their position suggests they were intentionally incorporated into funeral ceremonies rather than buried as isolated objects.

The discoveries point to people of considerable social standing. Bronze drums were prestigious objects across mainland Southeast Asia and are widely regarded as symbols of authority and ceremonial power. The quantity of gold jewellery, bronze ornaments and imported beads found alongside the burials suggests the individuals interred at Don Yai Thong were members of an elite community.

The artifacts also reveal that Phetchaburi was far from isolated. The bronze drums closely resemble examples found at the ancient city of Khu Bua in neighbouring Ratchaburi, while the gold ornaments share stylistic similarities with finds from Chumphon and Surat Thani that reflect Indian artistic influence. Glass beads resemble those discovered at Khao Sam Kaeo in Chumphon, one of Southeast Asia's earliest trading centers.

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Breaking

Iran's Top Officials Attend Khamenei Funeral in Tehran

Iran's top officials publicly attended funeral prayers for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Sunday, a rare show of confidence after airstrikes killed him in February. The new supreme leader, Khamenei's son Mojtaba, re

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Iran's top officials and brothers of the country's new supreme leader emerged into public view Sunday to attend funeral prayers for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signaling a new confidence in their safety as calls grew for the killing of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Their presence before hundreds of thousands of people in the capital Tehran would have been unthinkable during the Iran war, which saw airstrikes on February 28 kill the 86-year-old Khamenei, his family members and other officials.

Israel also targeted others who appeared publicly during the war, in at least one case likely using their public appearance to fix their position for a strike.

But still unseen was Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. He is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being wounded in the airstrike that killed his father. Israel has threatened to kill him as well as he leads a theocracy now negotiating with the United States over a permanent end to the war and over Iran's control of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which affects global energy supplies.

Ziba Naderi, a 42-year-old nurse attending the funeral Sunday, said Iran needed to follow whatever Mojtaba Khamenei commands regarding the nation. "I heard the call for revenge, but our leader should say what we need to do," she said. "And we must listen to him."

Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani, a 97-year-old Shiite cleric, led the prayers at Tehran's Grand Mosalla for Khamenei and his late family members.

On hand were Khamenei's sons Masoud, Meysam and Mostafa, who haven't been seen since the war. Revolutionary Guard head General Ahmad Vahidi, who had only been photographed for the first time since the war on Thursday, could be seen in the crowd by Associated Press journalists, flanked by plainclothes security forces as he wore a black baseball cap.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Esmail Qaani, who leads the Guard's expeditionary Quds Force, also attended.

Their appearances came as posters and graffiti at the Grand Mosalla called for the killing of Trump and Israeli leaders.

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National

Lawmakers Push for Domestic Violence Bill, Reject Delays

Lawmakers are pushing Parliament to pass a long-delayed Domestic Violence Protection Act submitted by over 20,000 citizens, rejecting procedural delays that have hindered victim protection for years.

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Nathawut Buapraput, a Pheu Prachaachan party list member and chair of the parliamentary committee on children, youth, women, elderly affairs, persons with disabilities, ethnic groups, and sexual diversity, addressed Parliament's agenda for the week. The session includes consideration of the Domestic Violence Protection Act, which was submitted by over 20,000 citizens demanding urgent parliamentary approval and the formation of a special committee. Citizens specifically opposed delaying tactics or claims that the bill needed further study—practices they said had hindered victim protection and efforts to address the mounting domestic violence cases reported daily.

Nathawut noted that the government, particularly the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, had previously declared its commitment to prioritizing the bill. However, the Cabinet's version has stalled for over three years despite maintaining similar principles to the citizen-submitted version from the 2007 law repeal framework.

Meanwhile, opposition parties had also submitted versions. Yotchanan Wongswasdi of Pheu Thai submitted one with other party MPs, and Phassarin Ramvong of Pheu Prachaachan submitted another with party colleagues, both emphasizing victim protection and their interests as the priority. These drafts differ from the citizen version mainly in proposing a protection fund, which classifies the bill as involving state finances requiring the Prime Minister's endorsement—a process that could consume additional time.

Nathawut stressed that financial and procedural concerns should not delay consideration of the citizen-submitted version or cause further postponement affecting daily domestic violence cases. He urged Parliament to dedicate full time on July 8 to consider this important legislation affecting citizens' quality of life, and to establish a special committee for expedited review if the bill passes initial consideration.

"Don't play games by requesting schedule postponements or citing procedural rules to stall the bill for study, as happened in previous governments," Nathawut said. "Citizens will criticize their representatives for wasting parliamentary time."

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National

Park Ji-sung Named Head Of South Korea Football Reform Committee

Former Manchester United player Park Ji-sung has been named head of South Korea's new football reform committee following the nation's failure to advance past the 2026 World Cup qualifying stage.

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Former South Korean national team player Park Ji-sung has been appointed chairman of South Korea's football reform committee following the country's first-round elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The failure has become a national-level issue, with President Yoon Suk-yeol publicly criticizing the patronage system. Many have directed blame at coach Hong Myung-bo, who was appointed without a proper selection process.

South Korea has now established the "K-Football Innovation Committee," co-chaired by Park Ji-sung, a former Manchester United player, and Chae Hoi-young, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The committee also includes Yu Sung-min, chairman of the Korean Sports and Olympic Committee; Kim Sung-hee, KFA executive director; and former national team players Lee Young-pyo, ex-Tottenham defender, and Park Joo-ho, ex-Borussia Dortmund player.

The committee's mission is to find solutions and implement measures to enhance South Korea's football competitiveness on the global stage. Its scope covers football governance, youth player development, and the application of cutting-edge technology.

"With this committee, we will work to set a new direction for Korean football and create a sustainable future for growth," Park Ji-sung said in a statement released by the ministry.

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National

King Elevates Senior Monk to Sangha Leadership

A senior Buddhist monk based at Wat Pathumwanaram in Bangkok has been elevated to leadership of the Sangha in recognition of his decades of scholarly and spiritual contributions to Thai Buddhism.

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The royal decree elevating Phra Phrom Wachirwethi to the rank of Somdet Phra Racha Khana with the title Somdet Phra Yana Wachiroddom was officially announced on July 5, 2569. The decree states that the King has recognized the monk's exceptional dedication to Buddhism and his contributions to the Sangha, thereby warranting elevation to higher ecclesiastical status. Phra Phrom Wachirwethi, honored with multiple titles reflecting his scholarly and spiritual accomplishments, is based at Wat Pathumwanaram Royal Temple in Bangkok. He will oversee Buddhist teaching, resolve monastic disputes, and provide guidance to monks and novices under his jurisdiction. The elevation is effective from July 3, 2569, announced on July 5, 2569, marking the 11th year of the current reign.

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Police

Man Dies After Wasp Attack In Forest During Mushroom Hunt

A 64-year-old man died from wasp venom poisoning after being stung approximately 10 times while mushroom foraging in a eucalyptus forest in Nakhon Phanom Province on July 4. His pre-existing high blood pressure complicated the reaction, cau

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On July 5, 2569, relatives held a merit-making ceremony for Kaunkham, 64, in Kham Thao District, Nakhon Phanom Province, after he died following an attack by a swarm of wasps while mushroom foraging in a eucalyptus forest.

His wife, Ahwon, 62, recounted that on the afternoon of July 4, her husband invited her to pick mushrooms in a local forest to prepare for dinner, after learning mushrooms were freshly sprouted and others had collected many. While foraging, she urged her husband to return home, but he wandered into the grass. He then called her over to show wounds on his back, saying something had bitten him.

She saw him run from the forest, emphasizing he had been stung by wasps. Upon removing his shirt, she found one large black wasp and multiple stings on his buttocks, waist, right shoulder, eyebrows, and tail area—approximately 10 total. As they left the forest, he developed severe headache and became weak. She rushed him home on a motorcycle, but he deteriorated en route, likely due to the wasp venom combined with his pre-existing high blood pressure condition. After calling for emergency medical response, he was rushed to Nakhon Phanom Hospital but died in transit.

The coroner determined death was caused by heart failure resulting from wasp venom poisoning, compounded by his hypertension. Former village headman Sompraseang La-ba recounted meeting Kaunkham as he emerged from the forest; Kaunkham had mentioned being stung but they initially dismissed it as mosquito bites due to their prevalence. Within 30 minutes, Kaunkham was dead. Local authorities plan to send villagers in protective gear to locate and destroy wasp nests in the area, as several residents have been stung previously and the forest remains a popular foraging spot.

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National

Religious Panel Denies Investigating Monk Hit By Vehicle

A parliamentary committee chair denied reports that her panel would investigate a monk hit by a vehicle in Mukdahan, clarifying the committee lacks authority to handle criminal cases or monk disciplinary matters.

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On July 5, 2025, Nangthiwalrat Angkinandton, a Phetchaburi MP from the Bhumjaithai Party and chair of Parliament's Religion, Arts and Culture Committee, clarified that reports suggesting the committee would investigate a monk injured in a hit-and-run accident in Mukdahan province are false. She firmly stated that no such matter has ever been brought before the committee for consideration.

Angkinandton said the misleading reports have created confusion about the committee's mandate and authority, causing misunderstanding among the monastic order and the public. The committee's actual duties are to promote, protect and preserve Buddhism, arts and culture, not to handle criminal cases or conduct disciplinary investigations into monks—responsibilities that belong to relevant government agencies and the monastic order itself.

According to the 2019 parliamentary regulations, the committee's authority is limited to research, fact-finding, and examination of matters related to safeguarding religion, preserving historic sites, and promoting arts and culture. It has no power to investigate criminal cases or discipline monks.

Angkinandton urged all parties to verify information from official sources before publishing to avoid unnecessary confusion and division. She noted the committee plans to attend chanting services for the deceased monk and visit injured monks to offer condolences—actions consistent with its role in supporting Buddhism and strengthening the clergy.

The committee remains committed to working fairly, transparently and in accordance with law and monastic discipline, serving as a bridge between the state, clergy and public to preserve Buddhism, arts and culture on the basis of correctness, unity and societal trust.

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Community

Respected Buddhist Monk Remembered on 96th Birth Anniversary

Phra Ratchasarsopon, a revered Buddhist monk who led Trang's sangha for a decade and established 52 community learning centers, is remembered on his 96th birth anniversary today in Southern Thailand.

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Monday, July 6, 2026 commemorates the 96th birth anniversary of Phra Ratchasarsopon (Wisit Athipanyo), former provincial sangha leader of Trang from 1998-2008 and former abbot of Wat Chomtri in Na Yoong District, Trang. Born as Wisit Putthanavol on July 6, 1930, in Na Yoong Subdistrict, he completed primary education at age 13 before ordaining as a monk on July 17, 1943, at Wat Chomtri. He excelled in Buddhist studies, earning advanced religious credentials from 1947 onwards and becoming a Dharma teacher at various Buddhist schools.

Throughout his monastic career, he distinguished himself as a Buddhist educator and Dharma ambassador. He taught Pali and Dharma studies at Wat Kuhasworn School in Phatthalung Province and established a Dharma curriculum at Wat Chomtri in Trang from 1967. He served as the 9th Dharma Messenger for Trang from 1968, coordinating public religious outreach and delivering sermons through Thai radio and television stations.

As administrator, he held increasingly senior positions within the sangha hierarchy, becoming deputy district sangha leader in 1973, district sangha leader in 1979, and provincial sangha leader of Trang in 1983. He received multiple royal titles recognizing his contributions to Buddhist studies and monastic leadership. Beyond institutional roles, he established 52 community learning centers and coordinated Dharma missions to remote areas, personally training monks to teach ethics and morality in schools throughout Trang Province. He remained an active Dharma teacher and advisor until his retirement from the provincial sangha leadership in 1995.

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Community

Buddhist Leaders Gather For Tripitaka Recitation Ceremony

Buddhist leaders and over 500 devotees gathered at Buddhmonthon on June 22 to recite the Tripitaka in celebration of the Supreme Patriarch's 99th birthday, reinforcing the nation's commitment to preserving Buddhist teachings.

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On Monday, June 22, 2026, the National Office of Buddhism and its network partners held the third Tripitaka recitation ceremony to celebrate the 99th birthday anniversary of the Supreme Patriarch on June 26, 2026, at the marble Tripitaka hall in Buddhmonthon. Somdet Phra Maha Veeravongsa, a committee member of the Supreme Sangha Council and assistant abbot of Rajbophit Temple, was appointed as head of the monastic delegation, while M.L. Panadda Diskul, a royal advisor, led the lay delegation. Over 500 Buddhist devotees participated in the event.

Udompon Ekiam, director of the National Office of Buddhism, presided over the ceremony with full coordination from government officials and staff. Government officials, civil servants, private sector representatives, and devout community members attended in large numbers.

The atmosphere was peaceful and filled with reverence, reflecting the commitment to sustaining Buddhism and preserving the Tripitaka as a vital intellectual treasure of the nation.

The Tripitaka recitation ceremony aims to instill Buddhist principles into the hearts of all believers and foster deep connection to the Dharma across all ages. It supports the preservation and transmission of Tripitaka teachings, promotes wisdom development, and encourages cooperation between the Sangha and government and private sector organizations. The initiative also aligns with royal and Sangha policies to make Buddhmonthon a center for Buddhist education, propagation, and activities in Thailand.

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Community

Revered Amulets From Buddhist Masters In Thailand Detailed

Collectors prize amulets blessed by revered Thai Buddhist masters including Luang Pu Muang of Rachaburi and Luang Por Tab of Saraburi, with some rare pieces dating back decades and commanding high value for their spiritual significance and

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A comprehensive overview of highly sought-after Buddhist amulets and sacred objects from several revered Thai monks. The article features amulets from Luang Pu Muang Nakasenai of Wat Yang Ngam in Rachaburi, whose final blessing before passing was a Prosperity Coin amulet created in 2552 BE to commemorate his 98th birthday. The piece also covers amulets from Luang Pu Tee Yanasobhono, a respected abbot from Uthai Thani province, and Luang Por Tab Atthakamo of Wat Makham Rieng in Saraburi, whose full-figure portrait amulets from 2515 BE remain highly prized among amulet collectors. Each amulet is described in detail regarding its design, materials, and blessing ceremonies, reflecting the craftsmanship and spiritual significance valued in Thailand's amulet collecting community.

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