On Saturday, March 21, 2025, at 4:30 PM Sri Lankan time, Phra Rajawichirdhammametthi (Ariyaphong Ariyathammo), deputy abbot of Wat Rajapraditsat Mahaseemarama, led a delegation to pay respects to Most Venerable Wedaruwe Upali Anunayake Thera, abbot of Asgiriya Gedige Raja Maha Viharaya.

The Thai monks presented ceremonial fans and offerings commemorating the 150th anniversary of King Rama IV's passing, along with royal portraits, an image of the late Supreme Patriarch, and religious items from Thailand as commemorative gifts during this second official visit.

King Rama IV, founder of Wat Rajapraditsat Mahaseemarama, held deep faith in Sri Lankan Buddhism and adapted Sinhalese Buddha images and stupa designs for use in Thailand. The late king's linguistic genius and royal patronage significantly supported the spread of Buddhism among Sri Lankan monks, including donations of printing blocks and sacred texts.

The Supreme Patriarch Somdej Phra Ariyvongsa Kataña (Sa Pussdawo), first abbot of Wat Rajapraditsat and the ninth Supreme Patriarch of Bangkok, possessed expertise in linguistics and Sinhala language, collaborating in the study and translation of texts borrowed from Sri Lanka.

Asgiriya Gedige is the oldest temple in Senkadagala, the former name of Kandy, built by King Vikramabahu III of Kumpola as a memorial to Queen Chandrawathie, known as "Askiriyadevi." When Phra Ubali Maha Thera and fellow Thai missionaries came to revive monastic order in Sri Lanka, an ordination hall was constructed at this temple, with the first ordination ceremony held on Visakha Bucha in 1765 under the patronage of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha.

This temple holds significant historical importance in Thai-Sri Lankan Buddhist relations during the Ayutthaya period. King Kirti Sri Rajasinha granted a grand royal cremation ceremony for Phra Ubali Maha Thera in 1755. Originally a royal cemetery called Adahana Maluwa, it served as a cremation site for royal family members.

The temple's greatest significance lies in its Gedige structure, which was the first location in Kandy to enshrine the Sacred Tooth Relic when it was brought from the Kotte kingdom for safekeeping before the official Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) was built. During the famous Esala Perahera festival, on the final night before conclusion, a procession carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic (a replica) is traditionally brought to Asgiriya Gedige in remembrance of its historical role protecting this precious relic.

Tray Skott has clarified the origins of an audio recording made three years ago during a family meeting intended to protect himself, not as a joke. Following the release of a conversation clip between Tray Skott and his older brother Pai Sunisa, the social media community was shaken. Today (May 13), Tray Skott appeared on Channel 3's "Noon News Alert" program to explain the recording. He stated that the audio was recorded three years earlier during a family meeting after he disclosed an incident involving his nanny and sought help. Tray said he had a premonition and secretly recorded his brother to keep as evidence.

"Because I come from a family that has never recognized the truth as truth. I knew he would deny things the way he always does. I can no longer rely on him or his words. Because if given the chance, he would cover it up," Tray explained.

"But what everyone in the family knows is that for the past three years, he knew I had a recording. He knew I was telling the truth, but he did nothing. A child's instinct never forgets who was good to us and who hurt us," he added.

Tray also stated that the incident with his nanny occurred when he was approximately 8-9 years old, confirming it was not typical misconduct but sexual assault. Related incidents occurred between ages 9-13 and happened repeatedly over several years.

Regarding online speculation that this might be sibling horseplay, Tray responded emotionally: "I'm very hurt. What happened to me is not a joke or something funny. How can anyone call this kind of thing a prank? If anyone wants answers, listen to the entire audio clip. The recording makes it clear whether this is a joke or not, because everything is in there."

In response to Pai's denial that the incidents ever occurred, Tray stated: "Denial doesn't change the truth. I have no intention of arguing with someone who hurt me."

Tray also posted on Instagram Stories: "I still have audio clips and screenshots of other relatives. I've kept everything. Will I stop? Since childhood I never trusted you. I've kept it all."

The situation now awaits Pai Sunisa's response and whether he will issue another statement or clarification.

The Channel 3 series "Fulfill" is underway with outstanding chemistry between stars 'Um' Isaya Hosuwan and 'Bam' Saralee Prasertdamrong. The pair shared their experiences and feelings about playing their first girl-love series.

When asked about the difficulty of performing intimate love scenes, Bam explained: "It's challenging because we need to be very close—not just our characters but also as people. We had to get to know each other as much as possible." Um added: "Since the characters need to love each other deeply and know each other well, we had to both develop the characters and find chemistry between ourselves."

To break down barriers, the actresses took acting workshops together with a professional coach. Um shared: "Understanding each other's energy and communication style was like a shortcut to building our relationship. We also spent time together, traveled, and prayed at temples to gradually ease into comfort with one another."

Interestingly, Bam was initially cast as Noi before switching roles with Um. Bam revealed that she and Um had previously worked on a project together, so they were already familiar. When Um was cast first, the production team asked if there was someone she was already close to who could generate chemistry. Um suggested Bam, and after the role swap, the team found the perfect match.

Um plays Noi, a civil engineer with clear career ambitions who cares for her family with strong determination. Bam portrays Pa-fun, an interior designer and Noi's college friend, who is a perfectionist wanting their home to be flawless—creating conflict in their relationship.

The series blends drama and comedy, depicting everyday married life that viewers will relate to. With eight episodes, each contains its own storyline arc. The show ultimately explores how marriage brings together not just two people, but entire families, transcending any relationship boundaries.

Thailand's annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony on Wednesday forecast strong trade, economic growth and abundant food supplies after the sacred oxen selected beans, sesame seeds, water and liquor during the centuries-old rite at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is one of Thailand's oldest royal traditions, dating back more than 700 years to the Sukhothai period. Rooted in ancient Brahmin beliefs from India and later combined with Buddhist practices, the ceremony marks the start of the rice-growing season and is intended to bring prosperity while predicting agricultural conditions for the year ahead. The rite has continued as an important annual royal ceremony closely tied to Thailand's agricultural heritage.

Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida travelled by royal motorcade from Dusit Palace to the ceremonial pavilion at Sanam Luang to preside over the rite.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Winairoat Subsongsook served as the Ploughing Lord, leading a ceremonial procession from the Brahmin Ceremonial Hall to the field alongside consecrated ladies, royal pundits and Brahmins. The sacred oxen were then yoked to a traditional plough, completing three lengthwise and three crosswise circuits around the field before rice seeds were scattered.

Earlier in the ceremony, the Ploughing Lord selected a six-khuep cloth, or about 1.5 metres, in the traditional garment selection ritual. Royal astrologers interpreted the choice as a sign of limited rainfall this year, predicting strong yields for lowland rice fields but possible damage and reduced harvests in upland farming areas.

After the ploughing ritual, seven offerings — rice, maize, green beans, sesame seeds, liquor, water and grass — were presented to the sacred oxen for their symbolic selection.

The oxen chose beans and sesame seeds, predicting abundant crops and food supplies. Their selection of water and grass was interpreted as a sign of sufficient rainfall and plentiful agricultural produce and livestock, while drinking liquor was seen as a positive omen for transportation, international trade and economic prosperity.

At a National Police Office briefing on May 13, Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphayom, the national police spokesman, provided updates on the security case involving Ming Chen Sun, a 31-year-old Chinese national who was injured in a vehicle accident in Chon Buri province. Following the crash, authorities conducted a search of a luxury residence in Pattaya where they discovered a large cache of weapons including C4 explosives, M16 rifles, and other ammunition hidden inside.

The investigation has progressed significantly after police gathered additional evidence including witness statements, forensic evidence, and digital data. Investigators discovered chat histories, weapon training photographs, and evidence of weapons accumulation dating back to late last year. According to the evidence, Ming Chen Sun has clear connections to a scammer network operating in Cambodia, though police are still investigating unconfirmed reports that the suspect received murder contracts in Cambodia.

Regarding speculation about connections to Thai politicians, Trairong stated that current investigations have found no evidence linking the suspect to any Thai politicians. He also confirmed that there is no indication the network intends to commit sabotage or violence against Thai citizens within Thailand's borders.

The case has expanded from one suspect to six individuals total, with additional charges expected to follow. When asked about security concerns after the suspect reportedly suffered severe stress and seizures requiring hospital treatment, authorities confirmed that the suspect remains under the Department of Corrections' care with strict security measures implemented by Police Region 2 under orders from Police Commander Kittarat Punthaipetch, despite the suspect's right to medical treatment.

The National Police Office is reviewing the case and upgrading foreign national screening procedures. The Immigration Bureau has been ordered to intensify monitoring of foreign nationals with unusual long-term stays and coordinate with local police to inspect residences and monitor behavior in tourist areas.

Within the next three months, immigration authorities will accelerate database checks on tourists while integrating with the Center for Transnational Crime Suppression and related agencies. A Joint Task Force will be established to investigate foreign nationals suspected of criminal activity. Long-term plans include consolidating criminal databases into the "One Police" system to enable nationwide access to information and more efficient criminal tracking.

When asked about potential damage to the police force's reputation, Trairong noted that Ming Chen Sun was not on any country's watch list.

On May 13, 2025, Ratchada Thanadirek, government spokesperson, addressed misconceptions about reports claiming the government would allow foreigners to conduct business without permits. She emphasized that the draft regulations under the Foreign Business Operations Act B.E. 2485 do not represent a blanket opening of business to foreigners without oversight, but rather a refinement of certain business sectors—primarily high-technology businesses or those with specific regulatory frameworks—while maintaining strict state supervision. The amendment aims to streamline redundant authorization processes, facilitate business operations, and update regulations to align with modern economic contexts, while ensuring all exempt businesses strictly comply with their respective sector laws. Examples of continuing strict oversight include telecommunications under the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, financial management centers under Bank of Thailand guidelines, securities and futures trading under the Securities and Exchange Commission, and petroleum drilling under energy sector regulations. Ratchada noted that the government prioritizes protecting Thai entrepreneurs, evidenced by the removal of software development from the draft regulation following concerns from relevant agencies about impacts on Thailand's digital industry. The regulatory improvements aim to achieve five strategic objectives: reducing unnecessary authorization steps, increasing fair and transparent competition, attracting advanced technology and expertise to Thailand, supporting Thailand's development as a regional service and business hub, and creating overall economic, investment, and employment benefits. The government reaffirms that all economic measures must protect national interests, Thai entrepreneurs, and economic security through improved regulatory efficiency, not deregulation as misunderstood.