On Monday, April 13, 2026, Phra Phrom Vajramedhi (Somkiat Kovit), a member of the Maha Thersamakhom Council, advisor to the 9th Regional Ecclesiastical Authority, and abbot of Wat Arun Rajwararama, presided over the ceremony to enshrine a replica of Luang Pho Chaeng on the grounds before the Buddha Prangan at Wat Arun Rajwararama in Bangkok's Bang Kho district.

The ceremony included lighting incense and candles to honor Luang Pho Chaeng, followed by traditional water blessing rituals. Dhamma teachers performed worship ceremonies accompanied by classical Lao Million Elephants musical ensemble playing sacred music, reflecting the deep cultural and historical bonds between the two nations.

The replica Luang Pho Chaeng was then placed on a ceremonial palanquin decorated with elegant Lao Million Elephants ornaments and carried in procession to its installation site, allowing monks and Buddhist devotees to participate in the water blessing ceremony and seek blessings for auspiciousness during the Thai New Year celebration.

This ceremony represented a continuation of beautiful Thai traditions during Songkran, the ancient Thai New Year celebration signifying the purification of body, speech, and mind, while expressing gratitude to past Thai monarchs and revered ancestors.

Wat Arun opened the ceremony to the general public and tourists wishing to participate in the water blessing of the Prangan Buddha, an important relic of Bangkok, seeking blessings for their lives while promoting cultural tourism and Buddhist heritage education.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Phra Phrom Vajramedhi, along with Phra Phrom Senabodhee (Pim Yanaveero), a member of the Maha Thersamakhom Council and advisor to the 7th Regional Ecclesiastical Authority, and Phra Phrom Vajravimolmuni V. (Bounchit Yanasangvoro), a member of the Maha Thersamakhom Council and abbot of Wat Mahathat Yuvaraj Rangsridtee, presided over the ceremony to return the replica Luang Pho Chaeng to its shrine at Wat Arun, with many Buddhist devotees participating.

The atmosphere was filled with auspiciousness as Songkran Festival drew to a close and Thailand's new year commenced. The presiding clergy lit incense and candles to honor Luang Pho Chaeng, presenting elegant and valuable offerings in the traditional Lao Million Elephants manner. Musicians performed harmonious traditional melodies while dancers performed graceful movements as Buddhist offerings.

Following the water blessing of the replica and the presentation of robes, Luang Pho Chaeng was placed upon a ceremonial palanquin in a grand Lao Million Elephants procession, returning to the viharn accompanied by the resonant sounds of traditional musical instruments throughout the journey, symbolizing peace and prosperity. Upon arrival at the temple, all monks chanted auspicious blessings.

This ceremony marked the complete closing of Songkran Festival at Wat Arun Rajwararama while preserving beautiful Thai and Buddhist traditions for future generations. It brought auspiciousness to the nation and all Buddhist devotees, allowing them to welcome the Thai New Year with happiness, prosperity, and renewed faith in the Triple Gem.

A detailed examination of rare and collectible Buddhist amulets with historical significance. The article discusses Luang Por Hom Ratinetdro, the respected meditation master and abbot of Wat Tri Kamvasi in Sakon Nakhon, who created an ancient cast coin series to fundraise for temple construction. The first edition features an oval design with a loop bail and Sanskrit characters reading "Ma Ru Ku Ru" at its core, with a meditative Buddha figure in the center. The back bears an inscription dated Buddhist Era 2537 (1994), with current market prices having doubled in value. The article also covers Luang Por Khleuap Sangworthamma's coins from August 1996, created by the Uthai Thani Lions Club to support impoverished communities, featuring colorful enamel work in red, blue, green, cyan, and purple. Additionally, it details Luang Pu Ruem Primo's first-edition coins from Buddhist Era 2516 (1973) made of alpaca, and the historically important closed-eye Buddha amulets by the renowned Luang Pu Nak Chotiako of Wat Huai Krachai in Nakhon Pathom, created between Buddhist Era 2432-2435 (1889-1892). The text notes that collectors favor three main styles of the closed-eye Buddhas: the flat-belly mold, bulging-belly mold, and rabbit-ear mold, with notable details about the craftsmanship and underwater inscription process traditional to their creation.

Rothaang Jitmeungnon, the former ONE Championship flyweight Muay Thai world champion, is preparing to take on local favorite "Takeru" in an upcoming match. His wife Bangju has shared the latest updates ahead of their trip to ONE Samurai 1 on April 29, 2025, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The headline bout will feature Rothaang facing Takeru with the interim ONE Championship kickboxing flyweight title (125-135 lbs) on the line. Bangju's social media page has posted recent photos of Rothaang at their hotel before departure to Tokyo, along with a message saying "Getting a massage to loosen up and prepare before the match.. Are you ready?"

Lucky and Unlucky Days

Thursday, April 30, 2025 By Buspon

Aries (Ram) Today you won't experience much success in work, regardless of planning. However, negotiations—especially business matters—will yield satisfactory results. Promotions remain possible. Communication with distant colleagues may encounter unexpected obstacles.

Taurus (Bull) Today brings great financial news with potential acquisition of multiple assets. Family members of varying ages and talkative types may create workplace confusion. You'll lack candid conversation with friends. Single natives may meet someone you've liked before or encountered previously, bringing additional fortune.

Gemini (Twins) Today you'll experience peace in daily life. Income will arrive from multiple sources. You may suffer minor illness from consumption or unsuitable items. Those in relationships may experience frustration as partners' attempts to please fall flat, or relationships feel incomplete.

Cancer (Crab) Today work proceeds unevenly. Elders seem reserved and thinking lacks clarity. Avoiding competition is wise. You'll reconnect with old friends or past romantic interests. Benefits and profits flow continuously, though people you respect may strangely interfere with your finances.

Leo (Lion) Today you're among changing crowds and environments. Daily life tends toward unexpected events without advance warning. However, fortune isn't favorable regarding agriculture or aquaculture. Heavy investment now won't be worthwhile. Partners or spouses don't listen to your opinions.

Virgo (Virgin) Today be extremely cautious about conflicts with partners or business associates, which may escalate to quarrels or separation. You may work serving large groups or the public. You'll enjoy socializing with distant friends or studying Western topics.

Libra (Balance) Today you may not receive debt repayment as scheduled. Partnership shares or joint investment returns may be delayed. Earning even modest gains requires overcoming significant obstacles. Family will invite you to various celebrations.

Scorpio (Scorpion) Today you'll try organizing income and expenses, but tighter financial control creates more stress and irritation. You may lose financial documents, requiring others' help to find them. Avoid verbal arguments or debates, as you'll lose and matters won't end.

Sagittarius (Archer) Today you'll restructure your finances and may change investment methods or banks. Watch for long-term issues with authorities. Land or agricultural income will suffice, but beware of property-related disputes that are difficult to resolve long-term.

Capricorn (Goat) Today whatever you do tends to draw criticism from employers or seniors. You may reluctantly accept blame for your boss. Distant family will send good news or gifts. Spending will be moderate with fewer expenses.

CKPower Wins Two Awards at Thailand-Japan Decarbonization Award 2026, Reflecting Innovation Potential in Resource and Environmental Management

Recently, CK Power Public Company Limited (CKP), one of the region's largest renewable energy producers and among those with the lowest carbon footprint, clinched two awards from the Thailand-Japan Decarbonization Award (TJDA) 2026 platform. The awards include a Golden Award for its waste and wastewater management project in the energy production process of the Bang Pa-in Cogeneration Power Plant, and a Silver Award for its Waste to Value lantern project aimed at conservation, protection, and restoration of natural resources and the environment at the Xayaburi Hydropower Plant. These awards are presented by the Thai-Japan Association for Technology Promotion (SJTA), which aims to promote and honor organizations that excel in developing and applying technology and innovation to concretely reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ms. Tuangphon Bunyanasaranun, Assistant Managing Director for Corporate Communications and Sustainability Management, and Mr. Anuwat Sathakul, Operations Department Manager, represented the company in receiving the honors from Professor Dr. Suphachai Patumanakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, at the Grand Hall of Bitec Bangkok Convention Centre in Bangkok.

Thanawat Trivishvavet, Managing Director of CK Power Public Company Limited, stated that CKPower is committed to advancing its long-term electricity production processes through appropriate technology and innovation in environmental management, energy management, and climate change response. This is coupled with developing employee knowledge and capabilities, emphasizing the creation of 'innovators' and fostering an innovation culture within the organization. This enables employees to participate in developing and advancing concrete approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which not only improves operational efficiency and cost-effective resource use but also creates positive environmental and community impacts, strengthens energy security, and generates sustainable value for stakeholders over the long term.

The two award-winning projects are as follows:

The waste and wastewater management project in the energy production process of the Bang Pa-in Cogeneration Power Plant is an approach to efficiently manage water resources in electricity production, focusing on managing the lubricating oil system to reduce waste and improving water efficiency in the cooling tower system through chemical control adjustments to enable greater water recycling. The project has reduced water consumption by more than 743 million liters and saved costs exceeding 5 million baht, while reducing lubricating oil consumption by more than 28,000 liters, saving over 2.6 million baht. Importantly, it reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 95,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent. Long-term plans include advancing to utility systems to further improve efficiency and reduce waste.

The Waste to Value lantern project for conservation, protection, and restoration of natural resources and the environment at the Xayaburi Hydropower Plant transforms organic waste from food scraps at the power plant into soil quality improvement material and promotes environmentally friendly agriculture while building environmental awareness among youth and community members.

Muscat grapes, originating from Japan, are characterized by their large, beautifully colored fruits with a sweet, crisp taste and distinctive aroma. However, their high price—particularly when imported—can reach thousands of baht more, leading some consumers to purchase cheaper Chinese alternatives. Good news for grape lovers: Thailand now successfully grows Muscat grapes across multiple regions including the North, Northeast, and Central areas. The local produce matches the taste and quality of the original Japanese variety without the premium price or concerns about chemical residues.

Thitipon Kaewnuon, known as Tri, owns Theerwaree Grape Garden located in Thung Kluay subdistrict, Phu Sang district, Phayao province. Operating on two rai of land, he has transformed it into an agritourism destination. During harvest season, tourists flock to taste fresh grapes directly from the garden, and current production cannot keep up with demand.

"I previously worked abroad and saved enough to return home and start a business in my hometown, Phayao," Thitipon explains. "I consulted with my wife about what to try, and we settled on grape farming after seeing it featured on television. After researching and understanding the cultivation process, we decided to give it a go."

His garden currently covers two rai with four main grape varieties: Early VFVIJK, Rambo, Luscious Perlette, and Muscat—the star of his operation. Three years ago, Muscat grapes were relatively unknown, but Thitipon was drawn to their unique appeal: their aromatic quality, sweetness, and jelly-like texture when bitten. He sourced his rootstock from Lampun province, which carries authentic Japanese cultivars.

Thitipon shares techniques for growing large, sweet, crisp Muscat grapes that consumers love: "Many people think Muscat grapes can only be grown in Japan and require cold climates. Actually, grapes grow almost anywhere in Thailand. They thrive with fermented fertilizer, sunlight, and good air circulation. They dislike rain and insects, so we use greenhouses to prevent pests and reduce chemical pesticide use significantly."

New farmers must understand that first-year vines don't produce fruit—they must be nurtured to maturity. In the second year, grapes begin producing but not at full capacity; proper branch development is essential. By the third year, harvesting can begin. Grape production can be controlled by timing: from pruning to harvest takes approximately four months, then another two months for nutrient accumulation—six months total. To harvest in February, count back six months to begin pruning.

Propagation involves grafting quality rootstock onto wild grape stock, taking about one month before transplanting to the field. Soil preparation is crucial: use fermented fertilizer to create loose, porous soil with organic matter from rice straw and leaves, as grapes dislike compacted earth. Plant seedlings at soil level in bags, cover with mulch, and water with fruit or animal fermentation liquid mixed with Trichoderma fungus to prevent disease. Nurture vines for approximately two months until they climb their support structure, then develop lateral branches where grapes will fruit.