JAKARTA — 3 July 2026 Indonesian authorities have seized 3.37 tonnes of cannabis buds allegedly imported from Thailand and arrested 12 suspects, including foreigners, in a drug trafficking case linked to the production of cannabis-laced vape products.

Reuters reported that Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency announced the seizure this week following operations carried out in several Indonesian cities from 29 June to 1 July.

National Narcotics Agency chief Police General Suyudi Ario Seto said the cannabis buds were hidden inside suitcases and rubber boxes. The shipment originated from Thailand and was seized in East Java province.

Investigators found that the cannabis was allegedly intended for distribution in major Indonesian cities, including Jakarta and Bali, and would be used to produce vape products containing cannabis.

The agency said the network had been recently established and included foreign nationals among its members.

Indonesia has some of the world's strictest drug laws. One of the country's most high-profile drug cases involved the Bali Nine, a group arrested in 2005 while attempting to smuggle heroin out of Bali's international airport. Two Australian ringleaders in the case were executed in 2015, causing a diplomatic rift between Indonesia and Australia.

On July 3, 2025, the Disaster Geology Operation Center under the Department of Mineral Resources warned of heightened risks of landslides and flash flooding across 15 provinces including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Nan, Phayao, Phichit, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Surat Thani through July 4. The alert was issued due to a monsoon trough moving across the northern and upper northeastern regions, combined with strong southwestern winds over the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, resulting in continuous heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters in 24 hours and initial flash flooding in some areas. The department urged volunteer monitoring networks to remain alert, continuously measure rainfall, and promptly alert residents and relevant agencies of any landslide or flash flood incidents, following established emergency response procedures.

A spiritual teaching from Luang Pho Cha Subhadto of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani states: "Following the Buddha's path brings no suffering, for His way is complete letting go of all things." Phra Kru Wor Wetmuni, known as Luang Pho Ee Buddhsaro, was a celebrated master teacher from Chachoengsao in Thailand's East who created numerous sacred amulets including talismans, yantra shirts, medals, and closed-eye Buddha images. Among his most popular pieces is the distinctive "Khao Bin" grain-shaped amulet. In 1930, Wat Satcheep commissioned portrait medals as commemorative gifts for those who contributed funds toward building the main ordination hall. Both oval and grain-shaped versions were produced, featuring a seated meditation figure with "Wat Sat" on the left and the master's name below. A yantra appears in the center, with the inscription "Memorial of the Buddha Image casting" and "B.E. 2473" on the back. This edition became highly sought-after, commanding high rental prices, and remains rare among serious collectors. Luang Pu Jai Inthasuvanno, a venerated master from Wat Sedet in Samut Songkhram, created the popular "Tamarind-Leaf Nagas" amulet in 1930 as part of a commemorative series for donors. This small brass casting features multiple designs: two-needle, single-needle, and dot varieties. The front depicts Buddha in meditation on a three-tiered base, while the back displays seven-headed nagas with protective shields. Khmer script runs along the center back. Due to limited production, this early amulet became exceptionally popular. Luang Pu Nak Punyanako of Wat Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan, a prominent historical master, created various sought-after amulets, with collectors particularly valuing his first-edition portrait medals. These Semai-shaped medals feature two handles and were created by Phra Kru Prasitthi Samnakaan (Tan Mena Jindha) of Chakravartti Rachawas Temple in Bangkok to commemorate the master's 72nd birthday. The front displays a bird-pattern border with a half-portrait facing forward, inscribed "Memorial" above and "Phra Kru Wiryaathikari" below, while the back features the Unaalom yantra and Khmer script, making it one of the most coveted medals in amulet collecting circles. Luang Pho Noi Chutinadhorn of Wat Noen Wiang in Nakhon Sawan was another renowned master whose first-edition "Tamarind-Leaf" medals, created in 1975, became highly celebrated. These copper amulets, produced in a limited run of 10,000 pieces, feature a looped bail with a seated meditation figure and yantra script, stamped with the master's name.

Visitors to Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok's Ratchathewi District encounter the shrine of Thao Hiranya Phanasur within the hospital premises. Local residents know its history well and report personal miraculous experiences. Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff show profound reverence, regularly seeking blessings before undertaking any task. Beyond medical matters, those facing various hardships—when not beyond karmic reach—report miraculous relief from disaster or success in their requests. The deity's fame has spread, drawing devotees from all directions daily.

Thao Hiranya Phanasur emerged during the reign of King Mongkut (Rama VI). "Hiranya" means silver or gold, while "Phanasur" combines "phana" (forest) and "asur" (demon), referring to a great forest spirit, also called "Thao Hiranya Hu"—"Hu" possibly from English "Who."

In 1906, while still Crown Prince, the future King Mongkut traveled through northern forests filled with dangers and diseases. When his entourage worried about threats, he reassured them, explaining that such journeys naturally attract protective deities and spirits who prevent harm to royalty and their companions.

During the journey, a senior official dreamed of a tall man named "Hiranya," a forest spirit of righteous conduct, offering protection. The Prince ordered offerings made in the forest, and meals were regularly divided as tribute. The journey proved entirely safe, with no illness or mishap.

On subsequent travels, the retinue performed ceremonies invoking this protective spirit, and many witnessed a tall, ancient-looking man accompanying the royal procession. News spread among regional governors, and veneration of Thao Hiranya Hu became widespread.

After ascending the throne as King Mongkut (Rama VI), he remembered this spirit fondly. In April 1911, he commissioned a small bronze statue (20 cm tall) dressed in ancient regalia with a ceremonial staff, naming it "Thao Hiranya Phanasur." Four such images were cast as the first edition. The King placed one on his white automobile "Napier."

Venerable Phra Kru Pibul Khana Rak, also known as Luang Pho Ding Khangkhsuvanno, was the former abbot of Wat Usupharam (Bang Wa) in Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao Province. He was born on March 14, 1877, at Bang Wa and was ordained at age 20 on April 10, 1897, at Wat Bang Wa's ordination hall under Phra Ajarn Dit Phromsaro of Wat Bang Samak. His monastic name Khangkhsuvanno means "one whose mind is cool like a river and strong like gold."

He was a senior monk known for strict discipline, profound compassion, and mastery of all Buddhist doctrines and teachings. His amulets became widely cherished among devotees and collectors across generations. He passed away peacefully on August 6, 1952, at age 75 with 55 years of monastic service.

His amulets gained tremendous popularity among collectors, particularly the first-edition copper image pendant created in 1881 during his 61st birthday merit-making ceremony, when he received the ecclesiastical title Phra Kru at the provincial level.

The amulet is an oval-shaped medallion with raised edges. The front features a portrait facing forward, surrounded by Thai script reading: "Phra Kru Pibul Khana Rak, Provincial Ecclesiastical Chief of Bang Pakong District, Wat Usupharam, Chachoengsao." Notable features include curved defects on the upper ear lobes, a cross mark on the neck, three fish-egg marks on the right cheek, and the lower left edge splits into two branches. The reverse side displays a yantra with Khmer characters "Mi Ma Na A U," with the year "B.E. 2481" at the bottom, where the "S" in the era mark has a crack extending upward. The left yantra border has a touched edge mark.

Legend speaks of his exceptional experiences, including stories of great compassion, miraculous protection, and steadfast virtue. Today, his amulets are increasingly rare and highly valuable.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of Phra Kru Suk Kit Banhar, or Luang Pu Suk Sukpepo, the former abbot of Wat Pa Waai in Sing Buri Province, a venerable monk deeply revered by the people of Sing Buri.

Originally named Suk Nai Chang, he was born on Friday, June 14, 1929 at house number 71, moo 1, Rong Chang subdistrict, Phrom Buri district, Sing Buri Province, as the second of seven siblings. Though his family lived in poverty, he was cheerful, well-behaved, creative, and beloved by family and friends. He completed his compulsory education at his local school.

At age eight, his father passed away, leaving him orphaned. His mother entrusted him to Luang Pho Phiu Kandachato of Wat Pa Waai, who raised and educated him. During this time, Luang Pho Phiu taught him meditation and insight practices while he was still a layperson, instructing him to meditate each evening at 7 PM after finishing his homework.

At age 14, recognizing his interest in Buddhism, Luang Pho Phiu ordained him in 1943. He traveled by ferry to Wat Phi Si, approximately 25 kilometers away, a journey of about one hour, to study Buddhist texts under Phra Kru Phi Si (Luang Pho Suthee).

Upon turning 20, he took higher ordination at the Buddhist precinct of Wat Pa Waai on March 7, 1949, receiving the ecclesiastical name Sukpepo. Phra Kru Phrom Chariykun (Luang Pu Dee Thammapanyo) of Wat Chang Phrom Nakhon served as his preceptor, with Luang Pho Phiu as his instructor and Phra Adhikarn Saeng of Wat Phi Si as his witness. He remained at Wat Pa Waai, studying Buddhist scriptures and serving his teacher Luang Pho Phiu.

Learning of the reputation of Luang Pu Dee, whom Sing Buri residents recognized as an outstanding master teacher, he walked from Wat Pa Waai to pay respects and seek advanced Buddhist studies, eventually becoming highly proficient.

In administrative duties, he served as acting abbot in 1962, was formally appointed abbot of Wat Pa Waai in 1964, became an instructor in 1964, district sangha administrator in 1972, and preceptor in 1977.

For ecclesiastical rank, he was elevated to Phra Kru Sannya Bat third class with the title Phra Kru Suk Kit Banhar in 1978, and to second class in 1984.

Beyond his expertise in Buddhist texts and administration, he possessed remarkable development abilities. When appointed abbot in 1964, Wat Pa Waai had only four monastic huts. He subsequently undertook extensive construction and renovation projects, permanently restoring the ancient temple's structures, all achieved through genuine merit-making.

He was strict in monastic discipline, lived simply and contentedly, showed compassion, spoke little but with kindness, and was generous. He often taught: "One teaching from my teacher I shall never forget is the constant practice of meditation and mindfulness—strengthening and steadying the mind. When the mind is concentrated, everything becomes good."

Though famous for his auspicious amulets, he never boasted, instead continually teaching people to live with mindfulness.

He passed away from old age on July 4, 2021 at age 92, having been a monk for 72 years.