On Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 2:30 PM, His Majesty the King graciously appointed General Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council, as his representative to present the Royal Educational Fund for the Royal Scholarship Program for Thai Buddhist clergy at Dusit Sala in Chitralada Garden.

Senior monks overseeing the program and selected monks and novices receiving the royal educational fund were recognized as follows:

1. Phra Brahmabandit (Prayoon Thammajitta), Abbot of Prayurawongsa Monastery, as coordinator of the Preacher Training Royal Scholarship Program, Cohort 6

2. Phra Thammaviramedhee (Meechai Veeraphunyo), Vice Rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Buddhagosha Pali Studies Campus in Nakhon Pathom Province, as coordinator of the Vipassana Meditation Instructor Training Royal Scholarship Program, Cohort 6

3. Phra Thammaviradhibodi (Cham Punnyajyo), Abbot of Benjamabopit Dusit Vanaram Monastery, as coordinator of the Dharma Dissemination Monk Training Royal Scholarship Program, Cohort 6

4. Phra Thammavirjindaphorn (Somkit Jintamyo), Assistant Abbot of Rajabophit Sathit Mahasima Monastery, as coordinator of the Dharma Teaching Royal Scholarship Program, Cohort 3, and the Meditation Teacher Training Royal Scholarship Program, Cohort 3

5. Higher education scholarship recipients from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya and Mahamakut Royal Universities totaling 271 scholarships, consisting of: - 39 doctoral degree students - 83 master's degree students - 103 bachelor's degree students

6. Advanced Pali studies scholarship recipients from the Royal Pali Office at levels 6-9, totaling 56 students

Attending the ceremony were Udompon Eakkhiam, Director of the National Office of Buddhism; Pareena Srivanich, Advisor on Buddhist Research and Development; and Chatchapol Chaiyaporn, Buddhist Studies Expert, acting as Director of the Mahatherasangha Secretariat's Office, along with officials from the National Office of Buddhism, collectively advancing the royal vision.

The Royal Scholarship Program for Thai Buddhist Clergy was established by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej with the royal intention to promote higher Buddhist education among monks, enabling them to reach the essence of Buddhist teachings and practice and propagate them correctly, thereby ensuring the stability of the Buddhist Dharma. The current King continues, preserves, and further develops this royal initiative to enhance the potential of monks as spiritual anchors for the people and vital pillars of Thai society.

Wat Phra Thong in Thalang District, Phuket, is an ancient provincial temple that enshrines 'Phra Phud' or 'Luang Pho Phra Phud,' a sacred golden Buddha image with only its topknot protruding from the ground approximately one cubit. Recognized as one of Thailand's hidden gems, the image is revered with the saying that anyone suffering from hardship who pays respects and requests blessings will have their wishes fulfilled. It holds deep reverence among Thalang residents and nearby communities, particularly the Chinese population, who regularly pay homage during important festivals.

The legend of Phra Phud has been passed down through generations, recounting miraculous powers and divine interventions dating back to ancient times. According to the tale, when the image was first discovered, the area was used for livestock raising. A severe storm brought torrential rain that flooded the rice fields and toppled countless trees. After the rain stopped, a farmer's boy led his buffalo to graze in the field but couldn't find the usual wooden peg to tether it. Instead, he tied the rope to a muddy post protruding from the ground. Upon returning home, the boy suddenly collapsed, convulsed, and died. The next morning, his parents found their buffalo dead as well.

That night, the boy's father dreamed that someone told him the deaths occurred because the boy had tied the buffalo rope to a sacred Buddha image. The following morning, he invited neighbors to inspect the spot. Upon washing away the mud from the post, a brilliant golden Buddha topknot was revealed. The townspeople paid respects and informed the Thalang city ruler, who ordered excavation. However, no matter how they tried to dig, thousands of tiny wasps emerged from underground and attacked only the diggers, leaving those paying respects completely unharmed. This miracle astonished all witnesses. Eventually, the ruler ordered a shelter built over the image.

Years later, a white-robed Buddhist nun came to Thalang, fearing the Buddha image might be cut up and sold. She worked with villagers to coat the image with whitewash for protection. In 1809 during the reign of King Rama I, the Burmese attacked southern Thailand and captured Thalang. When Burmese soldiers attempted to excavate Phra Phud to take it back to Burma, a miraculous event occurred: millions of tiny ants emerged from the excavated soil and attacked the soldiers, causing hundreds to fall ill and die. As the remaining Burmese soldiers tried to burn the ants and dig deeper, the Nakhon Si Thammarat ruler's forces arrived and successfully recaptured Thalang.

Later, Luang Pho Singh, a wandering monk from Sukhothai, came to Thalang and discovered Phra Phud. He inspired villagers to build a temple to preserve the precious Buddha image. The community built monastic dwellings, a viharn, and an ordination hall, with Phra Phud as the principal Buddha image. The temple was named Wat Nai In, Wat Phra Phud, or Wat Phra Lot Kho. Luang Pho Singh, the first abbot, also raised the Buddha image higher than before.

Luang Pho Singh left behind a riddle: 'Eight and four, bring fire to burn the ghost, the ghost won't decay, fragrance spreads far. Whoever thinks carefully shall receive the red-lipped toad's place. Whoever understands shall receive the neck-choking spot.' This riddle, created through spiritual intention, was meant for succeeding abbots to solve. Abbots unable to solve it would not remain long at the temple. Since no abbot ever solved the riddle, the temple eventually fell into ruin, gaining the reputation that Wat Phra Phud consumed its abbots, until 1897 when Phra Khru Chit Thasamon came.

On May 9, 2026, Influos creates a historic phenomenon for Thai and Southeast Asian football by partnering with Steve McMahanan, a world-class winger beloved by Thai fans, as a key partner in organizing the "Living Legends Football Festival 2026," a spectacular Sportainment-style football festival. The UOB LIVE venue will host five world-renowned football legends led by Steven Gerrard, Claude Makélélé, Michel Salgado, Quinton Fortune, and Steve McMahanan, who will travel directly to Thailand to meet fans closely and participate in exclusive activities over two full days from May 9-10, 2026. This gathering of global football icons reflects the greatness of the event and reinforces Thailand's potential as a true regional Sportainment hub.

Tharanin Kiatchai, Managing Director of Influos Co., Ltd. and organizer of Living Legends in Thailand, stated: "Throughout this period, Influos has continuously created experiences for Thai football fans by bringing legendary footballers to visit Thailand, which has received warm responses and grown each time. This year marks a significant level-up with five world-class football legends coming to create comprehensive close-up experiences for fans through various activities including Meet & Greet, experiential activities, and offering new perspectives through athletes' lifestyles by taking them on tours of important Bangkok landmarks while experiencing Thai cuisine to convey Thai identity to football fans worldwide. Beyond creating impressions, this is another important mechanism to boost tourism economy through the power of international-level football fan bases, with football legends serving as the bridge connecting experiences.

We view this not just as a football event, but as a Sportainment platform connecting sports, entertainment, and lifestyle together under the concept of 'COLOURS OF LIFE' that reflects the stories, identities, and inspirations of each athlete's era. Their return not only awakens memories of the past but also inspires football fans of every generation."

The "Living Legends Football Festival 2026" event spans two full days from May 9-10, 2026. On Saturday, May 9, 2026, besides an official press conference, there will be a special football activity called "5-a-side Football Match" featuring a clash between world-legend teams against Thailand's famous celebrities led by Poong Nawat, Kong Huy Rai, Buakao Banchamaek, Tack Pranyoo, and Gig Danai. On Sunday, May 10, 2026, another major highlight is the exclusive dinner "An Evening with Legends" at Kimpton Malecon Bangkok, offering football fans the opportunity to join dinner and enjoy a friendly atmosphere close to all five Legends.

Another victim has emerged accusing a famous occultist teacher of taking him into a private room where the teacher made obscene comments and exhibited disturbing behavior that has caused psychological trauma. Following previous allegations against the teacher who allegedly used spiritual rituals as a pretext for sexual harassment and assault, a new victim filed a formal complaint. At 10:00 AM on May 9, 2025, an 18-year-old victim and his family submitted a complaint with the Thai Anti-Corruption agency.

The victim recounted that the incident occurred in February 2024 while traveling with his parents in Northern Thailand. After seeing the teacher's viral social media presence, his mother visited for a back massage consultation. During the visit, the teacher briefly spoke with the mother before focusing his attention on the son, eventually leading him into a private room. The teacher allegedly whispered inappropriate sexual remarks and later made obscene comments and physical demonstrations, including graphic descriptions involving animals. The victim stated he was terrified throughout the ordeal, which lasted several hours. The teacher confiscated the victim's phone, preventing him from contacting anyone or documenting evidence. The teacher allegedly instructed the victim to send explicit photographs as part of a purported spiritual remedy, claiming the victim had a serious karmic debt requiring immediate resolution. The victim did not comply with these demands.

The victim's 48-year-old mother confirmed that after returning home, her son gradually revealed what had transpired. She expressed guilt for bringing her son to the teacher and stated she has completely lost faith in the instructor. When asked if she had filed a police report, the mother indicated she had not yet done so.

A disgruntled consumer has posted about the ongoing problems with his 5 million baht electric vehicle, which has been plagued with issues since purchase four months ago. Electric vehicles have become a popular choice for those seeking energy efficiency and lower operating costs, available at various price points from affordable to premium. However, regardless of price, no one expects to encounter persistent problems.

One consumer recently shared his experience with a 5 million baht electric car, cautioning that "expensive doesn't always mean good!" He reports the vehicle has spent more time in the service center than on the road, plagued by numerous errors. The most frustrating issue is the lack of spare parts—even Germany doesn't have stock parts available. While the service center attempted to provide feedback, Mercedes-Benz Thailand remained silent, and the consumer complaint hotline 1250 acknowledged his complaint but nothing came of it. He concludes the 5 million baht vehicle is no different from a Chinese car.

Problems encountered in 4 months: 1. Steering wheel rack failure 2. Sensor errors triggering the emergency braking system—Mercedes-Benz Thailand suspects it may be related to the car wrap applied after purchase. The sensor proves extremely sensitive!

Additionally, there were loud rattling noises at the door panels that required repairs. The consumer shares this account to provide another perspective for those considering purchasing a new vehicle.