On Friday, May 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., His Majesty graciously appointed Air Chief Marshal Chom Rungsawang, a royal advisor, to present a certificate of rank, fan, and three-colored cloth to Venerable Phra Thepvichiryan Sundhorn at Wat Phutthavanaram (Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen) in Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province.

The Sovereign issued a royal charter on April 16, 2026, elevating the venerable to the rank of Phra Racha Khana Chadnimitti with the royal title 'Phra Thepvichiryan Sundhorn Bowordhammapani Siribhawananustittha Mahakanissara Buworsangkharam Kamwasi,' of the Vipassana tradition, currently stationed at Wat Mahachai Royal Monastery in Maha Sarakham Province, with five subordinate temples registered under his name.

The Director of the National Office of Buddhism assigned Supathorn Muangmaj, Director of the Buddhist Education Division, along with officials from the National Office of Buddhism and the Maha Sarakham Provincial Buddhist Office, to participate in the ceremony and assist with sangha affairs.

Venerable Phra Thepvichiryan Sundhorn, formerly known as Suriyant Wanasasub, is a renowned Buddhist scholar from Maha Sarakham, tracing his spiritual lineage from the late Venerable Luang Pu Kamphan Kosobunyo, a celebrated meditation master from Nakhon Phanom Province.

Currently 47 years old with 27 years of monastic service, he serves as the abbot of Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen in Geung Sub-district, Mueang District, and as assistant abbot of Wat Mahachai Royal Monastery. Born on February 13, 1979, in Maha Sarakham Province to parents Thongchai and Lamun, he was ordained at age 15 at Wat Don Kloi in Kalasin Province.

He was fully ordained on April 17, 1999, and subsequently traveled throughout Northeast Thailand's forests seeking spiritual advancement. Learning of Luang Pu Kamphan's reputation, he became his student and studied advanced meditation techniques, ancient scriptures, and sacred amulet-making rituals for four years.

In 2006, after returning to Maha Sarakham, devoted followers invited him to establish Wat Phutthavanaram (Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen), which has flourished through the patronage of donors. The temple features remarkable permanent structures, including the nation's largest wooden dharma hall, constructed entirely from hardwood.

Venerable Master Luang Pho Neuang Govidho, formally known as Phra Kru Govidh Samutkun of Wat Chula Mani in Bang Chiang Subdistrict, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province, was a highly esteemed Buddhist monk whose original name was Neuang Tao Suwanna. Born on February 14, 1909, in Klong Yai Village, Phraek Nam Daeng Subdistrict, Amphawa District, he completed his primary education through fourth grade at Wat Bang Kapo School in 1920. At age 23, he was ordained on July 29, 1932, at Wat Bang Kapo, with Luang Pho Kong Thammacho serving as his preceptor, Luang Pho Chaem Solos as his ceremonial instructor, and Phra Ajarn Plong as his exemplary teacher.

He pursued Buddhist scriptural studies and achieved the highest examination rank in 1936, while simultaneously mastering meditation and esoteric practices under prestigious masters including Luang Pho Kong of Wat Bang Kapo—who created one of the five most sought-after amulet sets in Thai history—as well as Luang Pho Chaem of Wat Chula Mani and Luang Pu Chai of Wat Sadet, famous for his legendary protective tapers. This distinguished lineage of teachers exemplified his profound spiritual knowledge and exceptional power within the Buddhist tradition.

Venerated by devotees throughout Samut Songkhram and neighboring provinces, Luang Pho Neuang dedicated his life to developing Wat Chula Mani and its community. He received his first ecclesiastical rank as Phra Kru Sanyabat Tri in 1933 and was promoted to Phra Kru Sanyabat Tho in the Vipassana lineage in 1974. Wat Chula Mani itself is an ancient temple, believed constructed between 1629-1647 during the reign of King Prasatthong, originally named Wat Mae Chao Thip. As a historically significant temple related to the Chakri Dynasty's Bang Chiang branch, it had deteriorated over time, but Luang Pho Neuang oversaw its restoration into a magnificent and complete facility, notably the four-sided marble hall measuring 40 meters wide, 80 meters long, and 10 meters high, with construction valued at tens of millions of baht. The foundation stone was laid on August 15, 1968, by the Supreme Patriarch.

In early 1987, Luang Pho Neuang's health declined, and he passed away peacefully at 6:20 a.m. on November 27, 1987, at Sammitivet Hospital, at the age of 78 (56 in Buddhist years).

The most popular amulet associated with Luang Pho Neuang is the "Sitting Table Coin Edition," created in B.E. 2511 in a limited run of 2,000 pieces in copper only. According to accounts, Luang Pho Neuang commissioned his disciples to design the first amulet edition for Wat Chula Mani, though his first coin was actually issued at Wat Prasatbunyawat in Bangkok in 1964. Initially designed as a full-length seated figure, Luang Pho Neuang disapproved and requested a half-length version instead, with only limited numbers of the full-length edition distributed.

The new model debuted at the recent motor show and has received positive reception. The new Nissan Kicks e-Power features a completely redesigned exterior and comprehensive safety enhancements, including ProPILOT driver assistance system to help reduce stress from congested city traffic.

To familiarize drivers with the new design, overall performance, and safety features, PR representative Kamlachon Charoencindaratana organized a test drive at an EV testing facility in Rayong province for electric vehicles, connected vehicles, and autonomous driving.

The testing began with an introduction to the vehicle's exterior design. The all-new exterior features Nissan's distinctive V-Motion grille, sleek redesigned headlights, and three-arrow shaped daytime running lights that enhance the modern aesthetic. The side profile conveys SUV strength with solid proportions and sharp lines that add a fresh, energetic feel. The rear features minimalist line design with large KICKS badging and hexagonal taillights characteristic of Nissan SUVs.

Inside, the new display supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A 7-inch TFT instrument cluster with digital speedometer adds modern appeal with clear graphics. The rear-view mirror can switch between actual mirror and rear camera footage. The driver's seat adjusts electrically in six directions, and the leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel features wireless smartphone charging.

The new Nissan Kicks e-Power uses a 1.2-liter Euro 6 compliant engine that generates electricity stored in a battery, which powers the motor to drive the vehicle. This delivers an electric driving feel without requiring behavior changes, as it still uses conventional fuel.

Nissan's team simulated various driving conditions at multiple test stations. Starting with normal driving on straight roads and diverse curves, the 136-horsepower, 280 Newton-meter motor provides smooth continuous power. Acceleration is responsive like an electric vehicle but with slight delay, making vehicle control easier.

One notable change is the remarkable quietness inside the cabin—regardless of road type or speed, the interior remains consistently quiet.

On smooth highways at higher speeds, there's no wandering sensation. Cornering feel after the first turn isn't particularly sharp, so lighter braking helped increase confidence.

Next was testing the ProPILOT system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic distance maintenance from the vehicle ahead. The system maintains speed, distance from the car in front, automatic stop and start, and keeps the vehicle centered in the lane. If the vehicle drifts out of lane, the system provides gentle warnings and steering assistance. The driver must maintain hand contact with the steering wheel. Both systems work seamlessly together, providing smooth, fluid acceleration, braking, and steering inputs.

Finally came testing the rear collision prevention system and automatic braking when reversing, which emits warning sounds when obstacles are detected behind the vehicle during parking and provides alerts when approaching dangerous points. If the driver hasn't braked at critical moments, the system activates automatic braking.

The Cabinet has approved a budget of over 452 million baht to provide relief and rehabilitation for 91 military personnel affected both physically and psychologically by the incident at the Thai-Cambodian border. Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek announced the Cabinet's decision at 2:00 PM on May 12, 2569 at the Prime Minister's Office. The Cabinet approved the allocation of 452,350,000 baht in emergency reserve funds from the fiscal year 2569 budget to the Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, the Army, and the Navy, as proposed by the Ministry of Defence to assist and rehabilitate the 91 personnel affected by the border incident.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Workers began preliminary surveys and testing Monday of the proposed site of a Triumphal Arch sought by President Donald Trump, the latest step in plans for the contentious project in the nation's capital.

Workers were seen inspecting the site of the proposed arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery with tools and equipment. Part of the site was fenced off and pink flags typically used as survey markings were planted in the grass.

The work on the site was announced in a court filing Thursday in a federal lawsuit challenging the proposed arch. It consists of "surveys and geotechnical testing which are being used to generate information that will assist Defendant National Park Service (NPS) in completing procedural prerequisites" that are part of the decision-making process.

The 250-foot-tall (76-meter) proposed arch is one of several projects the Republican president is pursuing to leave his lasting imprint on Washington. With the potential to change the city's sightline, it has already sparked opposition, including through the lawsuit filed by a group of veterans and a historian.

The arch design, proposed by Trump, has already gotten early approval from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were appointed by Trump.

The proposed monument rises from four lions guarding its base to a torch held aloft by a Lady Liberty-like figure on top, which would be flanked by two eagles — all gilded. The phrases "One Nation Under God" and "Liberty and Justice for All" would be inscribed in gold lettering atop either side of the monument.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did the Public Citizen Litigation Group representing the four plaintiffs.

A group of veterans and a historian have sued in federal court to block construction on the grounds that the arch would disrupt the sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House at Arlington National Cemetery, among other reasons.

The court filing on behalf of the Trump administration said the National Park Service had not issued a final agency action authorizing construction of an arch and should it do so, it would provide at least 14 days notice before any work could begin.

The document said the plaintiffs had been notified of the survey work beforehand and said the survey work did not constitute "construction, or a demolition in preparation for construction, of an arch."

Nicolas Sansone, a lawyer with the Public Citizen Litigation Group that brought the lawsuit on behalf of the plaintiffs, said the government taking the preparatory steps for the construction of the arch is a confirmation that it intends to move forward. "Unless and until Congress has passed a law authorizing the arch, though, the project is unlawful, and the government has no valid basis for pursuing it," Sansone added.