Wat Pa Pu Pha Sung and the adjacent monastic quarters of Wat Phra Brom Dhatu Chedi Sri Pu Pha Sung (Phra Thatu Chom Pha) in Nakhon Ratchasima Province will host a grand ceremony to enshrine a statue of Emperor Ashoka at the "Dharma Victory" altar on May 10, 2026 at 3:00 PM. The event, organized in collaboration with the Thanya Kongthop Tham Foundation led by lawyer Anantchai Chaidej, is significant for both Thai and Sri Lankan Buddhism and expects large Buddhist attendance.

The ceremony will be presided over by the Chief Sangha Patriarch of Sri Lanka, Waaragakodata Sri Gnanaratana Mahathero from the Siamese lineage, along with other senior monks and government officials. Phra Maha Theernath Akkhadheero, the presiding monk of Wat Pa Pu Pha Sung, described the event as a rare and special opportunity for Thai Buddhists to pay respects to the visiting Sri Lankan Sangha Patriarch, symbolizing the victory of Dharma over Adharma. The Thanya Kongthop Tham Foundation will provide significant support including coordination, activity organization, establishment of food stations, and volunteer mobilization.

Wat Pa Pu Pha Sung, established in 1994 on Khao Chang Luang at approximately 760 meters elevation, operates within the Dhammayuttika Nikaya and contains over 2,800 rai of forest as a peaceful meditation center. The visit of the Sri Lankan Chief Sangha Patriarch reflects strengthened cooperation between Thailand and Sri Lanka, as well as deeper relations between the Thai and Sri Lankan Buddhist communities.

UBON RATCHATHANI — Four heirs of the Smitthaman family have pledged to donate nearly 67 rai (about 107,000 square metres) of land in central Warin Chamrap, valued at around 1 billion baht, to support the expansion of medical services at Warin Chamrap Hospital.

According to a Facebook post by Warin Chamrap Hospital, the hospital's director, Piyawat Angkawanich, along with executives, doctors, nurses and staff, formally received a letter of intent for the land donation on 27 April.

The land, measuring approximately 66 rai, 3 ngan and 7.4 square wah (around 107,000 sq m), is located in Kham Nam Saep subdistrict. It is being donated by the heirs of the late Lt. Pin Smitthaman and Mrs. Wichian Smitthaman — namely Prapit, Narumon, Laddawan and Kannika Smitthaman.

The donated plot will be used for medical purposes, including the development of a new medical centre aimed at supporting growing demand for healthcare services in the area.

Piyawat, speaking on behalf of the hospital and local residents, expressed gratitude for what he described as a significant act of generosity by the Smitthaman family. He said the land would serve as a key foundation for easing congestion at existing facilities and enhancing the hospital's capacity to provide more comprehensive and efficient care.

The plot is situated in a central area of Warin Chamrap district and is considered highly valuable due to its location, with an estimated worth of around 1 billion baht.

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, 4 May 2026 — A woman from Prachin Buri has come forward with allegations that her husband of 23 years left her after engaging in a relationship with a Buddhist monk, in a case that has sparked widespread debate online.

The story first surfaced on a Facebook page, which claimed the woman was left shocked after discovering the alleged relationship. The post said she was also asked to accept a three-person relationship, prompting her to leave home with just 6,000 baht to start a new life.

The allegations quickly drew strong reactions from social media users, with many criticising the conduct of both the man and the monk, saying it could constitute a serious breach of monastic discipline.

Reporters visited a temple in Nakhon Ratchasima on Monday to verify the claims. A monk there said he had only briefly seen the individual mentioned, describing him as reclusive and rarely interacting with others. He added that the monk had not been seen at the temple recently and confirmed he was not affiliated with the temple.

The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Office of Buddhism later identified the monk as Phra Phonchai, around 30 years old, who was ordained in 2024 at a temple in Phra Thong Kham district.

Officals said he is currently registered at a temple in Det Udom district, Ubon Ratchathani province, and had previously studied Buddhist scriptures at Wat Bueng Phra Aram Luang in July 2025, but was not formally affiliated with the temple.

Authorities said they were unaware of his personal conduct and could not confirm the allegations. They added that coordination with relevant offices in Ubon Ratchathani was under way to establish the facts and take appropriate action.

In a separate statement, Wat Bueng Phra Aram Luang clarified that the monk mentioned in reports was not part of its clergy, but had only temporarily stayed to study and had left the temple in October 2025.

The temple stressed that any alleged behaviour was a personal matter and not connected to the institution, urging the public to await verification by relevant authorities.

The case continues to draw attention, with questions raised over its potential impact on public confidence in the Buddhist clergy.

A comprehensive article documenting rare Buddhist amulets and sacred objects highly valued by collectors. The piece highlights the first edition Luang Pho Rung coins from 1941, which are extremely scarce with only an estimated 8 silver versions and a single gold specimen remaining in circulation. It also covers the distinctive water-droplet shaped coins featuring the late monk's portrait with sacred yantra inscriptions on the reverse. Additionally, the article discusses Luang Pu Thong Dam's Samadej amulets created in 1980, which blended multiple blessed powders and pieces of ancient monastery robes, representing a collectible piece for amulet enthusiasts. Expert collectors reportedly refer to the first edition Luang Pho Rung coins as the "old-faced printing," reflecting their rarity and exceptional spiritual significance.

The relationship between Ice Atthichanan Srisweak and Big Nattharatchai Charismass has become the talk of the town after fans directly questioned them about their status. Big answered straightforwardly, saying "we're already a couple," marking the first clear confirmation and sending fans into a frenzy.

Recalling earlier events, late last year Chap Warakorn Sawasakorn announced the end of his relationship with Ice after over three years of dating, emphasizing there was no third party involved but rather incompatible life goals. Despite the breakup, they still have good feelings for each other and maintain distant contact, with Chap stating he didn't want them dwelling in sadness and supporting them to move on when appropriate.

Meanwhile, Big recently closed the chapter on a seven-year relationship with his ex-girlfriend in April before starting fresh with Ice. He jokingly added, "Otherwise she wouldn't let me get close."

Ice herself addressed the criticism about moving on too quickly, saying "it's not that fast," while Big added that after going through such difficult times, the emotional pain was considerable.

At 12:40 p.m. on May 4, 2025, at Phum Jai Thai Party headquarters, MP Nattachon Srikokeuea of Songkhla explained that he manages approximately 1,000 LINE accounts and had exited multiple party groups, including MP batches 25 and 26, as well as the original Southern region MP group. He acknowledged accidentally sending messages to wrong groups due to the high number of chats, but stressed this was not motivated by disappointment—it was a prior agreement regarding committee assignments.

Following his exit, party procedures took over rather than direct intervention from the Prime Minister or party secretary. The opposition coordination committee investigated his departure and subsequently invited him back to the groups with no other complications. "I can confirm there's no resentment because we had an agreement beforehand," Nattachon stated. "As a politician, we shouldn't just protect our own image or reputation—we must look after our own well-being. This is political philosophy. Whether we get a position depends on the party executive board, and there are many other tasks to handle."

Nattachon revealed that since leaving the LINE group, he has received more assignments from party executives, party leadership, and the opposition coordination committee for parliamentary coordination and extra-parliamentary work. "The LINE departure turned out to be a good opportunity to contribute more to the party," he explained. When asked about specific promises for future positions, he said there were none yet, but he expects to focus on pending legislation regarding loans and the 2025 budget, particularly the Land Bridge project which significantly affects the Southern region.