Russian Content Creator Banned for Phuket Obscenity Stunt

A long-delayed project to supply water to Phuket from Surat Thani’s Ratchaprapha Dam has been sent back for a new feasibility study, expected by February 2027. The 300-kilometer pipeline, first proposed in 2007, aims to resolve chronic water shortages in Phuket, Phangnga, and Krabi. The Provincial Waterworks Authority is exploring public-private partnerships due to the project's scale, though costs remain unclear since the last estimate of 3.85 billion baht in 2007. Phuket currently relies on limited reservoirs and costly private water purchases, with demand rising 11% annually due to tourism growth. Public frustration mounts as the project remains stalled, despite ongoing discussions between provincial governors.

A fire broke out in a Phrae house, damaging a bedroom where the occupant had hidden 100,000 baht behind a picture. The homeowner suspected an electrical fault caused the blaze, but the cash was missing after the fire was extinguished. Despite searches, no trace of the money or burned banknotes was found at the scene. A neighbor who helped fight the fire reported seeing no cash, deepening the mystery. Police are investigating the incident as a possible theft disguised as an accident.

Thailand's Department of Corrections has denied reports that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra would be assigned to clean sewers, clarifying he remains a medium-grade prisoner ineligible for community service. Officials stated only high-grade prisoners qualify for public work projects, a status requiring 3-4 months of evaluation that Thaksin has not yet completed. The department emphasized that community service participation is exceptional and requires director-general approval, contrasting Thaksin's case with singer Sek Loso's approved cultural performances. Thaksin entered prison on September 9 and must serve at least four months before becoming eligible for sentence reduction programs. Prison authorities confirmed Thaksin has not left the facility and all activities follow strict eligibility criteria based on behavior, health, and offense severity.

Bangkok's Vajira Hospital has resumed full operations after a temporary closure caused by a massive sinkhole on adjacent Samsen Road. The hospital announced the reopening of all services, including after-hours clinics, following structural safety inspections. Patients with non-urgent conditions are encouraged to reschedule appointments or use online prescription services to avoid crowding. The closure was initiated Wednesday when the road collapse raised concerns about the stability of the Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Building. Engineers have since confirmed the building's safety, allowing the hospital to return to normal operations.

A large monitor lizard caused panic at a Nakhon Ratchasima restaurant after scaling a wall and entering the premises during early morning preparations. The reptile, likely attracted by food smells, entered through a drainage pipe before climbing into the dining area. Staff quickly contacted rescue services, who safely captured the animal before the restaurant opened for full service. Fortunately, no customers were present during the incident, preventing injuries or significant disruption. The lizard was transported and released back into its natural habitat, with officials reminding the public to avoid handling wildlife and contact professionals instead.

Tamnak Maheyong, meaning “Royal Residence of Maheyong,” is a small historic building built in the early 1700s by King Thai Si. The site measures just under 25 meters by 11 meters, featuring two rows of columns that once supported an upper floor. Its design includes unique window shapes, with square windows upstairs and lotus-petal windows on the ground floor.

King Thai Si used Tamnak Maheyong as a retreat to oversee the construction of Wat Maheyong nearby. The Royal Chronicles record that he would sometimes stay for months at a time, directing artisans and managing royal duties from this quiet location. In its prime, Tamnak Maheyong was likely surrounded by temporary camps for courtiers, officials, and monks who supported the king.

Today, Tamnak Maheyong stands in an empty field, with few remains of its once lively surroundings. Visitors can still see Wat Maheyong to the north and Wat Chang to the south from the site. Anyone visiting in the evening should be careful, as stray dogs sometimes take refuge in the old royal building.

Monsoon conditions will persist across Thailand tomorrow as the southwest monsoon continues to influence the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand regions. The northern, northeastern, and eastern provinces can anticipate another day of widespread thunderstorms with isolated heavy downpours, while Bangkok and central areas will also see significant rainfall. Coastal zones should prepare for continued rough sea conditions with waves reaching 2-3 meters, making conditions hazardous for small craft.

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This week, the Thai baht saw small changes in its value against several major foreign currencies. Exchange rates can shift due to factors like economic news, market demand, government policies, and global events. These small ups and downs are normal as currency values react to changing conditions in the world economy.

As of September 26, 205, the Thai baht's rates against other top currencies are as follows: