Two abandoned temples – Wat Phumarin Ratchapaksi and Wat Dusidaram Worawiharn – are the focus of the latest tour, which started on Saturday and runs until December 18. Both ancient temples had been central to the daily life of the communities around them, but were abandoned during Bangkok’s rapid development as local residents became disconnected from them, explained Wichit Werungkhabutr, deputy director of the state-run agency. The tours will use light and sound shows to tell the stories of the temples and their histories, while local communities will be integrated into the shows and related events, Wichit said.

Ukrainian strike hits Russian-occupied MelitopolRussian forces seized Melitopol, pictured in October 2022, in the beginning of the offensive which began on February 24KYIV (UKRAINE) - Ukraine attacked the Russian-occupied southern city of Melitopol on Saturday evening, the Kremlin-installed local authorities and Ukrainian officials said. The strategically located city, which had a pre-war population of just over 150,000 people, is located in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia that Moscow claims to have annexed. Yevgeny Balitsky, the Russia-installed head of Zaporizhzhia region, said that using US-supplied HIMARS long-range rocket launchers, Ukrainian troops struck Melitopol at around 9:00 pm Saturday. Ivan Fedorov, the exiled mayor of Melitopol, said for his part that Ukrainian forces hit Russian troops in Melitopol and that dozens of "invaders" had been killed. Russian forces seized Melitopol in the beginning of the offensive which began on February 24.

Pheu Thai has best chance of forming next govt: pollLeaders of the Pheu Thai Party outline their vision while introducing the campaign slogan ‘Think Big, Act Smart, For All Thais’ on Dec 6, 2022. Pheu Thai - 40.38% high; 32.44% absolutely certain; 16.88% slim; 8.24% no chance at all; and 2.06% had no answer/not interested2. Move Forward - 31.45% slim; 30.23% high; 23.66% no chance at all; 11.00% absolutely certain; and 3.66% no answer/not interested3. Palang Pracharath - 33.51% no chance at all; 32.60% slim; 20.38% high; 10.76% absolutely certain; and 2.75% no answer/not interested4. United Thai Nation - 43.12% no chance at all; 31.45% slim; 15.73% high; 5.73% absolutely certain; and 3.97% no answer/not interested5.

"The number ‘9’ is synonymous with the phrase ‘take a step forward’ in Thai, while Chinese people believe the number will bring prosperity to trade,” the department explained. The previous auction record was set in 2003 when the department received 28.10 million baht for plate "8กก 8888".

“All 299 lawmakers have signed a pledge to support using good language during their political activities,” announced the organization’s founder Min Byoung-chul during an award ceremony held Dec. 7 to commend 35 parliamentarians for using what they perceive as a respectful language, as opposed to malicious or disrespectful language. The NGO was founded in 2007 for the purpose of eradicating malicious online comments. It has been awarding National Assembly members every year since 2013. Sunfull, referring to kindhearted online comments, is a combination of the Korean word “sun (good)” and “full (short for reply).”

Each pack also comes paired with a short piece of symphonic music and a three-minute audio clip of a mental health professional's interpretation of symptoms. For example, those who scan the QR code on the pack of coffee marked "anxiety" will hear Bach's Sheep May Safely Graze, while scanning the pack titled "inferiority complex" will produce sounds of Ravel's Morning Song of the Jester. Developed by the two organizations, the products are aimed at addressing common mental health issues that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. "We believe music has healing power and can provide emotional support for those in need," explains Qiao Ying, a doctor at the mental health centre. The new products have been an instant hit — the first 5,000 sets of coffee were sold out so quickly that even Xie Bin, the Party secretary of the mental health centre, has to wait until mid-December before he can sip the coffee, which he ordered on the WeChat platform of the orchestra.

The third-seeded Thai duo defeated top seeds Jeong Na-eun and Kim Hye-jeong 22-20, 21-15, a day after a straight-sets win over the same pair in the final women’s doubles group stage match at the US$1.5-million season-ending tournament. The two-time defending champions on Saturday evening defeated Rinov Rivaldy and Pitha Haningtyas Mentari of Indonesia 24-22, 16-21, 21-14. In the women’s singles, world champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan booked her ticket to the last stage, crushing Olympic gold medallist Chen Yufei. The semi-final on Saturday was a rematch of Thursday’s group stage encounter when Chen beat Yamaguchi in straight sets. The Dane will face Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting, who defeated Jonatan Christie, in Sunday’s championship match.

Somboon also said that many social-media users get tricked into transferring money in exchange for fake foreign currency. He said that BOT has learned that these social media accounts are used by criminals to fool their victims, and urged users to be more careful before making any money transfers. Somboon also advised members of the public to carefully check banknotes to ensure they are genuine. He said people should look for unique watermarks in the notes. Details of all Thai banknotes can be found at https://www.bot.or.th/English/Banknotes/Pages/identify.aspx.

On New Year’s Eve, Siam Paragon also extends its operation times, from 9.30am to midnight. Siam Paragon also offers special promotions from 2 December 2022 to 15 January 2023. In addition, Siam Paragon continuously offers special Boxing Day privilege to customers from 24 - 26 December 2022, and from 30 December 2022 to 1 January 2023. Discover the amazing festive experience throughout the month of December 2022 at Siam Paragon. For more information, call 02-610-8000 or log on to Facebook: Siam Paragon.

M23 rebels massacred at least 131 civilians — including 12 children — and committed more than two dozen rapes on Nov 29-30 in two villages in Rutshuru territory, including Kishishe, the United Nations says. But in the Mungote camp, Eric Nesehose said he could not forget seeing his nephews Jacques and Musayi gunned down before his eyes. Fleeing for their lives, Eric and other villagers walked 40 to 60 kilometres (25 to 37 miles) across the hills to the Mungote camp in Kitshanga district. The UN's Monusco peacekeeping mission has said it was not able to reach Kishishe and neighbouring Bambo to investigate last month's killings, but gathered evidence from witnesses and other sources. Four children missingIn Mungote, 30-year-old Twisenge Manirakiz said most of her family had gone missing in the massacre.

Croatia oust favourites Brazil 4-2 on penalties to reach semi-finalCroatia players celebrate qualifying for the semifinals after winning the penalty shootout on Friday. (Reuters photo)AL RAYYAN: Croatia stunned favourites Brazil 4-2 on penalties on Friday to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the second time in a row after battling back from a goal down in extra time, in one of the biggest knockout-phase upsets in the tournament's history. Apart from a weak Vinicius Jr. shot, Brazil had little to offer in terms of attack with Neymar off the pace and shut out by a hard-working backline. Neymar came even closer in the 55th when he was sent through by Richarlison but keeper and man-of-the-match Dominik Livakovic blocked it. The Brazilians, who have now lost four of their last five World Cup quarter-finals, all to European opposition, missed another chance in the 66th when Lucas Paqueta was denied by Livakovic.

The new airline will further cement AirAsia’s brand in Cambodia and Indochina, providing AirAsia with greater access to its domestic market and most importantly connecting it to the international markets across Asean, North Asia and beyond. AirAsia Cambodia aims to further stimulate the Cambodian aviation and tourism industries, launch exciting new destinations, create jobs and bring a truly low-cost operation to the country. Tony Fernandes said: “Capital A continues to focus on Asean where we know best and our brand is the strongest. Cambodia is the fifth Asean country where we are continuing our march of being the region’s number one mover of people and cargo, and providing a linchpin of economic growth for Asean countries. The value of AirAsia’s network is an insurmountable asset; it will be another flag of extensive connectivity in Cambodia and into the region, namely China, India and North Asia."

On Friday, NBTC board chairman Sorana Boonbaichaipreug said the SAT had 15 days to return the money, with interest of 5% in case of late payment. Sorana said the SAT had violated the “must-have” rule that all people should have free access to World Cup broadcasts, as other internet TV operators could not screen matches. Sorana said the NBTC had handed over the 600 million baht after the SAT pleaded that it did not have budget, but the SAT had then breached the “must have” rule by handing True Corp exclusive rights to internet broadcasts. He said he didn’t know how the SAT would find the money for repayment if it genuinely had no budget left.

Prayut to welcome 10 millionth arrival of 2022Suvarnabhumi airport is filled with travellers amid a resurgence of international arrivals buoyed by a steady recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will be present at Suvarnabhumi airport on Saturday to welcome this year's 10 millionth visitor and mark a milestone in fulfilling the tourism target, according to a government source. Gen Prayut is due to extend his personal welcome to the 10 millionth visitor arriving on a flight from Saudi Arabia at the airport's Gate 10, according to the source. The recovery in the tourism sector has been picking up pace in the past several months after the country reopened its borders earlier this year. He said this is a testament to the country's achievements in restoring its tourism sector -- one of the kingdom's most important industries.

Public Health Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul on Thursday denied attempting to turn the tables on fellow coalition member Democrat Party over matters related to the control of cannabis. Bhumjaithai's cannabis control bill is currently being reviewed in parliament. The issue of cannabis control predates the bill. On Thursday, Mr Anutin maintained that by saying the DTTAM is under Mr Sathit's supervision, he did not intend to put his deputy on the spot. "This isn't an attempt to pass a political hot potato to the Democrat Party," he said.