(2 May) Associate Prof. Dr. Siwat Pongpiajun from National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) said that the research of the sample of the air particles from the 7 air quality monitoring stations of the Pollution Control Department from 2006-200 shows that the risk of lung cancer from inhaled air pollution level is at 554 pg. which is 2.2 times the standard, according to safety standards of UK-EPAQS, limited at 250pg. per sq.m.

According to the research, the housing Authority of Din Dang’s average was 990 pg. per
sq.m.,which is 3.96 more than the standard. Following suit is Chokechai 4 Police Station, measuring
in at 704 pg. per sq.m, 2.8 times the standard. The Thonburi EGAT office measured in at 603 pg. per
sq.m., 2.4 times the standard.

The government should turn to promoting public transportation
to reduce the use of private cars, which causes air pollution and risk of lung cancer, she
said.

The Chinese government will allow Lin Ping the panda to stay in Thailand for a while longer.

Mr.Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, announces
aftertalks with Mr. Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister in his formal visit to Thailand. This was his first visit after being appointed the foreign minister, which showcases the great relationship between Thailand and China, which is believed will continue smoothly and develop greatly under Mr.Wang’s term.

Miss Yingluck Shinawastra, Prime Minister, invites Xi Jinping, President of
China, and the Chinese premier Li Keqiang, to visit Thailand in 2013 as well. Thailand has also offered to host a high-level meeting of ASEAN – China, to commemorate the 10 year anniversary as an ASEAN-China strategic partner, inviting Mr. Wang to open the ceremony.

“China is interested in the development of regional connectivity and Thailand’s infrastructure development projects under the budget of two trillion baht since China views Thailand as an important hub for China to establish a link in ASEAN. Development of high-speed rail, is of utmost importance and tourism cooperation between the two countries prove to be highly successful, with 2,800,000 Chinese tourists visiting Thailand in the last year,” said Mr. Surapong.

“During my visit, the prime minister has expressed great interest in Lin Ping, but as the agreement China made with Thailand and international practices state, when the time comes the panda will have to return to China to find a mate. I hope that Thais will understand this issue. However, due to the public’s affection and attachment to Lin Ping, China has considered extending the panda’s stay in Thailand,” Mr. Wang was quoted to have said.

(1 May) A coconut tree with 3 buds had been discovered in Ang Thong province, with many locals flocking to see the strange tree.

Ms. Prasert Tipawatee, 69, is the owner of the 80 cm. tall coconut tree, with 3 separate 3
m. buds, as opposed to a regular coconut tree that has only 1 bud.

Locals gather to sneak a
peek at this strange tree and offer their theories on it. Some say the tree is a token of good luck
for the family and whoever gets to see it. Some light 9 incense sticks in order to pay respect to
the coconut tree.

Apart from this, some also scan the tree for lucky lottery numbers since
lottery day is only 1 day away. The numbers 30 and 31 seem to be popular and locals express that
they have never seen a 3-budded coconut tree in their lives.

Ms. Prasert states that the tree
is a fragrant coconut tree, which is one of the trees she had bought to plant 8 years ago. During
the flood, 3 of the trees died, leaving only this one at 50 cm tall.

The buds have started to
sprout 5 years ago, but she hadn’t informed anyone of this unusual tree, although she does believe
that it brings good luck to the residents of the house since her nephew had succeeded in his cadet
examinations, and another one graduated from law school.

(1 May) Our correspondent has reported a curious case of the 4-legged Buddha statue was found at Boonkanchanaraam temple, Chonburi province. The golden statue was displayed inside in tent in the temple, measuring at 29 in. in width and 150 cm. in height. The four legs were crossed Indian style, with a set of legs directly below the other.

Locals named the statue “Luang Por See Kha”. (The
Elder Monk Who Has 4 Legs)

Luang Por Weerayoot
Kuntatummo, who has been ordained for 13 years, said that before coming to stay at this temple, he
has seen this statue at this temple for more than 50 years and believed it to be the only Buddha
statue in Thailand with 4 legs.

Long time ago, a local suffered from bone problems and was
in great pain in his leg area, Luang Por Weerayoot said,
and had a dream one night that where Cheewok Komarapat (the doctor who treated Lord Buddha) told him
to build a 4-legged Buddha Statue at this temple for the locals to worship.

Once he followed
through with the construction of the statue, his illness was miraculouslycured and he became a very
healthy man, the monk added reverently.

His business grew as well. From then on, when
locals have ailments, especially in the leg area, they would light 3 incense sticks to ask for the
statue’s blessing, and once cured, they would come back with a votive offering Luang Por Weerayoot said.

Nowadays, the popularity of the
Buddha has not waned. Crowds of worshippers can still be seen praying to the statue, our
correspondent reported.