Lanta & News
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National

Tray Scott Deeply Grateful for Global Support During Difficult Times, Finding New Hope

Tray Scott thanked global supporters in an Instagram video for encouraging messages during what he described as an extremely challenging period while pursuing justice. The expat expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from Thailand

2h ago Khaosod

After navigating through many difficult experiences, Tray Scott has courageously stepped forward to pursue justice, buoyed by overwhelming support from both Thailand and abroad. On May 20, he posted a video on his personal Instagram account, expressing heartfelt thanks to followers and people around the world who sent encouraging messages over the past several weeks. In the video, Tray appeared deeply moved, describing it as a significant and meaningful week for him, while acknowledging it has also been an extremely challenging period.

Tray stated: "I simply want to thank everyone who has sent me encouraging messages from every corner of the world over the past few weeks. It has been a very difficult time for me, but all of you have given me much greater hope."

While Tray hopes everything will improve going forward, he acknowledged uncertainty about what the future holds. However, he felt compelled to express his gratitude without further delay, emphasizing his hope that circumstances will develop in a positive direction.

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Police

CIB and FDA Bust Illegal Whitening Serum Operation Disguised as Cosmetics but Injected into Bodies

Thai authorities seized over 35,600 illegal whitening serum units worth 22 million baht after discovering a beauty operation was injecting cosmetics falsely registered as drugs into customers' bodies. The product owner faces multiple charge

2h ago Khaosod

On May 20, 2025, Police Lieutenant General Nattasak Chaowarasat, Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, ordered Police Colonel Kongkriche Lersithikul, head of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, and Police Major General Veeraphong Klaaitong, deputy commander of the CIB's Division 4, to join the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in conducting raids on beauty clinics and storage facilities in Bangkok. Authorities seized 35,645 units of illegal cosmetic products, unregistered drugs, and medical devices valued at approximately 22 million baht from three locations: a beauty clinic on Kalpapruek Road in Bang Bon District, a storage facility in Nuaminthra Soi 111 in Bueng Kum District, and a residential import and distribution point in Bang Ramat, Talat Noi District.

The operation stemmed from public complaints and FDA referrals regarding a cosmetic brand being misused by mixing saline solution and injecting it into the body, with sales promoted through social media and beauty clinics. The investigation revealed that the product owner contracted a Thai manufacturer to produce glutathione but falsely registered it as a cosmetic product to avoid stricter drug registration requirements. The products were then sold to beauty clinics with claims they were imported glutathione drugs, when in fact they were being injected into customers' bodies for skin whitening treatments.

Investigators plan to charge the importer under the Cosmetics Act B.E. 2558 for importing cosmetics without Thai labeling, misrepresenting labels, incomplete required information, illegal importation, falsely registered products, and counterfeit cosmetics. The seller of unregistered fillers faces charges under the Medical Device Act B.E. 2551, while the seller of unregistered drugs faces charges under the Pharmaceutical Act B.E. 2510.

Pharmaceutical Secretary Supattra Bunserm stated that the offenders exploited the easier "cosmetic registration" process instead of drug registration, then falsely marketed and sold the products to beauty clinics as imported products or skin vitamins for injection. She warned that such misuse is extremely dangerous as products have not undergone safety assessments for injection and urged business operators to comply with the law. The FDA cautioned beauty clinics and hospitals to carefully verify labeling and usage of injectable products in ampule or vial form.

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National

WHAUP Partners with Soh Farm to Launch Solar Farm Supporting Clean Energy

WHAUP and Soh Farm are launching a 10 MW solar farm with battery storage across 65 rai in Lopburi Province, expected to save the farm over 21 million baht annually in energy costs starting in mid-2026.

2h ago Khaosod

WHAUP has partnered with Soh Farm to develop a solar power generation project and energy storage system spanning over 65 rai in Lopburi Province, supporting clean energy for industrial, agricultural, and food businesses. Akarin Prathuangsit, Chief Executive Officer of WHAUP (W.H.A. Utilities & Power Public Company Limited), announced that the company is advancing comprehensive renewable energy solutions across Thailand and Vietnam to meet rising clean energy demand in industrial sectors while supporting business partners' transition to decarbonization. The company has recently signed a contract with Soh Farm to install a 10 MW ground-mounted solar farm alongside a 20 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), representing a significant project reflecting the trend toward clean energy adoption combined with smart energy management technology in industry. The installation is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026. Following this latest agreement, WHAUP's total solar power generation capacity for Soh Farm has increased to 56.47 MW, with a combined 20 MWh BESS system, reinforcing long-term cooperation between both organizations in deploying clean energy efficiently. "Integrating a solar farm with a BESS system is a crucial step in elevating renewable energy solutions from mere electricity generation to comprehensive energy management," Akarin stated. "This not only helps customers maximize solar energy efficiency but also strengthens energy stability, reduces electricity cost volatility, and increases energy flexibility for industrial users—essential factors in driving sustainable decarbonization." Jaruwan Chotthewanya, Head of International Marketing, Head of Accounting and Finance, and Board Secretary of Soh Farm, noted that the company continues to drive business operations alongside environmental goals under its Go Green initiative. "Our partnership with WHAUP represents another critical step in introducing clean energy innovation to support our operations and advance our Net Zero targets," Jaruwan stated. The project is expected to help Soh Farm reduce average annual energy costs by over 21 million baht, totaling more than 294 million baht throughout the contract period. Over the project's 30-year lifespan, energy cost savings could reach as high as 1.647 billion baht, marking a significant turning point in strengthening energy stability for businesses in Lopburi Province while enhancing competitiveness through tangible operational cost reductions.

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Community

Actress Um Itsaya Delighted by Thai Fanbase Support, Shares Behind-the-Scenes Stories from Horror Film 'Phi Khao' Shot at Temple in Dead of Night

Actress Um Itsaya praised her Thai fanbase while sharing intense behind-the-scenes stories from horror film 'Phi Khao,' shot at a temple during late-night scenes where crew members reported unexplained sounds and eerie atmospheres.

2h ago Khaosod

The horror film 'Phi Khao' represents another highly anticipated project for actress Um Itsaya Horsuwan, who admits it was an extremely challenging role requiring rigorous character development. The production received warm support from co-star Bam Saralee, who brought flowers to the film's premiere on May 19th.

When asked about the film, Um explained: "It's a very difficult story because both the character and the plot make everything challenging. But they still maintain the sincerity of Thai people, which is very endearing."

Regarding how it differs from her previous work, she said: "It's completely different. What's the same is we still have the same Thaibaan team, but with a different director. 'Sapre Ror' was a family film, and this is Thaibaan's first serious horror film, so the mood is completely different, but the atmosphere on set remains the same."

She described the intensive preparation needed: "The character work was heavy because they wanted the family to look like one real family—with the mother, grandmother next door, and siblings. They workshopped intensely so we could genuinely feel like a family. And what we face in the story is unexplainable by science, so I did considerable research on beliefs."

Regarding supernatural occurrences during filming, Um shared: "I'm fortunate because I'm afraid of ghosts, and during shooting there wasn't anything unusual. But there were howling dogs because we filmed many night scenes that stretched until 2 or 3 AM, which is prime howling dog time."

On paranormal incidents on set, she revealed: "Mostly the wardrobe team experienced things. They would encounter occurrences around the filming location and at the crew accommodations. They mainly heard unexplained sounds."

About her personal beliefs in the supernatural, Um admitted: "If I had to put it as a percentage, I'd say I'm more inclined to believe. Perhaps because I grew up around these stories. But I wouldn't dismiss them entirely."

When asked directly if she's afraid of ghosts, she answered: "Yes, I'm very afraid. I've been scared of ghosts since I was a child, and I'm still afraid today."

Describing the filming atmosphere, Um said: "The filming was terrifying. The atmosphere was very scary. We shot at a temple around 2 to 3 AM, which was very dark, and we filmed in other provinces where the lights weren't bright because everyone was asleep. The temple we shot at was quite eerie."

On whether she brought protective charms, she explained: "I didn't bring anything on shooting days. I focused on being surrounded by people."

Reacting to Bam Saralee's support with flowers, Um expressed genuine joy: "I was very happy because I specifically invited her to come, and she wanted to support me. I was delighted she brought flowers—they're beautiful."

When asked if Bam would watch the film, Um laughed: "Bam is very afraid of ghosts. I'm happy she came because she's such a scaredy-cat. I don't know if she'll give in and watch it with me at the cinema."

Despite the horror premise, Um encouraged Bam: "I told her, 'You can watch it. I'm scared too. At least we can be scared together.'"

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National

Finance Secretary Confirms Government Agencies Beginning to Request Use of 200 Billion Baht Loan Funds in Second Tranche

Government agencies have begun requesting funds from a second 200 billion baht loan tranche, with a screening committee now evaluating which projects qualify for each allocation round.

2h ago Khaosod

Finance Secretary Luarwan Saengsonit discussed the consideration of using the remaining 24 billion baht from the first tranche of the 200 billion baht borrowing decree, noting that which projects will receive funding depends on proposals submitted by relevant ministries. Each ministry is currently reviewing whether they have projects that align with this decree, and those seeking to utilize the funds can submit project proposals. The Finance Secretary revealed that requests for the second 200 billion baht tranche have already begun arriving, with a screening committee to evaluate which projects fit better with the first or second budget allocation. Regarding a cabinet resolution to assist vulnerable groups lacking welfare cards and access to technology, Saengsonit stated that the Interior Ministry will conduct outreach to identify those who have fallen through the cracks and determine what assistance can be provided. When asked about the volume of incoming requests, he noted that only one project has passed cabinet approval as of May 19, and acknowledged the need to review the overall 400 billion baht budget picture.

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National

Thai Singha executive steps aside amid family abuse allegations

Singha beer executive Sunit "Pie" Scott has stepped down from his positions at Boon Rawd Brewery following abuse allegations made by his brother, a conservationist who claims childhood mistreatment and a land dispute with their mother.

2h ago Khaosod

Boon Rawd Brewery, the producer of Singha beer, issued a statement on May 19 expressing regret over allegations involving members of the Bhirombhakdi family and reaffirming its opposition to all forms of domestic violence.

The statement followed allegations made publicly by conservationist Siranudh "Psi" Scott, who said he had been abused by his older brother during childhood and was also facing a legal dispute with his mother over land ownership.

Siranudh "Psi" Scott and Sunit "Pie" Scott are sons of Chiranuj Bhirombhakdi and grandsons of Chamnong Bhirombhakdi of the Bhirombhakdi family, one of Thailand's wealthiest business dynasties and owner of the Singha beer empire.

In its statement, Boon Rawd Brewery said it acknowledged the situation involving Sunit "Pie" Scott and expressed "deep regret" to Siranudh Scott for the impact the incident had caused to him, family members and society.

The company said it understood public concern surrounding the allegations and stressed that it does not support violence in any form, including physical abuse, verbal abuse, intimidation or any behaviour that violates the rights and dignity of others.

Boon Rawd Brewery also confirmed that Sunit "Pie" Scott had stepped down from all positions within the company.

The statement, signed by managing director Purit Bhirombhakdi, said the company would fully cooperate with any investigation by relevant authorities to ensure fairness for all parties.

Separately, a letter titled "Request to suspend duties" attributed to Sunit "Pie" Scott was also circulated publicly.

Addressed to Purit Bhirombhakdi, the letter said he felt uncomfortable over the situation and apologised to members of the Boon Rawd group and his family for the impact caused by the controversy.

"To ensure fairness for all parties, I would like to suspend my duties as an employee and executive of Boon Rawd Brewery and all affiliated companies until all matters are clarified and clearly proven," the letter stated.

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Police

Bullfrog traps removed due to extinction concerns

Forestry officials in Nakhon Ratchasima destroyed illegal frog traps in protected forests after rainy-season breeding prompted poachers to hunt amphibians, risking local extinction of several species.

2h ago Khaosod

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Thai forestry officials, police and local volunteers launched an operation to destroy illegal frog traps in a protected forest in northeastern Thailand amid concerns over declining amphibian populations during the rainy season.

Authorities said frequent rainfall in Nakhon Ratchasima province had prompted large numbers of bullfrogs and other amphibians to emerge from hibernation to breed, attracting villagers seeking to catch them for food and sale.

Officials warned that widespread trapping could rapidly reduce local frog populations and risk driving some species towards local extinction, particularly inside protected forest areas where hunting is prohibited.

The operation took place in Nong Teng and Chakkarat national reserved forests in Chalerm Phra Kiat district, an area covering about 10,206 rai of mixed deciduous forest near Nakhon Ratchasima airport. Authorities said some villagers had illegally entered the forest to install pit traps and other devices used to catch frogs and small animals.

More than 40 officials from forestry agencies, local administration offices, police units and volunteer groups joined the inspection and trap-removal operation on May 19. Officials said only part of the traps had been destroyed because of the large number scattered throughout the forest.

Local authorities urged residents gathering forest products in the area to avoid setting traps or hunting wildlife inside reserved forests, warning that offenders face severe penalties under Thailand's Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act and national forest laws.

Put Pongraphiporn, district chief of Chalerm Phra Kiat, said authorities were concerned that repeated illegal trapping could threaten wildlife populations in the forest reserve if left unchecked. He said officials would continue public awareness campaigns and increase patrols to prevent further illegal hunting activities in the protected area.

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Breaking

Meet the five-boyfriend relationship "The Cule Kids" going viral online

Five California men in a polyamorous relationship called "The Cule Kids" are gaining online attention by sharing how they manage their consensual partnership, which includes dating rules like a shared "Cule Log" notebook to track outside da

2h ago Khaosod

A group of five boyfriends from California are drawing attention online after opening up about their unusual polyamorous relationship, sharing details of how they manage love, dating and daily life together.

The group — who call themselves "The Cule Kids" — live in the South Bay area of California and describe their relationship as a consensual polycule, a form of non-monogamous relationship involving multiple romantic partners.

The group consists of Eric Wong, 33, Hamilton Du, 35, James Lee, 37, Jonathan Chien, 37, and Michael Li, 31.

Their relationship reportedly began with James and Jonathan, who started dating in 2013 and agreed from the beginning to have an open relationship. Eric joined the relationship in 2018, followed by Hamilton in 2021 and Michael in 2022. That same year, James and Jonathan got married and later named their group chat "The Polycule," which eventually inspired the group's online identity and podcast, "The Cule Kids!"

One of the group's most talked-about rules is something they call the "Cule Log" — a shared notebook where members record outside dates with other people. The group said the rule helps maintain transparency and can also be useful for sexual health contact tracing if necessary.

Speaking to PA Real Life, Michael said the group spends much of their time together at home, although not always doing the same activities.

"If two or three people want to play video games while the others want to do something else, we compromise and split up," he said.

Despite their close relationship, the five men do not currently live together full-time. James and Jonathan share a home, while the other three live around 30 minutes away. However, they said they hope to eventually move in together.

Hamilton, known online as "Milty," described the relationship as "rare and special."

"I feel very lucky that we all found each other and were open to this kind of relationship," he said. "I'm very grateful."

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National

Princess Ubolratana Opens 'Thai Night' at Cannes Film Festival

Princess Ubolratana opened 'Thai Night' at Cannes Film Festival on May 14, showcasing Thailand's entertainment industry to over 250 international film professionals. The event marked Thailand's strategic shift from a production service prov

2h ago Khaosod

Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi presided over the opening ceremony of 'Thai Night Cannes 2026,' an elite gala designed to showcase Thailand's entertainment industry on the global stage. The event took place at 7:30 p.m. local time on May 14 at the Grand Salon of the Carlton Cannes Hotel in Cannes. Organized by the Ministry of Commerce alongside the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, the gala attracted over 250 prominent international film industry professionals and aimed to elevate Thailand's entertainment sector while fostering strategic international business partnerships.

During her opening remarks, the Princess highlighted the current state of the Thai film industry and emphasized Thailand's readiness to collaborate with international partners on global cinematic projects. The evening featured multimedia presentations of work from Thai entrepreneurs at the Marché du Film and the Thailand Pavilion, along with a creative performance blending music and live vocals to showcase the potential of Thai entertainment. A promotional showreel titled 'Reimagining Thailand' demonstrated the multidimensional strengths of the nation's creative industry.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun noted that the Department of International Trade Promotion regularly hosts Thai Night events at major global markets, including the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market, Cannes Film Festival, and the American Film Market. This year's event reflected a strategic repositioning of Thailand's entertainment sector from being a production base to a creative originator, from a service provider to a story creator, and from a domestic industry to a global creative partner.

Themed 'Thailand – Where Films Come Alive,' the event highlighted Thailand's end-to-end production capabilities, creative strengths, and openness to international co-productions, positioning the country as Asia's premier hub for cinema and entertainment media. This strategy capitalizes on the growing global demand for Thai films and content, fueled by recent international success in Thai cinema and the country's robust foreign location shooting sector. Suphajee said the Ministry of Commerce invited influential figures from across the global film industry, including buyers, producers, distributors, investors, filmmakers, and directors.

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Breaking

Lucky Break: American Man Nearly Misses $193 Million Lottery Prize After Forgetting Ticket in Old Pants

A New Jersey man discovered a winning lottery ticket worth $5.9 million hidden in his old pants pocket just eight days before it expired, after nearly forgetting about it for almost a year.

2h ago Khaosod

A New Jersey resident nearly missed out on a lottery jackpot worth approximately 193 million baht after leaving his winning ticket forgotten in an old pair of pants, only to rediscover it just 8 days before it expired.

The man unexpectedly became a millionaire after finding a lottery ticket valued at $5.9 million USD hidden in his old pants pocket, despite it being on the verge of expiration.

The story began when he purchased a Pick-6 lottery ticket from a gas station he frequently visited in May. However, after buying the ticket, he lost it and completely forgot about it for nearly a year.

Later, lottery officials announced that several million-dollar jackpot tickets remained unclaimed and were about to expire. This news prompted him to start thinking carefully, since the winning ticket had been purchased from his regular gas station.

Feeling suspicious, he returned to the gas station and inquired with the staff, who informed him that very few customers played Pick-6 and suggested he thoroughly search his belongings.

He then began a serious search of his home, checking drawers, shelves, and storage corners, but found nothing. It wasn't until he checked old clothes in his closet that he discovered the crumpled lottery envelope hidden in the pocket of his old pants.

When he carefully verified the numbers, he was shocked to discover it was indeed a genuine jackpot-winning ticket.

After confirming his winnings, he rushed to the lottery headquarters to claim his prize immediately, with only 8 days remaining before the ticket expired, narrowly avoiding losing the massive sum.

Lottery officials have urged the public to always check their lottery tickets, as many prizes go unclaimed simply because winners forget or accidentally misplace their tickets.

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National

Think Before You Speak! Ploychaleaw Fires Back at Priset Over Shallow Government Criticism on Train Ban

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploychaleaw hit back at a People's Party MP's criticism of the train ban, insisting the government's plan to eliminate grade-level railroad crossings in Bangkok represents long-term problem-solving, not a burd

2h ago Khaosod

On May 20, 2025, at Government House, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploychaleaw Laksameesuang responded to statements made by Priset Watcharasindu, a People's Party list MP, who had criticized the government's approach to the recent train-bus collision. Priset had argued that preventing trains from entering the city center was shallow thinking that lacked foresight and unfairly burdened citizens. Ploychaleaw countered that Priset's understanding was flawed and urged him to reconsider before speaking publicly. She emphasized that the government's solution aims for sustainable problem-solving, not shifting burdens to the public. The government has ordered a systematic study of railway management for both freight and passenger trains, targeting the complete elimination of grade-level railroad crossings in Bangkok. The approach involves two main strategies: separating freight and passenger rail operations with scheduled management, and improving traffic safety at crossings. For freight trains, the State Railway of Thailand has been tasked to study using stations outside Bangkok—such as Lat Krabang, Ban Pachi, and Nakhon Pathom—as cargo transfer points to reduce 10 daily train runs into the city. Necessary freight trains entering the city will operate only at night with coordinated barrier gates and traffic signals. Long-term plans include developing Bangkok's outer ring road to allow cargo trains without Bangkok destinations to bypass the city, and establishing intermodal transfer centers. For passenger trains, the target is zero grade-level crossings in Bangkok. Immediate safety measures include strict barrier enforcement and traffic coordination. Within three months, the State Railway will study upgrading crossing management with technology and AI-controlled barriers alongside traffic signals, plus identifying remote stopping points at suburban stations like Talat Chan and Lat Krabang. The Transport Ministry will ensure fares do not increase, with government subsidies for vulnerable and low-income groups through integrated ticketing. Long-term solutions include accelerating the elevated rail project for the missing link (Phayathai-Yommarat-Bangkok Central) to permanently eliminate inner Bangkok grade-level crossings. Ploychaleaw noted the government agrees with opposition proposals for strict traffic law enforcement and immediate action, using CCTV cameras at crossing points.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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