Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

9.51 Million Thais Qualify for 2025 State Welfare Card

Just over 9.5 million Thais qualified for the 2025 State Welfare Card program, with benefits beginning August 1 for existing cardholders and October 1 for new applicants.

9.51 Million Thais Qualify for 2025 State Welfare Card
14h ago Khaosod

The Ministry of Finance announced on July 17, 2025, that 9.51 million people have passed the qualification criteria for the 2025 State Welfare Card program out of 18.82 million registrants. The qualified applicants are divided into three groups: 12.70 million existing cardholders, 0.74 million new applicants from community development databases, and 5.38 million additional applicants identified during registration.

Qualified applicants can check their status starting July 17, 2025, through four main channels: the "Pao Tang" mobile app, the "Thang Rat" app, the official website (welfare.mof.go.th), and five participating banks including Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Government Savings Bank, Krung Thai Bank, Government Housing Bank, and Islamic Bank of Thailand.

Existing cardholders can begin using their benefits starting August 1, 2025, while new qualified applicants must complete identity verification (e-KYC) through the app or banks before they can use benefits beginning October 1, 2025. Those who did not pass can request a review between July 17-31, 2025, with final results announced on September 21, 2025.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
Weather

Weather Agency Issues Heavy Rain Alert for 39 Thai Provinces

Thailand's meteorological department has issued a heavy rain alert for 39 provinces as the southwest monsoon moderates, with northern regions facing the highest risk of flash flooding in foothill areas near waterways.

Weather Agency Issues Heavy Rain Alert for 39 Thai Provinces
14h ago Khaosod

On July 17, 2025, the Thai Meteorological Department forecasts decreasing rainfall across Thailand over the next 24 hours as the southwest monsoon moderates, covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. A low-pressure trough remains over northern Vietnam. Residents in northern Thailand are warned of dangers from heavy rainfall and accumulated water, which may trigger flash flooding and flash floods, especially in foothill areas near waterways and depressions. The upper Andaman and upper Gulf of Thailand will have moderate winds with waves 1–2 meters high; the lower Andaman approximately 1 meter, with thunderstorm zones exceeding 2 meters. Sailors should proceed carefully and avoid thunderstorm areas.

Weather forecast for Thailand from 07:00 today to 07:00 tomorrow:

Northern Region: 40% thunderstorm coverage, mainly around Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Phayao, Nan, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Low 22–25°C, high 30–32°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

Northeastern Region: 30% thunderstorms, mainly Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani. Low 23–26°C, high 31–36°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

Central Region: 30% thunderstorms, mainly Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon. Low 23–26°C, high 33–36°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

Eastern Region: 40% thunderstorms, mainly Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 23–26°C, high 31–34°C. Southwest wind 15–35 km/h. Sea waves 1–2 meters; thunderstorm areas over 2 meters.

Southern Region (East Coast): 30% thunderstorms, mainly Chumphon, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Low 23–25°C, high 33–36°C. Southwest wind 15–30 km/h. Sea waves approximately 1 meter, offshore over 1 meter; thunderstorm zones over 2 meters.

Southern Region (West Coast): 30% thunderstorms, mainly Ranong, Phang Nga, Trang, and Satun. Low 23–25°C, high 31–35°C. From Phang Nga northward: Southwest wind 15–35 km/h, waves 1–2 meters, thunderstorm areas over 2 meters. From Phuket southward: Southwest wind 15–30 km/h, waves approximately 1 meter; thunderstorm zones over 2 meters.

Bangkok and Vicinity: 40% thunderstorm coverage. Low 25–26°C, high 33–34°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Police

Man Dies in Khao Yai Forest Searching for Rare Wood

A 64-year-old aniewood poacher collapsed and died from exhaustion in Khao Yai National Forest after six days of illegal hunting in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province; rescue teams spent three nights retrieving his body through dense terrain.

Man Dies in Khao Yai Forest Searching for Rare Wood
19h ago Khaosod

A 64-year-old poacher named Noo Daeng died in the depths of Khao Yai National Forest on July 14, 2569, after collapsing from exhaustion and a chronic illness while searching for aniewood, an extremely rare and valuable hardwood that can fetch hundreds of thousands of baht per kilogram. Five men, including Noo Daeng, illegally entered the protected forest in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province on July 12, trekking more than 20 kilometers into the wilderness. According to his brother Prasert, the group had been hiking for more than six days without finding any wood when Noo Daeng suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed. Despite attempts at CPR, he could not be revived. In the darkness and without phone signal deep in the forest, the remaining hunters were forced to wait until dawn and then spent three full nights carrying the body across steep terrain and dense wet forest. Once they reached a location with cell reception on July 16, they called for help. Rescue teams from the Khao Yai National Forest protection unit, emergency responders from Sawang Bamphen Tham Foundation, and volunteer rescue units worked through heavy rain to recover the body and bring it down safely. The deceased's wife, Pranorm, 57, described the ordeal with tears, explaining how the hunters managed to carry the body to the mountain base but were too exhausted to continue, requiring professional rescue teams to complete the retrieval. An autopsy was conducted at Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital, and the body was released to the family for a merit-making ceremony at Non Soat Temple.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Raid Lodge, Arrest Drug Dealer With 2,200 Methamphetamine Pills

Police arrested a 37-year-old drug dealer at a Ko Lanta lodging house on July 16, seizing over 2,200 methamphetamine pills and concealment equipment from his room.

Police Raid Lodge, Arrest Drug Dealer With 2,200 Methamphetamine Pills
19h ago Khaosod

On July 16, police commanded by Pol. Maj. Gen. Withawat Chinkham ordered officers from Wat Phraya Rai Police Station, led by Pol. Maj. Chakrapong Phitaksakul, to arrest Anon, 37, at a lodging house in Soi Sonammai. He faces charges of possession and distribution of methamphetamine (Category 1 drug) for commercial purposes without authorization. Officers seized over 2,200 methamphetamine pills and drug-concealment equipment on July 15 at 6 p.m.

The arrest resulted from ongoing behavioral surveillance after police received tips that the suspect had been illegally selling methamphetamine to users in the area for some time, with unidentified visitors regularly entering and leaving his room—a pattern consistent with small-scale drug dealing. Officers gathered intelligence, verified reports, and conducted observation before planning the operation.

When officers arrived at the lodging house, they spotted the suspect matching the informant's description standing outside his room. Upon noticing police, he visibly startled and rushed back inside. Officers followed, identified themselves, and requested a search. Inside his pants pocket, they found two clear plastic bags containing orange methamphetamine pills. When questioned, the suspect immediately confessed the pills were his and disclosed additional drugs hidden in the room.

Officers discovered large quantities of methamphetamine in multiple clear plastic and blue plastic bags concealed inside a stainless-steel cookie box—used as a hiding place to avoid detection. After arrest, the suspect was brought to Wat Phraya Rai Police Station for drug testing; results were negative for methamphetamine in his system. He was informed of his rights and charges under the law before formal arrest documentation and case referral to investigators.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Police

Man Arrested for Smuggling 2kg Ice in Tamarind Jars to Japan

Police arrested a 50-year-old man after crystal methamphetamine hidden in tamarind paste jars bound for Japan was discovered at a Bangkok address. Investigators suspect his Vietnamese girlfriend orchestrated the smuggling operation.

Man Arrested for Smuggling 2kg Ice in Tamarind Jars to Japan
19h ago Khaosod

Police arrested a 50-year-old man on July 16, 2025, for involvement in transnational organized crime following the discovery of crystal methamphetamine hidden in tamarind paste jars. Officers from Bang Yee Khun Police Station inspected a package left under a building in Bangkokno'i after an international courier worker reported suspicious contents. Inside six jars of tamarind paste, authorities found approximately 2.059 kilograms of white crystalline substance packaged in transparent plastic bags. Officials seized the drugs as evidence and launched an expanded investigation.

On the same day at 10:00 p.m., Deputy Police Chief Thiradech Thamsuther, overseeing narcotics operations, coordinated with multiple police units to arrest Sompong, age 50, at his residence in Sai Noi Subdistrict, Thanyaburi District, Nonthaburi Province. Under questioning, the suspect admitted to having a Vietnamese girlfriend named Mali, whom he had been dating for over a year. He claimed he provided her with two bank accounts for her convenience because she is a foreigner. His girlfriend is currently in Vietnam and reportedly plans to return next month. Police believe she may have hired the courier to deliver the drugs, and they are continuing to expand their investigation.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Australian Detained For Skateboarding In Patong

Patong police detained an Australian man for skateboarding on a public road, citing safety and traffic law violations.

Australian Detained For Skateboarding In Patong
19h ago The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Patong – Patong police apprehended an Australian man after spotting him skateboarding along a public road with his board in hand. Officers quickly intervened, citing safety concerns and local traffic laws. The Phuket Tourtist Police told the Phuket Express. The Australina man was taken into custody together with his skateboard and escorted to the investigation […] Australian Man Detained for Skateboarding on Patong Road -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Phuket Conducts Fire Safety Inspections at Entertainment Venues

Fire safety inspections at four Phuket entertainment venues found no violations during a late-night operation by police and district officials in Wichit.

Phuket Conducts Fire Safety Inspections at Entertainment Venues
19h ago The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket– Officials in Wichit carried out late-night inspections of four entertainment venues to reinforce compliance with fire safety and legal standards. At 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday night (July 15th), the Wichit Police alongside district officers, municipal enforcement staff, and volunteer defense units. The team inspected entertainment venues in the area. No violations of law were […] Wichit Officials Tighten Fire Safety Checks on Entertainment Venues -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Myanmar Man Arrested for Illegal Food Delivery Work in Phuket

Tourist Police arrested a Myanmar national in Phuket for working as an illegal food delivery rider, part of intensified enforcement against unauthorized foreign workers on the island.

Myanmar Man Arrested for Illegal Food Delivery Work in Phuket
19h ago The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket – Tourist Police in Phuket have intensified enforcement against foreign nationals working illegally, arresting a Myanmar man for operating as a food delivery rider without proper authorization. At approximately 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday (July 15th) the Phuket Tourist Police detained the suspect. The arrest was made on charges of “being a foreigner working outside […] Illegal Food Delivery Rider From Myanmar Arrested in Phuket -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Phuket Seizes 23 Illegal Jet Skis, Fines Operators

Phuket authorities seized 23 illegal jet skis and fined operators up to 10,000 baht each during an enforcement crackdown on unlicensed maritime tourism services.

Phuket Seizes 23 Illegal Jet Skis, Fines Operators
19h ago The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket – The Phuket Regional Marine Office has launched a sweeping crackdown on illegal jet ski operations, seizing 23 vessels and issuing fines of up to 10,000 baht each. The enforcement drive follows directives from Deputy Transport Minister Sornphet Boonyamanee, who recently visited the province and urged officials to tighten oversight of maritime tourism services. […] Authorities Fine 23 Illegal Jet Ski Operators up to 10,000 Baht in Phuket Sweep -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Phuket Governor Honors Musician Nene Royal

Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom honored musician Nene Royal with a certificate recognizing her outstanding talent and international achievements at a ceremony held at Provincial Hall.

Phuket Governor Honors Musician Nene Royal
19h ago The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket  – The Governor of Phuket, Mr. Chotnarin Kerdsom, presented a certificate of honor to Rattikan Amloy, better known as “Nene Royal”, recognizing her outstanding musical talent and international achievements. The ceremony took place at the Phuket Provincial Hall, witnessed by Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawae, Provincial Education Officer Panna Phromwichian, and senior officials from government […] ‘Ne Ne’ Honored for Musical Achievements from Phuket Governor  -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Fire Destroys Abandoned Building in Chalong

A late-night fire destroyed an abandoned building in Chalong, Phuket, but emergency crews extinguished it within 30 minutes before it could spread to nearby properties.

Fire Destroys Abandoned Building in Chalong
20h ago The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket – A late-night fire broke out inside an abandoned building in Chalong, prompting a swift response from local officials and emergency crews. The blaze, which ignited around 9:40 p.m., was extinguished within 30 minutes, preventing it from spreading to nearby properties. Mayor Samran Jindaphon of Chalong Municipality, accompanied by municipal council members, disaster prevention […] Blaze at Abandoned Building in Chalong Quickly Contained -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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