Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

AIS PLAY Launches All-Sports Package for 199 Baht Monthly

AIS PLAY launches PLAY ALL, a 199-baht monthly package offering world sports including Bundesliga, NBA, NFL, and tennis, plus entertainment channels and 2026 Asian Games coverage. The bundle aims to provide affordable access to premium glob

AIS PLAY Launches All-Sports Package for 199 Baht Monthly
24 Jul Khaosod

AIS PLAY reinforces its position as Thailand's leading video streaming and entertainment hub by rolling out its new "PLAY ALL" package under the concept of "All-in-One Sports and Entertainment Experience." The package elevates access to world-class sports content including Bundesliga football, NBA basketball, NFL American football, ATP tennis, and major golf tournaments (LPGA Tour, PGA Tour, and DP World Tour), alongside exclusive content from legendary football clubs MUTV (Manchester United) and Real Madrid TV, plus Premier Sports and live coverage of the 2026 Asian Games from Nagoya, Japan.

The PLAY ALL package is designed as a seamless, all-in-one bundle covering sports and entertainment from leading partners for just 199 baht monthly. Content is organized into sports and entertainment categories: sports include world football and club channels, professional golf, NBA and WNBA basketball, NFL football from preseason through Super Bowl, ATP tennis (59 matches annually), five major Thai boxing events from Rajadamnern Stadium, all levels of Thai professional football, and live Asian Games 2026 coverage. Entertainment features 24 premium global TV channels spanning films, series, variety shows, documentaries, news, and children's programming including Warner TV, Rock Action, Eurosport, Discovery, Food Network, Cartoon Network, CNN, BBC News, Fox News, Bloomberg, and more.

This launch reflects AIS PLAY's commitment to reaching a broad customer base with affordable access to world-class content under its brand promise to "connect life and complete entertainment needs" across its mobile and broadband networks.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Government Overhauls 24-Hour Welfare Center With AI and Social Monitoring

Thailand's government has launched a 24-hour "Happiness Center" using AI and social media monitoring to help vulnerable groups access welfare benefits faster, with response times ranging from 30 minutes for critical cases to 72 hours for ro

Government Overhauls 24-Hour Welfare Center With AI and Social Monitoring
24 Jul Khaosod

The government is accelerating the transformation of its welfare support center into a 24-hour "Happiness Center" with integrated AI and social media monitoring capabilities. On July 24, 2025, Deputy Government Spokesperson Patthadarat Thongsalawikorn announced that the Accelerated Public Welfare Management Center (SRSC) under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has been redesigned to help vulnerable groups access state benefits more quickly and easily while maintaining round-the-clock assistance.

The improvements include enhanced emergency hotline 1300 with precise identity verification database integration, staffing expanded to 30 call operator pairs, an intelligent message system for follow-up contacts, and expanded reporting through the Traffy Fondue platform for immediate case escalation. The system also deploys AI to help navigate complex procedures and uses social monitoring technology to detect social issues on social media platforms including Facebook, X, TikTok, and Pantip. When critical red-alert cases are detected, the system immediately notifies administrators and field staff, reducing response time to just 30 minutes to one hour.

Patthadarat explained that assistance will be available 24 hours a day through rapid-response mobile units working with community networks to identify vulnerable populations that may have been overlooked. The office has established clear response guidelines: critical red and dark-red cases must receive help immediately or within 24 hours, yellow-alert cases within 48 hours, and routine green cases within 72 hours. This proactive social welfare policy initiative aims to ensure no one is left behind and that all citizens can access state benefits equitably.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Solar Water System Helps Wang Nam Khiao Farmers Cut Costs

A solar-powered water system installed at Wang Nam Khiao Sufficiency Economy Community in Nakhon Ratchasima helps farmers reduce electricity costs while securing reliable water access during droughts. The automated system uses floats and gr

Solar Water System Helps Wang Nam Khiao Farmers Cut Costs
24 Jul Khaosod

The Department of Water Resources inspected a solar-powered water distribution system at the Wang Nam Khiao Sufficiency Economy Community in Nakhon Ratchasima province to help farmers reduce costs and ensure adequate water access while preparing for future droughts. On July 24, Pongspathorn Semorkham, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Water Resources, led a team to assess progress on the solar-powered water distribution system. The project originated from residents' need for agricultural and household water. The Department of Water Resources Office 5 surveyed community readiness and water sources, then designed an automated solar-powered pumping system using floats to control water levels. Water is pumped into storage tanks and then into elevated distribution towers (champagne tanks), where gravity feeds water to agricultural and household areas, significantly reducing electricity costs for farmers.

Semorkham stated that the Wang Nam Khiao Sufficiency Economy Community exemplifies a strong model project because communities participated in planning, water-sharing schedules, and system maintenance, creating a sense of ownership and ensuring sustainable operations. Meanwhile, the Department of Water Resources is preparing for droughts and climate change by evaluating water source capacity, coordinating appropriate water allocation with communities, and identifying additional water sources to meet potential future demand.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Opens Public Comment on Early Civil Service Retirement Plan

Thailand is seeking public input on a new early retirement plan for civil servants, with eligibility starting at age 50 or 25 years of service. The 15-day consultation period opened July 22 and has already drawn nearly 8,000 submissions.

Thailand Opens Public Comment on Early Civil Service Retirement Plan
24 Jul Khaosod

The legal portal www.law.go.th, managed by the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) and the Office of the Council of State (OCSS), has opened a 15-day public consultation on "early retirement measures for ordinary civil servants" from July 22 to August 5, 2025.

The measure stems from government policy announced to parliament on April 9, 2025, Section 21, which addresses civil service reform, strengthening fiscal discipline, and reducing redundant government functions. The proposal aims to streamline the public sector by introducing early retirement options and other measures, shifting the state's role from regulator to facilitator of digital transformation and efficient governance.

Key provisions under consultation include two eligibility groups: Group 1 covers civil servants aged 50 and above, or those with 25 years of service, with at least two years remaining; Group 2 covers those aged 40-49 with at least 10 years of service. The consultation also seeks feedback on allowing agencies to hire external staff for digital transformation projects and on performance evaluation reforms focused on public benefit.

Within just three days of opening, the consultation has already received nearly 8,000 submissions from interested parties.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

US Slaps 12.5% Tariff on Thailand Over Forced Labour

The US imposed a 12.5% tariff on Thai imports, citing Thailand's lack of adequate forced labour enforcement laws, placing it in a higher tariff tier than countries with stricter protections.

US Slaps 12.5% Tariff on Thailand Over Forced Labour
24 Jul Khaosod

The United States has announced new tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, citing concerns over forced labour in global supply chains. Thailand will face a 12.5% tariff under the new measures.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) said it is imposing the tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act, arguing that the affected countries lack sufficiently robust laws or enforcement measures to prevent the import of goods produced with forced labour. The USTR said such practices undermine supply chain integrity and create unfair competition for US manufacturers.

The measures took effect on July 24, replacing temporary tariffs previously imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act, which grants the US president emergency authority to levy import duties. The Section 122 tariffs, set at 10%, were introduced by the Trump administration after the US Supreme Court struck down the president's broader tariff programme affecting trading partners worldwide.

Under the new framework, the USTR has divided affected trading partners into two groups. The first group, subject to a 10% tariff, includes countries that already prohibit imports made with forced labour or have reciprocal trade agreements with the United States, such as Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Thailand has been placed in the second group, which is subject to a 12.5% tariff because it does not yet have a legal framework or cooperation mechanism that meets US requirements on forced labour enforcement. According to the USTR, countries in this category lack import bans or equivalent legal measures targeting goods produced with forced labour. Besides Thailand, the 12.5% tariff also applies to China, Japan and India.

The move will have significant implications for Thailand, as the United States is the country's largest export market. The USTR has previously raised concerns about labour practices in Thailand's fishing and seafood industries, while acknowledging improvements in worker registration, vessel inspections and supply chain traceability.

Despite those reforms, the USTR said Thailand has yet to adopt legislation prohibiting the import of goods produced with forced labour, placing it in the higher tariff category under the new Section 301 measures.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Border Conflict Victims Still Fear after One Year

A family in Ubon Ratchathani lost two members and their home in a rocket attack during Thai-Cambodian border clashes on July 24, 2025, and survivors remain traumatized a year later amid fears of renewed conflict.

Border Conflict Victims Still Fear after One Year
24 Jul Khaosod

A family in Ubon Ratchathani is marking the one-year anniversary of a devastating attack during clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces on July 24, 2025. The 71-year-old householder, Mr. Si, from Kud Chiang Mun village in Nam Yuen district, suffered a catastrophic loss when multiple BM-21 rockets struck his home as his family was preparing to evacuate. The blast left a one-meter-wide crater with a 50-centimeter diameter, completely destroying the house structure and embedding shrapnel in neighboring walls and roofs, damage that remains unrepaired to this day.

The rocket strike killed his 70-year-old mother immediately, while Mr. Si himself was severely wounded and bedridden. He succumbed to his injuries eight months later, leaving the family grieving two deaths and total property loss. Though a year has passed, survivors remain psychologically scarred and fearful, worried that unresolved border tensions could spark a third clash. Mr. Si is now appealing to the government to decisively settle the border dispute through negotiation or military action to protect residents from further tragedy.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Officer's Wife Seeks Justice Over Infidelity

A police officer's wife discovered her husband's two-month affair after hiring a private investigator, who caught him at a hotel with another woman; she has since moved out and plans to pursue divorce and custody of their daughter.

Police Officer's Wife Seeks Justice Over Infidelity
24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, 2025, a reporter spoke with Miss Ning (a pseudonym), the wife of a police officer, who openly shared the details of her painful discovery. She explained that she began dating her husband in 2016, married him in 2020, and they had a 5-year-old daughter together. After their marriage, her husband's behavior changed dramatically—he stopped coming home regularly and would disappear after arguments. When a young woman suddenly added her on Facebook and was also listed as her husband's friend, Miss Ning grew suspicious. When she questioned her husband, he denied knowing the woman and claimed she was a police contact. A coworker later informed her that her husband had taken the woman out to eat, but when Miss Ning followed, she couldn't catch them.

Frustrated by his denials, Miss Ning hired a private investigator. On the first day of surveillance, her husband called her via video chat saying he was tired and going to bed. Within 10 minutes, the investigator spotted him picking up the other woman and heading to a hotel. Miss Ning followed discreetly but wanted to gather solid evidence before confronting him. After days of surveillance, when the investigator located her husband and the woman at a sukiyaki restaurant, Miss Ning went there and finally got him to confess. He admitted to the affair, which had lasted about two months.

When Miss Ning asked him to choose, her husband said he would stay with her, but his actions told a different story—he never came home to sleep with her and their daughter, and he continued contacting the other woman. Miss Ning has now moved out of the family home, though their daughter remains with him. She is seeking justice and plans to pursue divorce proceedings, hoping to gain custody of their child.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Gold Prices Drop 700 Baht as Markets Open

Gold prices dropped 700 baht at Thursday's market open in Thailand, with ornamental gold trading at 65,600 baht per baht weight as traders anticipate a sharp rebound within days.

Gold Prices Drop 700 Baht as Markets Open
24 Jul Khaosod

The Thai Gold Traders Association reported gold prices for July 24, 2025, with a significant market opening decline of 700 baht from the previous day's closing. Ornamental gold (96.5%) sold at 65,600 baht per baht weight. Gold bars were quoted at 64,600 baht per baht weight for buying and 64,800 baht for selling. Ornamental gold prices showed a buy price of 63,308.16 baht per baht weight and a sell price of 65,600 baht per baht weight, while international gold spot prices held steady at $4,045.00 per ounce. Traders are forecasting a potential surge of 1,000–2,000 baht per baht weight in tomorrow's opening, with some expecting prices to break through the 80,000 baht mark.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Tightens Crackdown on Foreign-Owned Nominee Businesses

Thailand is intensifying enforcement against foreign-owned nominee businesses with new deep-data analysis starting August 1st, examining corporate structures and financial records to identify violations while protecting legitimate investors

Thailand Tightens Crackdown on Foreign-Owned Nominee Businesses
24 Jul Khaosod

The government is stepping up enforcement against the use of Thai nationals as nominees for foreign business operations, with new inspection measures beginning August 1st. Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Phasisvivat revealed that the upgraded system will shift from basic document review to deep-data analysis, examining corporate registrations, shareholder structures, financial statements, accountant records, and related information to classify risk levels and identify potential nominee companies with precision. The approach improves law enforcement efficiency while minimizing impact on legitimate operators; officials may request additional evidence—such as financial documents and bank statements—from Thai shareholders to verify investment sources and ownership percentages, evaluating each case on its merits.

Lalida emphasized that the measure does not target all foreign investors or create barriers to overseas investment, but rather uses data and financial pathways to distinguish lawful business operators from those exploiting nominee structures to evade regulations. The government prioritizes building a transparent and fair investment climate alongside strict enforcement against violators. By raising inspection standards, the government aims to protect Thai businesses and honest investors, strengthen economic confidence, and ensure all competitors operate under equal rules.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Pursues Dialogue and Law Enforcement in South Border Conflict

Thailand's government is pursuing simultaneous peace talks and strict law enforcement to address southern border violence, with officials saying over half of dissident groups are willing to dialogue while those committing violence will face

Thailand Pursues Dialogue and Law Enforcement in South Border Conflict
24 Jul Khaosod

National Security Council Secretary General Chatrchai Bangchawat outlined the government's dual approach to addressing violence in Thailand's southern border provinces during a press briefing at Government House on July 24. While expressing sadness over recent incidents, he stressed that peace talks led by National Intelligence Agency Director Thanat Suwannanont have made significant progress and must continue, as more than half of the various dissident groups are willing to participate in dialogue.

For those still resorting to violence, the government will enforce the law strictly and separately, Chatrchai said. He rejected the notion that suspending talks in response to violent acts would be appropriate, arguing that doing so would only complicate and intensify the conflict. He pointed out that armed groups appeared to exercise restraint during the Prime Minister's recent visits to Malaysia, suggesting Malaysian mediation efforts are bearing fruit and that violent factions respect Malaysia's role.

When asked whether dissident groups could communicate internally, Chatrchai acknowledged they likely know each other and coordinate to some degree, but emphasized the need to distinguish between those willing to dialogue and those using violence. The government's strategy, he explained, must balance firm law enforcement with continued peace negotiations—abandoning either approach in favor of the other would only worsen the situation. He expressed confidence that all parties, including the military, police, and civilians, are making genuine efforts despite occasional unforeseen incidents.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Bangkok Bus Driver Penalized After Stalling on Railway Tracks

A Bangkok bus became stranded on railway tracks at a major intersection on July 23 after traffic suddenly stopped, prompting the BMTA to discipline the driver and reissue safety warnings to all operators.

Bangkok Bus Driver Penalized After Stalling on Railway Tracks
24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, 2025, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) released a statement regarding an air-conditioned bus on route 204 (vehicle number 8-55128) that became stranded on railway tracks at the Ratchaprarob intersection on July 23. The BMTA investigated using GPS data and questioned the driver and others involved. At approximately 10:30 a.m., while heading toward Bangkok Aphiwatana Station, the bus reached the intersection on a green light and proceeded normally. However, as it approached the railway crossing, traffic suddenly stopped, causing the bus to become stuck across the tracks. An inspector on board immediately took action following emergency safety protocols and coordinated with State Railway of Thailand officials and local volunteers to manage traffic until the bus could proceed. The driver has been disciplined according to BMTA regulations. The BMTA apologized for the incident and emphasized to all drivers the importance of strictly following rules and carefully assessing traffic conditions to ensure passenger safety.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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