Lanta & News
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National

AIS Posts Strong Q2 Results With 56 Billion Baht Revenue

Thailand's largest telecom AIS reported 56.5 billion baht in Q2 revenue with strong growth in 5G subscribers and broadband services, driven by its digital infrastructure strategy.

AIS Posts Strong Q2 Results With 56 Billion Baht Revenue
6 Aug Khaosod

Advanced Info Service (AIS) reported second-quarter 2025 results on August 6, 2025, posting total revenue of 56.497 billion baht and net profit of 13.716 billion baht while maintaining its strategic direction. The company remains focused on product and service quality alongside enhanced digital experiences for all customer groups, despite challenges from economic conditions, international conflicts, and weakened global purchasing power that began improving in June.

AIS advanced its intelligent infrastructure strategy by strengthening core business growth and launching new digital ventures. The mobile business expanded its quality customer base, with 47.1 million subscribers and 19.7 million 5G users—up 1.2 million from the previous quarter—generating 6% revenue growth. The home broadband business grew 7.9% to 5.3 million subscribers through value packages and smart home innovations. Enterprise services increased 2.8% through data connectivity, cloud services, and data center offerings supporting corporate AI transformation. Retail operations grew 1%, while entertainment and digital finance services expanded across omnichannel platforms with same-day delivery options.

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National

GULF Sets Record with Historic Q2 Profit Surge

GULF Energy Development reported record second-quarter operating profit of 12.33 billion baht, a 74% surge driven by strong performance in natural gas, renewable energy, and LNG import businesses.

GULF Sets Record with Historic Q2 Profit Surge
6 Aug Khaosod

GULF Energy Development achieved record second-quarter operating profit of 12.33 billion baht, a 74% increase from the same period last year, with total revenue surpassing 50.3 billion baht. Yupaporn Wangwiwat, GULF's chief financial officer, attributed the strong results to robust performance across energy and digital business segments.

The company's natural gas power plants—GSRC and GPD—significantly increased electricity sales to Thailand's state utility as national demand rose, improving capacity utilization and profitability. Renewable energy contributions also surged, with 12 solar and solar-plus-battery projects now operational, generating 1,129 megawatts combined and delivering 153% higher profits year-on-year.

GULF's LNG import business posted exceptional results with 157% profit growth after handling 37 shipments totaling 2.4 million tons in the first half. The company's shareholding in AIS telecommunications contributed 4.55 billion baht in profit, up 31%, while KBANK dividends added 2.84 billion baht and the sale of a 51% stake in the Pak Lai hydropower project to J-Power generated 1.93 billion baht.

Second-quarter EBITDA reached 19 billion baht, up 41% year-on-year, though net profit attributable to shareholders fell to 12.45 billion baht due to exceptional gains from the INTUCH merger in the prior-year quarter. At June 30, 2025, GULF held 815.97 billion baht in total assets against 468.36 billion baht in liabilities, with a net debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06 times.

GULF projects 12-15% growth in revenue and EBITDA for 2025, supported by approximately 700 megawatts of new power generation capacity slated for commercial operation in the second half, comprising solar farms, solar-plus-storage systems, waste-to-energy plants, and rooftop solar projects.

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National

Thailand Disqualifies 5,925 Local Officials for Exam Cheating

Thailand's civil service committee has disqualified 5,925 local government exam candidates for cheating, with a new candidate roster to be announced August 7 and removal procedures completed by month's end.

Thailand Disqualifies 5,925 Local Officials for Exam Cheating
6 Aug Khaosod

On August 6, Deputy Interior Minister Vorasisuth Leangpraseuth chaired a meeting of the central civil service committee to ratify a decision by the local government exam board to cancel the original candidate list and announce a new roster for 2025. The committee endorsed the exam board's findings that 5,925 candidates engaged in cheating, while 97 others whose scores were irregularly adjusted will remain on the new list pending investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission and police. A new roster will be announced on August 7, with notifications to provinces on August 10 and removal procedures to be completed by August 31. Vorasisuth stated that the committee has evidence of cheating and can prove its case, adding that guidelines will be issued to local authorities for implementation. He confirmed the government will not shield anyone from accountability, regardless of rank. When asked about potential legal challenges, he emphasized the process is based on verifiable facts supported by forensic analysis. Regarding criminal cases against former officials implicated in the cheating scheme, he said police and the anti-corruption commission are handling those investigations. The lengthy meeting occurred because committee members initially disagreed on legal interpretations but eventually reached consensus.

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National

Roojai Insurance Marks 10 Years, Pushes AI to Expand Health and Non-Motor Coverage

Digital-first insurer Roojai Insurance celebrated a decade of growth and announced plans to expand into health coverage through AI-powered underwriting and claims processing across Thailand and Indonesia.

Roojai Insurance Marks 10 Years, Pushes AI to Expand Health and Non-Motor Coverage
6 Aug Khaosod

Roojai Insurance celebrated its 10-year milestone on August 6, 2025, announcing its roadmap for the next decade with a focus on AI-driven digital transformation. The company, founded by Nicholas Fayet, pioneered Thailand's direct-to-consumer (D2C) digital insurance model and has grown from an online insurance broker in 2016 to a fully licensed general insurance company operating in both Thailand and Indonesia. The company now serves over 370,000 customers and remains committed to making insurance "easy to buy, fairly priced, and reliable" through technology and innovation.

Roojai has demonstrated strong financial performance, with combined premiums growing from 1 billion baht in 2021 to 3.3 billion baht in 2026—a threefold increase. In the first half of 2025, the company recorded 1.6 billion baht in premiums and 212 million baht in net profit, maintaining a loss ratio below 65% for the fifth consecutive year and a robust CAR of 520%, well above regulatory minimums.

In its second decade, Roojai plans to integrate AI across all operations—underwriting, claims assessment, customer service, and data analytics—to deliver better-tailored products, faster service, and superior customer experience. The company demonstrated this capability during severe flooding in Hat Yai in late 2024, using AI-powered systems to rapidly approve and process claims for customers during the crisis. Chairman Krakrit Khamruengrit emphasized that the insurance industry must adapt to the digital era to meet evolving consumer expectations, noting that Roojai views technology not merely as a sales tool but as essential infrastructure for elevating the customer experience and democratizing access to insurance.

Leveraging its strength in auto insurance, Roojai is preparing to expand into health insurance and personal coverage segments following its successful launch of travel insurance, with an ambitious goal to capture 6% market share in Thailand's auto insurance market by 2030.

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Police

Ton Bangkaew Released on 1 Million Baht Bail

Thontong Sukkern, known as Ton Bangkaew, posted 1 million baht bail on August 6 after investigators approved his temporary release in a case involving approximately 3 million baht in alleged damages.

Ton Bangkaew Released on 1 Million Baht Bail
6 Aug Khaosod

On August 6, 2026, Thontong Sukkern, known as Ton Bangkaew, requested temporary release and posted 1 million baht in cash bail, which investigators approved. The case is proceeding through legal channels. Ton Bangkaew continues to deny all charges but is cooperating fully with investigators and plans to submit a detailed written statement later. Investigators granted temporary bail for four reasons: the suspect has no history of fleeing, no history of tampering with witnesses as evidence has been nearly fully collected, the case is not serious with approximately 3 million baht in alleged damages, and the bail amount conforms to Supreme Court standards, setting it at 1 million baht.

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Police

Young Tiger Identified in Park Official's Death

Researchers identified a young tiger cub, about 1 year 6 months old and offspring of mother tiger Aphinyaa, as responsible for attacking ranger Sakkrin Wichajarn at Huay Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. The incident is believed accidental, wi

Young Tiger Identified in Park Official's Death
6 Aug Khaosod

The tiger research team at Khao Nang Ram Wildlife Research Station has successfully identified the tiger that attacked a ranger at Huay Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary as a 1-year-6-month-old cub, offspring of mother tiger Aphinyaa.

On August 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., Dr. Aatchara Simcharoen, academic affairs director, and Somphoch Duangchantarasiri, Khao Nang Ram Wildlife Research Station director, confirmed the tiger's identity through camera trap footage from the area where ranger Sakkrin Wichajarn was found. Tigers typically return to their kill site after hunting, and based on the research team's database, the area is home to adult female tiger Aphinyaa, age 8, and her three cubs from a second litter, approximately 1 year 6 months old. The family regularly uses this route.

Camera trap analysis identified one of Aphinyaa's three cubs as the tiger involved. On the day of the incident, this cub entered the shelter area where the ranger was resting in a horizontal position. The tiger likely mistook the ranger for prey because his posture resembled the typical long profile of normal prey. At 1 year 6 months old, the cub is in the natural learning phase for hunting, and this incident is considered accidental. Normally, tigers avoid structures and would flee immediately if they detected human movement.

Research recommendations include: 1. Emphasizing ranger vigilance and avoiding situations that expose them to tiger attacks 2. Improving the environment with better lighting and more open landscaping to increase visibility 3. Adjusting ranger behavior—avoiding exposed outdoor areas during rest periods

Criteria for classifying a tiger as man-eater: 1. Repeated, consistent incidents 2. Deliberate selection of humans as primary prey

Action steps include: (1) Installing 15 camera traps across a 40-square-kilometer area around Huay Kha Khaeng over two days to study whether the tiger family can survive on natural prey; (2) Fitting satellite collars on all three cubs for continuous behavioral monitoring; (3) If attacks recur within a short timeframe, capturing and relocating the cub for behavioral rehabilitation; (4) Ongoing camera trap monitoring going forward.

Chayaporn Amradisit, director of the Protected Area Administration Region 12, confirmed that evidence identified a 1-year-6-month-old male tiger cub—one of Aphinyaa's three offspring—as responsible for the attack on ranger Sakkrin Wichajarn, who died on August 5. Camera trap evidence shows the cub returned to the location where the ranger's body was taken.

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National

Thailand Completes Agricultural Database for 75,000 Villages

Thailand has completed an agricultural database covering 75,000 villages nationwide, using village volunteers to gather field data on crops, livestock, and aquaculture to improve farming policy and production planning.

Thailand Completes Agricultural Database for 75,000 Villages
6 Aug Khaosod

Peerapat Korthong, secretary-general of the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE), has revealed that accurate and current agricultural information is crucial for analyzing conditions, planning production, and implementing measures suited to actual local circumstances. Since agricultural structures vary widely between villages—including crop types, farmer numbers, cultivation areas, livestock, and aquaculture—establishing a clear village-level database is essential for developing a functional national agricultural information system.

The OAE's Agricultural Information Center is implementing a sampling frame data project with village agricultural volunteers under a 2025 fiscal-year efficiency initiative, working with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) to create a village-level agricultural activity database for survey sampling and analysis. This frame serves as a foundation database enabling comprehensive surveys, appropriate sampling, and clearer reflection of actual production patterns.

Korthong stated that the project's core objective is leveraging village agricultural volunteers, who are close to farmers and know local agricultural conditions well, to conduct field surveys in coordination with DAE and OAE staff using the digital Frame-asa system. This enhances data accuracy while elevating volunteers to become a village-level agricultural information network, bridging on-the-ground data to policy application.

The project has run continuously from 2022 to 2025, targeting approximately 75,000 villages nationwide. The 2025 fiscal year is the final critical phase, with about 18,000 villages remaining in the responsibility zones of the OAE's northeastern regional offices (Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Surin, Buriram, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima). Data collection will cover 26 agricultural commodities including field crops, perennial fruits, livestock, and aquaculture, enabling efficient survey and information analysis. Operations follow an OAE-DAE coordinated roadmap using the Frame-asa web application for field data recording, with briefings for extension staff before guidance is passed to village volunteers, who will document farmer activities covering household numbers, cultivation areas, livestock counts, production standards, sales outlets, and prices, followed by progress monitoring, data verification, and quality assurance.

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National

Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand Enters Hilux TRAVO in 2026 Cross-Country Rally

Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand will field three Hilux TRAVO vehicles in the August 2026 Asia Cross Country Rally, a 2,200-kilometer test from Pattaya to Phitsanulok designed to showcase the truck's performance and gather real-world durability

Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand Enters Hilux TRAVO in 2026 Cross-Country Rally
6 Aug Khaosod

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand and Toyota Motor Thailand are advancing their vision of "Making Ever-Better Motorsports-Bred Cars" by deploying three Hilux TRAVO vehicles in the Asia Cross Country Rally 2026 (AXCR 2026), scheduled for August 10–15, 2026, covering 2,200 kilometers from Pattaya to Phitsanulok. The initiative represents a collaboration between TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand, Thai engineers from Toyota Motor Asia (Thailand), and TCD Asia, fielding six drivers and co-drivers alongside full engineering and service support to demonstrate the new Hilux TRAVO's capabilities on the demanding international cross-country rally circuit.

Nutthadej Sriniwet, Assistant to the Managing Director of Toyota Motor Thailand, emphasized that the company uses motorsports as a critical platform for developing vehicle technology and innovation. He noted that data gathered from competitive testing helps improve durability, performance, and quality of production vehicles. Toyota's racing team achieved 2nd and 5th place finishes in the T1D class at last year's AXCR 2025, and this year aims to prove the Hilux TRAVO's strength across diverse terrain including dust, mud, gravel, and steep inclines over the grueling 2,200-kilometer course.

The Hilux TRAVO has been specially developed and prepared to handle the varied conditions of the Asia Cross Country Rally, serving as a critical testing ground for engineers to gather real-world performance data. This year, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand will enter three Hilux TRAVO vehicles across two classes: in the T1D class, vehicles 102 (driven by Nueng-Mana Pornsirichierd with co-driver Ton-Kittisak Glimjanthorn) and 107 (driven by Chub-Nattapol Angruthananont with co-driver Tam-Thanyphut Minil); and in the T2A-D class, vehicle 130 (driven by Keng-Phurimasup Thinchanthorn with co-driver Lek-Prakay Namjai Thaharn). Team director Sutthipong Smitchart confirmed that drivers, co-drivers, engineers, and service teams are fully prepared to tackle every challenge and showcase the Hilux TRAVO's potential on the international rally stage.

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National

Thai Actor Fights Scammer Gangs Through Anti-Corruption Theater

Thai actor Kaeng Thachaya leads youth theater workshops across the Eastern Region that use short anti-corruption plays to expose scammer networks and build resistance to fraud among young audiences. The program combines professional perform

Thai Actor Fights Scammer Gangs Through Anti-Corruption Theater
6 Aug Khaosod

Actor Kaeng Thachaya Prathoomvarn showcases his talent in short anti-corruption plays that expose the dangers of scammer networks and build social immunity to corruption among Eastern Region youth through a youth theater network that refuses to tolerate corruption. The creative drama workshop program "Anti-Corruption: Youth Will Not Tolerate Corruption in the Eastern Region," supported by the National Anti-Corruption Fund, represents a compelling social movement model that uses performing arts combined with professional artists and performers who inspire and perform alongside students in the Eastern Region to cultivate consciousness and build youth networks that refuse to yield to corruption and fraud.

The program continues building social immunity by bringing together talented young artists and singers including Kaeng Thachaya Prathoomvarn, James Thanaboon Wisarungrojn, and Eve Orawun Pilaiworpetch to create outstanding work that blends performance power with new-generation audiences to expose and warn society through short dramas reflecting technology-based crime and the "scammer gang" epidemic currently spreading rapidly.

The program was created to provide youth space for creative expression while learning the full media production process, addressing pressing local problems like "call centers and international scammer gangs" that damage the economy and society by presenting them through a young person's perspective in an entertaining, easily understandable format with subtle, deep-thinking warnings.

Kaeng Thachaya revealed her feelings about participating, saying she is extremely proud and delighted to use performing arts as a voice for social movement, noting that the current scammer gang problem is not merely about simple theft but is connected to networks of complex structural corruption and fraud. When youth rise up to learn, write scripts, and perform themselves, it helps them see through deceptions, understand cyber threats, and grow into citizens who refuse to accept wrongdoing.

Ginpetchr Mingmalai, a student at Aranyaprathet School, reflected that learning through anti-corruption theater plays warning of scammer gangs and corruption makes complex or distant issues easy to understand. Youth absorb these problems through role-playing, becoming aware of dangers around them and feeling they are truly contributing to society's benefit.

Pornnapha Hokkhahm, also from Aranyaprathet School, expressed pride in being a voice for the new generation. By participating in the program and conveying important messages through performing arts, young people feel proud that their small voice through theater media can help alert their peers and society to see through deceptions and join together in fighting corruption.

Julaphakwat Srisuwan, program manager, stated that the program's success is not measured by the quantitative number of participants alone, but by "the process and qualitative results" that occur.

Making difficult issues relatable (De-stigmatization & Relatability): Corruption is often seen as a large structural issue or something distant from children, but the drama training process helps youth draw ethical problems close to home, such as school corruption, taking advantage, using connections, or ethical violations, breaking them down into short drama scripts so children can understand the core of the problems more deeply than rote memorization.

Learning through hands-on practice (Active Learning through Performance):

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National

YouTuber's Body Returns Home to Kalasin Amid Outpouring Support

The body of YouTuber "Hulun Solo," who died in Georgia, returned to his home in Kalasin on August 6 as family and fans gathered to pay respects. His relatives have requested a second autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

YouTuber's Body Returns Home to Kalasin Amid Outpouring Support
6 Aug Khaosod

On August 6, reporters documented scenes at the Samoed Subdistrict home of Borawattana Pengsuk, known as "Hulun Solo," a popular travel vlogger who died in Georgia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated the return of his body to Thailand early that morning. Relatives want a second autopsy to clarify the exact circumstances of his death.

Neighbors, fans, and well-wishers have been streaming to the house to offer support to the family, bringing food, water, and encouragement throughout the day. The funeral venue has been decorated with enlarged photographs of Hulun Solo, and the Samoed Subdistrict Municipality has provided tents and chairs for visitors. Local government offices are assisting with preparations. Relatives expect large numbers of fans and friends to arrive when the body reaches the house, with accommodations in the area already fully booked.

Family member Chanthapenp Kaewboonjai, 53, a chef helping with funeral preparations, said the family is anxious to learn the cause of death and hopes to share this information with relatives once the autopsy results are known. She noted that fans from various provinces and different school groups where Hulun studied have already sent support and flowers. Local tradition requires providing food for all visitors, regardless of distance. The family expressed gratitude to fans, reporters, teachers, and officials from schools and Chulalongkorn University who have provided assistance and donations of food and beverages.

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Weather

Thailand Braced for Severe Rain and Strong Waves Through August 9

Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of severe rainfall and 2-4 meter waves across the country through August 9, with the heaviest downpours expected in the north and northeast. Authorities urge caution against flash flooding and advi

Thailand Braced for Severe Rain and Strong Waves Through August 9
6 Aug Khaosod

The Thai Meteorological Department issued its sixth severe weather warning on August 6, 2569, forecasting strong winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand from August 6-9. The northern, northeastern, and eastern regions will see the heaviest rainfall, while the central region, Bangkok and its vicinity, and the southern region face heavy rain in scattered areas. The weather is driven by a monsoon trough moving through the upper north and northeastern region, combined with a strengthened southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the upper Gulf of Thailand. The public is urged to exercise caution against dangers from heavy rainfall and accumulated water that may cause flash floods and sudden flooding, particularly in foothill areas and lowlands. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea will reach 2-4 meters, exceeding 4 meters during thunderstorms. The upper Gulf of Thailand will see 2-3 meter waves, exceeding 3 meters during storms. Fishermen are advised to proceed with extreme care and avoid thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand should remain ashore during August 6-9, 2569. The public is encouraged to plan activities and travel carefully during this period and monitor updates from the Thai Meteorological Department at www.tmd.go.th or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182. The next forecast will be issued on August 7, 2569 at 05:00. Affected provinces include: Northern Region (Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phrae, Tak, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun); Northeastern Region (Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani, Nongbua Lamphu); Eastern Region (Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat); Central Region (Lopburi, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom); and Southern Region (Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket).

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