Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Bangkok Launches Massive Safety Crackdown on Bars and Nightlife Venues

Bangkok authorities are inspecting 1,100 bars and nightlife venues over 60 days to enforce safety standards following the deadly Ladprao beer hall fire, with immediate corrections required for any life-threatening risks.

Bangkok Launches Massive Safety Crackdown on Bars and Nightlife Venues
20 Jul Khaosod

Bangkok's governor and police are collaborating on a comprehensive inspection of entertainment venues across the capital to check safety standards and prevent future incidents like the Ladprao beer hall fire. The operation targets 1,100 entertainment establishments citywide to be completed within 60 days, with the first two weeks prioritizing high-risk venues with heavy foot traffic. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, Deputy Police Commissioner General Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Siam Bunserm, and other officials toured various bars and liquor establishments, inspecting building structures, flammable ceiling materials, entry and exit points, fire escapes, fire prevention systems, electrical systems, safety equipment, emergency notification systems, evacuation plans, and whether operations comply with licenses. Any life-threatening risks must be corrected immediately. The governor invited the public to report safety concerns through the Traffy Fondue system for rapid official inspection. Deputy Police Commissioner Thatchai emphasized that this prevention measure aims to elevate safety standards at service establishments, stressing that officers must act fairly, transparently, and without discrimination while avoiding unreasonable burdens on business operators. He cautioned against corruption, which could allow dishonest officials to extort operators. With the governor and police taking concrete action, all provinces are urged to similarly conduct rigorous evening inspections of entertainment venues, identifying and closing those with life-safety risks until corrections are made, particularly to prevent repeated disasters that endanger lives and officials' careers.

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National

Thailand Must Close Loopholes Enabling Foreign Lawbreakers

Most Thais view money laundering and illegal foreign investment as serious threats to the economy, with government corruption identified as the primary factor enabling such crimes across the country.

Thailand Must Close Loopholes Enabling Foreign Lawbreakers
20 Jul Khaosod

A Nida Poll survey on illegal foreign activity reveals that most Thai citizens view money laundering and illegal business investment as the most dangerous forms of foreign crime, followed by nominee land ownership, shell businesses operated for foreigners, fraudulent Thai citizenship schemes, and currency manipulation. These activities directly harm Thailand's economy by siphoning capital from the system and allowing revenue to leak abroad. Many ordinary Thais have witnessed such conduct firsthand—from money laundering to nominee schemes, large foreign settlements, and illegal occupations—showing these are real problems across the country, not merely media stories. The survey identified government corruption as the leading factor enabling foreign crimes, cited by over 67 percent of respondents, with weak penalties, legal gaps, political corruption, and official neglect also playing major roles. This reveals the problem is rooted in internal structural weaknesses, not foreigners alone. While Thailand needs foreign investment, tourists, and skilled labor to drive its economy, these must be coupled with strict and fair law enforcement. Legitimate businesses should be promoted while lawbreakers face prosecution without exception. The government must urgently plug identified loopholes by combating official corruption, modernizing laws for transnational crime, increasing penalties for nominee schemes and money laundering, creating transparent oversight, and enforcing laws fairly. Failure to act risks undermining investor confidence, damaging Thai entrepreneurs, and causing long-term economic harm. The time has come for serious government action to prevent Thailand from becoming a safe haven for criminals and to protect Thai citizens' interests and the nation's future economy.

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National

Disabled Elderly Woman Repeatedly Denied Welfare Card

A 77-year-old disabled woman in Surin Province remains unable to access a state welfare card despite multiple applications, as her name never appears in the government system even though her village submitted her documents.

Disabled Elderly Woman Repeatedly Denied Welfare Card
20 Jul Khaosod

On July 20, 2025, at Krung Thai Bank in Surin Province, 77-year-old Wimol came to verify her eligibility and confirm her identity for a 2025 state welfare card. Although her village leader had already submitted her name, it does not appear in the system. She has submitted documents and evidence multiple times in the past but has never been approved. This time, her name is not even in the eligibility verification database. Despite being disabled, living alone, and in severe poverty with no income, she remains ineligible.

Wimol tearfully recounted her frustration, asking why her name is missing from the database when she has applied many times before while others have been approved or at least notified of issues. She lives alone, her only child died in an accident, and she survives on 1,500 baht monthly from elderly and disability allowances with no other income or assets. She submitted documents at the village office as instructed by local authorities, but cannot understand why her information never appears in the system. She struggles to walk and depends on rides to inquire about her eligibility, asking if any agency can help her.

After bank staff checked her records again, they found nothing in the system and advised her to reapply in the next registration round, with no known opening date. Meanwhile, another elderly man, 81, was denied eligibility because records show he owns one car and one motorcycle. He explained he only owns one motorcycle purchased by relatives in 2557 under his name, but has never owned or driven a car and never allowed anyone to register a vehicle under his name. Frustrated by the error and the bureaucratic hassle, he decided to abandon his application, saying at his age he is simply waiting for death and wasted money hiring a ride for nothing.

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National

Jeff Satur and Mean Nichanun Heat Up National 3×3 Basketball Finals

Male and female champions were crowned at the national 3×3 basketball finals at Mega Bangna, with presenters Jeff Satur and Mean Nichanun celebrating the winners who will advance to international competition.

Jeff Satur and Mean Nichanun Heat Up National 3×3 Basketball Finals
20 Jul Khaosod

Presenters Jeff Satur and Mean Nichanun led celebrations at the national championship finals of the 'est COLA 3×3 Basketball U-League 2026,' where male and female champions were crowned to advance to international competition. The event at Mega Bangna shopping center included performances by Gen Z artists such as Jackie Chakrin, Aston Ratiphat, and Mark Notharit, as well as a celebrity exhibition match featuring the presenters, entertainers, and national basketball players. Both presenters praised the competing teams for their dedication and passion, emphasizing that the 'est AWESOME PLAYGROUND' provides a platform for young people to showcase their skills and pursue what they love, whether or not they won the trophy.

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Police

Thai Olympics Vice Chair Reports New Sexual Abuse Case in Sports

Thailand's Olympic Committee vice chair has reported another sexual abuse case involving a female athlete, calling for accountability and systemic change to protect sports participants from harm.

Thai Olympics Vice Chair Reports New Sexual Abuse Case in Sports
20 Jul Khaosod

Dr. Suvanna Silpachar, vice chair of the Thailand Olympic Committee, has announced receiving another report of sexual abuse against a female athlete in Thai sports. In her statement, Dr. Silpachar described today as another day weighing heavily on her heart, having received a case that calls her to duty protecting people in sports from sexual assault. Every time she hears a victim's story, the same question echoes: how many more female athletes must suffer, gather courage to speak truth, battle pressure from all sides, and seek justice—only to end with "acceptance" or face "dark forces"? No one knows the tears, fear, exhaustion, and loneliness hidden behind those words. Sexual abuse should never be acceptable, never a price athletes must pay to compete or chase their dreams. Though disheartened today, she finds hope and sends strength to the victim, recognizing their courage and assuring them they do not fight alone. She thanked the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Department of Women's Affairs and Family Institution, and the Safeguarding Thailand team for their swift help and support. She hopes that one day, Thai society will no longer ask "how many more cases," but instead see victims protected, perpetrators held accountable, and sports become truly safe for everyone.

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Police

Electrician Killed in NGV Pump Explosion in Chachoengsao

A 40-year-old electrician died when an explosion in an NGV pump station's electrical control room caused a concrete wall to collapse on him in Chachoengsao on July 20. The blast occurred as he inspected a reported burning smell in the equip

Electrician Killed in NGV Pump Explosion in Chachoengsao
20 Jul Khaosod

An electrician has died after an electrical control room explosion at an NGV pump station in Chachoengsao caused a concrete wall to collapse on him. Pump staff reported detecting a burning smell and called in the electrician for inspection when, without warning, a sudden explosion occurred and the building's wall collapsed across the road. Officers and emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving the alert at 3:30 p.m. on July 20, finding the electrical control room severely damaged with brick fragments scattered throughout the area. Upon inspection near the third pillar, rescuers discovered 40-year-old Santi pinned under the collapsed wall, crushed under up to two stories of concrete. He was already deceased when removed from the rubble. Subsequent searches found no additional victims. Authorities have determined that pump staff first detected a burning smell and summoned the electrician to inspect the electrical control room, but the explosion occurred while he was performing his duties. The exact cause of the blast remains under investigation by relevant officials.

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National

Thai Volleyball Team Receives 4 Million Baht, Bonus 5 Million If Champion

JAS presented 4 million baht to Thailand's women's volleyball team for the 2026 Nations League, with an additional 5 million baht bonus if they win the Asian championship.

Thai Volleyball Team Receives 4 Million Baht, Bonus 5 Million If Champion
20 Jul Khaosod

Major shareholder Pichit Potharamik of JAS presented 4 million baht in support funds to Thailand's national women's volleyball team for the 2026 Women's Nations League competition as previously committed. Dr. Sorachai Asvaprabha, CEO of Jasmine International Limited (JAS), a regional leader in Sports & Entertainment Platform content, alongside Monomax executives, delivered the support at a ceremony on July 20, 2025 at MONO29 television station.

Pichit Potharamik also announced an additional 5 million baht bonus if the team wins the Asian Women's Volleyball Championship. Somporn Chabangyang, president of the Thai Volleyball Association, expressed gratitude to JAS and MONO for their ongoing support of the women's volleyball team and commitment to promoting volleyball in Thailand and supporting athletes' physical development and recovery.

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National

Government Criticized Over Strict Poor Card Eligibility Rules

Over 9 million Thais were rejected for the 2025 poor card due to strict government criteria, but authorities have agreed to relax rules for old vehicles and students after widespread criticism of unfair eligibility requirements.

Government Criticized Over Strict Poor Card Eligibility Rules
20 Jul Khaosod

Images of poor and struggling villagers, elderly citizens, and those living hand-to-mouth have flooded appeals for the 2025 state welfare card, or poor card, in a heartbreaking display. Faces full of desperation reflect their pleas for the government to relax requirements and allow them to qualify. Applicants must submit documentation proving their poverty. The Anuthin government has introduced numerous strict criteria and complex details for this year's poor card eligibility, citing the need for thorough verification to ensure aid reaches the truly poor. However, concerns abound about limited government budgets and whether funds will be exhausted. Registration results show 18.82 million applicants, with 9.51 million passing the criteria and over 9 million rejected—effectively cutting eligibility in half. Compared to the previous 13 million poor card holders, substantial numbers have lost their status, sparking widespread criticism of overly rigid rules, such as immediately disqualifying anyone listed as owning a car or motorcycle, despite many being over 20 years old or non-functional, or affecting struggling students. The government's verification process proved insufficiently detailed, lacked consistency, and failed to coordinate across relevant agencies, resulting in flawed implementation. Many citizens were unfairly excluded. Recently, however, the government agreed to review its decision, extending the appeal deadline to September 20, 2025, and will adjust rules to exempt vehicles over 20 years old and motorcycles over 15 years old, as well as restore benefits for all students in and out of the formal system. The hope is that the government will now plug these gaps and remedy the previous poor execution.

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National

Thailand Accelerates Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 Development

Thailand is accelerating construction of Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 to boost cargo capacity and support economic growth in the Eastern Economic Corridor, with offshore work nearly complete and the first berth expected to open by 2574.

Thailand Accelerates Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 Development
20 Jul Khaosod

On July 20, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, accompanied by Transport Ministry officials, visited the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) to implement policies aimed at developing Thai ports as a gateway for economic opportunity. The government is pursuing the "MOT New Chapter" strategy to modernize transport systems while reducing public expenses, improving safety, stimulating the economy, promoting clean energy, and building competitive infrastructure for the global stage.

Water transport and port systems are crucial mechanisms for linking all transport modes and reducing Thailand's logistics costs. Currently, PAT controls over 85% of the country's deep-water port market share, and Laem Chabang Port ranks 18th globally for container traffic in 2025. In fiscal year 2568, PAT reported total revenue exceeding 16.756 billion baht with net profit over 7.096 billion baht.

Pipat announced plans to upgrade Bangkok Port, a key economic hub in central Bangkok, to become a world-class gateway port offering benefits across economics, tourism, international conferences, culture, and entertainment. For Laem Chabang Port Phase 3, the government is accelerating construction to handle larger cargo vessels, expand shipping capacity, and support growth in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). As of July 10, 2569, offshore construction has advanced 98.39% while dock facilities and road infrastructure are 22.84% complete, targeting the F1 berth opening by 2574.

Pipat also directed PAT to work with the State Railway of Thailand to develop a Single Rail Transfer Operator (SRTO) center, seamlessly linking rail, road, and water transport systems to reduce national logistics costs and promote modal shift from trucks to rail and water transport.

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National

Actress Om Denies False Rumors, Plans Legal Action

Actress Om Kornnapass Sethiratanaphong has denied false rumors circulating online and announced legal action through her employer Channel 3, which has appointed a law firm to prosecute those spreading defamatory content.

Actress Om Denies False Rumors, Plans Legal Action
20 Jul Khaosod

Actress Om Kornnapass Sethiratanaphong released an official statement dismissing false and distorted rumors spreading online that have affected her personal life, work, and family. The actress confirmed her long-standing respect and connection to China, Chinese culture, and Chinese friends, while denying all personal rumors. Channel 3 television has stepped in to handle the legal matter, appointing a law firm to collect evidence and prepare to prosecute those who spread false information or defamatory messages without reservation.

In her statement, Om thanked supporters and explained that she has received an outpouring of false data and malicious comments on multiple online platforms in recent times. She stressed that this distorted content has disrupted her life, work, and caused significant hardship to her and her family. While she accepts different viewpoints and factual criticism as a public figure, Om firmly rejected fabricated information, edited or manipulated context designed to mislead, and intentionally malicious posts that distort her position.

Om reaffirmed her family's enduring bond with China, Chinese culture, and Chinese friends, emphasizing their sincere respect and appreciation. Throughout her entertainment career, she has upheld professional ethics and fulfilled her duties responsibly. She also confirmed that rumors and personal information circulating recently are entirely false.

Disturbed by these events, Om consulted Thai TV Color Channel 3 (her employer), which has now provided support and appointed a law office to collect evidence of content violating her rights and causing damage across various online platforms. The station will pursue legal action against those responsible to the fullest extent if they continue spreading false or defamatory information damaging her reputation.

Om appealed to all parties and platform administrators to stop sharing unverified information and work together to build a responsible and respectful online community. She concluded by expressing heartfelt gratitude for the encouragement, trust, and support that has helped her through this challenging period.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Health Officials Investigate Hospital Over Teacher's Husband Death

A teacher's husband died from blocked coronary arteries at a Ratchaburi private hospital in July after doctors allegedly dismissed chest pain as panic disorder and refused an EKG; health officials are now investigating the facility's treatm

Health Officials Investigate Hospital Over Teacher's Husband Death
20 Jul Khaosod

A teacher has sought justice after her husband died suddenly on July 16, 2025, at a private hospital in Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi. She alleges that doctors diagnosed him with panic disorder and refused to perform an EKG despite her family's request and willingness to pay, with one doctor allegedly making discouraging remarks. The man went into shock that evening and died in front of his family. An autopsy determined he died from two blocked coronary arteries.

On July 20, 2025, officials from the 5th Health Service Support Center and the Ratchaburi Provincial Public Health Office spent nearly three hours at the hospital gathering evidence and reviewing service standards. Dr. Chakarit Piyapramote, head of the medical department, told media that specific details about treatment and staff conduct cannot be disclosed while the investigation is ongoing. He confirmed the doctor involved remains available and has expressed regret over the incident.

Regarding allegations about the doctor's words in the examination room, Dr. Chakarit noted the incident occurred privately and cannot be verified without the investigation committee's findings. When asked if the doctor had been interviewed, he said discussions had taken place but details cannot be shared during the investigation process.

The hospital maintains it has treatment standards and quality control systems, and acknowledged that mistakes can occur in any hospital. Both the hospital and doctor are prepared to discuss compensation with the family, though the family was not ready to meet when the hospital visited on Saturday. Regarding the patient's chest pain and left arm radiation—signs of a medical emergency—Dr. Chakarit explained the hospital has a chest pain pathway screening system that can admit patients to the emergency room, but he could not explain why this case was handled differently due to the ongoing investigation.

Dr. Chakarit denied plans to sue complainants or members of the public posting opinions, and welcomed all feedback and suggestions. He noted the hospital has served Ban Pong and surrounding areas for over 75 years with a non-profit mission. When asked about part-time doctors over 60 years old on staff, Dr. Chakarit declined to provide that information.

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