Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Community

Banned Thai Boxer Defends Herself Against Discipline Claims

Thai boxer Saidaneia Lookthaew has been banned from competing by her camp for discipline violations, but she denies the allegations and says she has trained consistently despite a cancelled July 27 international fight.

Banned Thai Boxer Defends Herself Against Discipline Claims
19 Jul Khaosod

Lookthaew Krongdin boxing camp announced a ban on fighter Saidaneia Lookthaew from competing in Thai boxing both domestically and internationally, citing her failure to comply with camp discipline and agreements. The camp notified all promoters, event organizers, and boxing industry personnel of the suspension pending an official announcement of any changes.

Saidaneia has since posted a statement addressing the controversy, denying allegations of misconduct and inadequate training. She thanked everyone for their support and apologized to those who may have felt disappointed or uncomfortable about the situation.

Over recent days, various stories about Saidaneia have circulated. Today she wanted to speak for herself directly and honestly from her perspective. Regarding claims that she violated discipline and failed to train, Saidaneia firmly states this is "untrue." Despite being asked to leave the camp and having her scheduled international fight on July 27 cancelled—a decision not her own—she has continued training consistently every day for nearly two months. For her, boxing is not merely a profession but a dream, her life, and what she loves most.

On the religious matter, Saidaneia acknowledged that the camp's explanation is factually correct. However, there is one thing she cannot change: being herself. She never imagined that who she is would disappoint her family and many others. Regardless of how people perceive her gender, in her heart she remains the same child who loves, respects, and is grateful to her parents.

Finally, Saidaneia does not expect everyone to agree with her life path, but asks only for the chance for people to understand that she is simply an ordinary person living honestly according to her heart and never intending to harm anyone. She expressed gratitude to those who believe in her and see her for who she truly is. Most importantly, she apologized to her parents if she has disappointed them, while reaffirming her love, respect, and gratitude toward them always.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

New State Welfare Card Recipients: Key Timeline and Steps

Over 9.5 million applicants qualified for Thailand's 2025 State Welfare Card program, with existing cardholders able to access benefits from August 1 and new recipients required to complete identity verification by January 2026 to start usi

New State Welfare Card Recipients: Key Timeline and Steps
19 Jul Khaosod

The Finance Ministry has announced that 9.51 million applicants have qualified for the 2025 State Welfare Card program out of 18.82 million registrants. Existing cardholders who qualified can begin using their benefits from August 1, 2025, while new recipients must complete additional steps to activate their cards.

New recipients must undergo identity verification (e-KYC) between July 17, 2025, and January 12, 2026, through either the Pao Tang mobile application or registration at one of five participating banks: Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Government Savings Bank, Krung Thai Bank, Bank for Housing and Community Development, and Islamic Bank of Thailand. Those seeking to appeal their eligibility status can submit requests between July 17–31, 2025, with results announced on September 21, 2025. New recipients who complete all requirements can begin using their welfare benefits from October 1, 2025.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Police

90-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Forest After Hours

A 90-year-old woman was found dead in a forest in Uthai Thani Province after wandering from her home; police suspect heat stroke or a fall caused her death.

90-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Forest After Hours
19 Jul Khaosod

On July 19, 2025, police from Ban Rai station in Uthai Thani Province received a report at 6:30 p.m. on July 18 of a death in a forested area in Moo 10, Ban Phluang Thong, Hu Chang subdistrict, Ban Rai district. Officers, doctors, and rescue workers responded to find the body of 90-year-old Boonchoo (surname withheld) lying face-down near the village forest. The body showed a laceration on the head approximately 1 inch long, abrasions on the body, and had been deceased for at least 8 hours. A wooden log and blood traces were found at the scene. A wallet containing 60 baht in cash was recovered from the body.

The deceased's daughter, Lamyuan (surname withheld), stated that two years prior, her mother's house had burned down and she had since moved in with her daughter about 200 meters from where she was found. On the day of the incident, the daughter had left at 4:00 a.m. to seek medical care in Suphanburi, leaving her mother alone at home. Upon returning after dark and finding her mother missing, the daughter searched nearby homes and relatives' houses without success. She then remembered her mother had mentioned wanting to collect betel nuts at her burned house two days earlier. While searching the forest edge, she discovered her mother lying on the ground and immediately alerted neighbors and police.

Deputy Inspector Monthian stated that investigation of the scene revealed no signs of struggle. He suggested the death may have resulted from heat stroke, as the body showed signs of prolonged sun exposure causing darkening of the skin. The head laceration could have occurred from a fall, and the blood traces may be betel nut juice from the deceased's habitual betel nut chewing. Soil samples from the blood area were collected for examination, and the body was sent to Sawaenprachaket Hospital for further autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

Renowned Photographer Anuchiт Sunthorkitti Dies in House Fire

Renowned fine art photographer Anuchiт Sunthorkitti and his wife died in a Bangkok house fire on July 18, with electrical short-circuiting as the preliminary cause; 73 of their rescued stray cats also perished in the blaze.

Renowned Photographer Anuchiт Sunthorkitti Dies in House Fire
19 Jul Khaosod

On July 19, authorities reported a house fire in Soi Somdet Phra Chao Taksin 11, Thonburi district, Bangkok, that claimed two lives—a man and woman—along with numerous cats. The deceased were identified as Anuchiт Sunthorkitti, an ASEAN-level fine art photographer, and his wife. The fire occurred on July 18 and is preliminarily attributed to electrical short-circuiting at the lower floor breaker panel, with 73 pet cats found dead and 17 rescued. Students and photography professionals have posted tributes to the master photographer and his wife.

Anuchiт Sunthorkitti was a renowned Thai master of fine art photography who defined himself not as a photographer or artist, but simply as "a man observing the world's changes." He and his wife were known for their compassion in caring for stray cats left at their home for decades.

Born in 1964 in Saraburi Province, Sunthorkitti studied at Bangkok Christian College and earned a bachelor's degree in industrial education with a focus on architecture in 1987. He initially worked in architectural design and interior decoration, then taught architecture and art history from 1992 to 2000. He began self-studying photography in 1985 using a Pentax K1000, initially exploring relationships between nature, environment, and humanity, particularly birds and wildlife. In 2008, he transitioned to digital photography and computer-based post-processing, developing greater creative control over his final presentations.

In 2009, he developed his signature style called "Dynamic in the City," exploring urban environments, movement, and human emotion through spatial composition, color, light, and time. His architectural background profoundly influenced his photographic language, particularly his focus on relationships between people and space, and emotions created by light, shadow, and surroundings. Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station became one of his key subjects, which he viewed as a repository of stories about time, travel, and human life.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Opens BOI Office in Chengdu to Boost Investment

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul officially opened the Board of Investment (BOI) Chengdu Office and presided over the Thailand–China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Foru...

19 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul officially opened the Board of Investment (BOI) Chengdu Office and presided over the Thailand–China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Foru...

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Cabinet Approves Updated Thai Visa Measures

Bangkok, 16 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) advises foreign visitors that the Thai Cabinet has approved updated details for visa exemption and Visa on Arrival measures. The five ...

19 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

Bangkok, 16 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) advises foreign visitors that the Thai Cabinet has approved updated details for visa exemption and Visa on Arrival measures. The five ...

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Weather

Meteorology Office Warns 33 Provinces of Heavy Rain

Thailand's Meteorology Department warns 33 provinces of heavy thunderstorms over the next 24 hours due to southwest monsoon winds and a low-pressure system, with waves potentially exceeding 2 meters in affected areas.

Meteorology Office Warns 33 Provinces of Heavy Rain
19 Jul Khaosod

On July 19, 2025, the Meteorology Department forecast thunderstorms across Thailand over the next 24 hours due to ongoing southwest monsoon winds covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. The public is advised to take precautions against thunderstorm hazards.

Wave conditions in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are moderate, ranging from 1-2 meters high, while the lower Andaman Sea will see waves of about 1 meter. Areas with thunderstorms may experience waves exceeding 2 meters. Fishermen are urged to exercise caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm zones.

Regional forecasts show scattered thunderstorms across all regions: the North (30 percent of area), Northeast (20 percent), Central region (20 percent), East (30 percent), Southern East Coast (30 percent), and Southern West Coast (30 percent). Bangkok and surrounding areas will experience thunderstorms in 20 percent of the area. Temperatures range from 22-27°C low to 32-37°C high depending on region, with southwest winds at 10-35 km/h.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Taxi Driver Arrested After Fatal Hit-and-Run in Bangkok

A Bangkok taxi driver was arrested after striking and killing a retired police officer who volunteered daily directing traffic on Rama III Road, then fleeing the scene.

Taxi Driver Arrested After Fatal Hit-and-Run in Bangkok
18 Jul Khaosod

On July 18, police arrested Somchai, 63, a taxi driver, after he struck retired officer Veeraphat Saisisuk on Rama III Road in Bangkok's Bang Kho Laem district on the morning of July 17. The victim sustained severe injuries and died at Charoen Krung Hospital. After the incident, Somchai fled the scene, but investigators found his red Toyota taxi at a repair shop in the Lad Krabang area and traced him to his son's house. He faces legal charges for hit-and-run resulting in death.

Vereraphat Saisisuk was a former officer at Wat Phraya Krai Police Station who, despite retiring 13 years earlier, maintained a deep commitment to public service. He volunteered every morning to direct traffic at the Rama III Road median near Soi 8, helping ensure the safety of commuters during his decades of dedicated service to the community.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Minister Orders Crackdown on Phuket Forest Encroachment

Thailand's environment minister has ordered the Department of Forestry to crack down on illegal forest occupation in Phuket, rejecting investor appeals over protected land near Nui Beach that was developed without permission.

Minister Orders Crackdown on Phuket Forest Encroachment
18 Jul The Phuket Express

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

Phuket — Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Sukhumbhand Chomklin, has directed the Department of Forestry to press ahead with strict enforcement against forest encroachment in Phuket, rejecting appeals from investors accused of illegally occupying protected land. The case centers on the Naka Kerd mountain range near Nui Beach, where private groups constructed 39 […] Phuket Forest Encroachment Case: Minister Orders Urgent Action -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

Bar Fire Victim's Husband Vows Justice as Owner Stays Silent

Husband of nursing assistant killed in Bangkok bar fire demands justice as bar owner refuses contact or compensation, leaving grieving family without apology or support.

Bar Fire Victim's Husband Vows Justice as Owner Stays Silent
18 Jul Khaosod

A funeral service for nursing assistant Maneeratana Bomklaang, 38, was held on July 18 at Chatukham Macchamarama Temple in Buriram. She died in a bar fire in the Ladprao area of Bangkok. Her husband, Sergeant Thawee Kongdee, expressed that he cannot come to terms with losing his wife and their plans to start a family together. Since the incident, he said, the bar owner or their representative has not visited the family to apologize or offer condolences, nor sent any wreaths. Reports had suggested the bar's lawyer would provide 10,000 baht per victim, but the family has not received any contact or assistance. The husband is calling on government agencies to mediate negotiations for compensation and justice. "I will not let my wife die for nothing," he stated. His mother-in-law, Mayuree Bomklaang, 57, appealed directly to the bar owner to take responsibility and engage with the family to address the loss, as Maneeratana was an only daughter and the family's pillar of support.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Phuket Police Bust Illegal Cannabis Shops, Seize 2.9M Baht

Phuket police raided four unlicensed cannabis shops in the city center, arresting five suspects and seizing products worth 2.9 million baht in a coordinated enforcement operation.

Phuket Police Bust Illegal Cannabis Shops, Seize 2.9M Baht
18 Jul The Phuket Express

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

Phuket – Authorities in Phuket have intensified their crackdown on unlicensed cannabis businesses, raiding four shops in the city center and seizing products valued at more than 2.9 million baht. Five suspects were arrested during the coordinated operation. The integrated task force — comprising provincial and district officials, the Phuket Public Health Office, the Internal […] Four People Arrested in Phuket During Illegal Cannabis Shops Raid, Assets Seized Worth 2.9 Million Baht -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
Loading more…
Endless reading Scroll to read. When you reach the bottom, keep scrolling. A bar fills, and the next story slides in when it's full. ↑ ↓ or Space Or use the arrows at the bottom of the screen.