Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Regional

Oil-Like Slick Fouls Jomtien Beach, Swimming Banned

Black oil-like slicks fouled Jomtien Beach in Chon Buri on Monday, prompting authorities to ban swimming while they investigate whether an illegal vessel discharge or drifting pollution from nearby areas caused the contamination.

Oil-Like Slick Fouls Jomtien Beach, Swimming Banned
10 Aug Khaosod

Black oil-like slicks were found floating in the sea and washing ashore at Jomtien Beach in Chon Buri on Monday, prompting authorities to warn tourists against swimming in the affected area. The substance was reported along the shoreline and in seawater, with large amounts seen near Jomtien Beach and Koh Lan. Pattaya City officials deployed workers to collect samples, assess the extent of the pollution and begin cleaning up the slick. Pattaya Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai said authorities were investigating two possible causes: an illegal discharge from a vessel or a substance drifting into the area from around Laem Chabang or Koh Lan. Officials from the Marine Department and environmental agencies have joined the investigation. Pattaya City urged residents and tourists to exercise caution and avoid swimming at Jomtien Beach until the situation is assessed.

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Police

Nonthaburi Sets 60-Day Timeline for Provincial Governor Election

Nonthaburi must hold a provincial governor election within 60 days following the shooting death of Gov. Maj. Gen. Thongchai Yenpraserit, with the provincial secretary temporarily assuming the role.

Nonthaburi Sets 60-Day Timeline for Provincial Governor Election
10 Aug Khaosod

At 4:40 p.m. on August 10, Chuleep Chanjaibupad, director of the Nonthaburi Provincial Election Commission Office, announced that following the shooting death of Maj. Gen. Thongchai Yenpraserit, the provincial governor, the commission must hold an election for the vacant position within 60 days, by October 9. Only the governor position will be contested; the provincial administrative board remains in place. Initial consultations have been held with Nathphumi Nontsirrikul, secretary of the provincial administration, regarding the election date, though further discussions are needed due to various regulatory requirements. The commission will expedite the announcement of registration dates and set the election date as soon as possible. Following the governor's death, all three deputy governors automatically lose their positions, with the provincial secretary assuming acting governor duties.

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National

GRAND Calls Bondholder Vote on Payment Relief Aug 13

GRAND Asset Hotel and Property is holding a bondholder vote on August 13 to approve payment relief including waiving defaults on principal and interest after an initial meeting failed to reach quorum.

GRAND Calls Bondholder Vote on Payment Relief Aug 13
10 Aug Khaosod

GRAND Asset Hotel and Property Public Company is holding a rescheduled bondholder meeting on August 13, 2026, via electronic meeting to vote on waiving payment defaults on principal and interest, exempting bond representatives from default-related actions, canceling accelerated repayment demands on select series, and modifying principal and interest repayment conditions. An initial meeting on August 5 failed to achieve quorum. The Securities and Exchange Commission has instructed the bondholder representative to provide clear analysis of the pros, cons, benefits, and impacts of approval or rejection, including their recommendation. The SEC urges all bondholders to carefully review the information, exercise their rights to protect their interests, and ask the bondholder representative questions to ensure they have complete data before voting at the meeting.

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National

Thailand Preps for Singapore Semifinal Clash in AFC Cup

Thailand resumes training to face Singapore in the AFC Cup semifinals, with the first leg at Jalan Besar Stadium on August 15 and the return match at home four days later. Tickets for the home game start at 200 baht, with midfielder Wiratch

Thailand Preps for Singapore Semifinal Clash in AFC Cup
10 Aug Khaosod

The Thai national team resumed full training on the evening of August 10 at the BG Pathumthani training ground to prepare for a knockout round encounter with Singapore in the 2026 AFC Hyundai Cup. The first leg will be played at Jalan Besar Stadium on August 15 at 20:00, followed by the return leg at Rajamangala Stadium on August 18 at 20:00, to be broadcast live on TrueVisions Now. Ticket prices have been reduced by 100 baht from the group stage across all zones, now ranging from 200–500 baht, available through Thai Ticket Major from August 11.

After topping their group with a 2–0 victory over Myanmar on Saturday, during which they scored 10 goals without conceding, coach Anthony Hudson gave the squad a day of rest before resuming training. New arrival Patrick Gustavsson, a forward from BG Pathumthani United, joined the camp to prepare for the Singapore tie. Midfielder Wiratchit Kanithsribumphen, who scored a penalty against Myanmar, acknowledged that facing Singapore will be different and more challenging than before, noting that many Singapore-based players are familiar with Thai football. He emphasized the importance of getting a positive result in the away leg in Jalan Besar before the home fixture.

Goalkeeper Kampol Pathomarkkul, the only keeper in the tournament to remain unbeaten across all four group-stage matches, stressed the importance of the first leg and the need to adapt their preparations to counter Singapore's recent improvement, which saw them reach the final of the AFC Asian Cup. He expressed confidence in the team's experience and praised the support staff for recovery work crucial to tournament football.

Singapore's group-stage record included wins over Cambodia (2–1 away) and Timor-Leste (2–0 at home), draws against Vietnam (0–0 away) and Indonesia (1–1 at home). Thailand defeated Laos 5–0 away, Malaysia 2–0 at home, Philippines 1–0 away, and Myanmar 2–0 at home. Head-to-head records between the two nations show Thailand leading with 42 wins, 15 draws, and Singapore with 14 victories in 81 FIFA-recognized matches. Thailand's most recent win was a 3–2 friendly victory in late 2025 at Thammasat University's Rangsit stadium—Hudson's first match in charge—while Singapore's last victory came in the 2012 AFC Cup final first leg on December 19 at Jalan Besar Stadium.

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National

Central Pattana Reports Strong Q2 Earnings, Unveils Two New Landmarks

Central Pattana reported 8% revenue growth to 13.1 billion baht in Q2 2026, driven by steady shopping mall performance and the opening of two new landmarks in Khon Kaen and Bangkok.

Central Pattana Reports Strong Q2 Earnings, Unveils Two New Landmarks
10 Aug Khaosod

Central Pattana Public Company reported strong and continuous growth in second-quarter 2026 results, with combined revenue of 13.105 billion baht, up 8%, and net profit of 4.75 billion baht, up 10% from the previous year. The strength came from the company's core shopping mall business, which continues to grow steadily. The company also delivered consistent returns to shareholders while maintaining a strong financial position with improving debt-to-equity ratios. In the second quarter, it paid a record dividend of 2.40 baht per share. Central Pattana is advancing its expansion plans with the opening of two key landmarks—Central Khon Kaen Campus and Central Northville—reinforcing its leadership in urban development and driving Thailand's economy under the concept of "The Ecosystem for All," which connects growth across all sectors. The company has also received recognition from global award platforms, winning two major awards at Retail Asia Awards 2026 for the third consecutive year. Napharat Srivarnvitya, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Executive Vice President of Finance, Accounting, and Hotel and Office divisions, stated that second-quarter results reflect the strength of the core business, which has set new revenue records for the fourth consecutive quarter. This is driven by the opening of new shopping centers, upgrades to existing ones, and adjustments to tenant mix to meet consumer needs, resulting in increased foot traffic and growing retail sales through efficient portfolio management. The opening of two new shopping centers—Central Northville, which drives growth in a high-potential city, and Central Khon Kaen Campus (opened May 20), which complements the lifestyle of younger generations and adds vibrancy to the education and economic hub of the Northeast—marks a significant milestone. The Phyll Khon Kaen condominium received overwhelming response with 100% sell-out in just three days during presale, generating over 1.6 billion baht in sales, reflecting the strength of quality projects in prime locations. The success extends to the GO! Hotel business in Khon Kaen Campus and Nakhon Sawan, leveraging prime locations adjacent to shopping centers that cater to tourists, office workers, and young travelers seeking comprehensive convenience. Response has been strong since opening. By the end of the second quarter 2026, Central Pattana will operate 45 shopping malls (43 Central Department stores—17 in Bangkok and vicinity, 25 in other provinces, and 1 in Malaysia under Splanade and Mega Bangna), 16 community malls with a total net rentable area of 2.4 million square meters, along with 11 office buildings, 13 hotels, and 52 residential projects, both high-rise and low-rise.

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National

Thailand Plans Multi-Factor Authentication Push to Combat Data Leaks

Thailand's government will mandate multi-factor authentication and force password resets across 30,000 government systems after 200 million Thai login credentials were found in global data breaches, with implementation targeted within 15 da

Thailand Plans Multi-Factor Authentication Push to Combat Data Leaks
10 Aug Khaosod

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyachanok Chidchob announced on August 10 that the DE will present cybersecurity protection measures to the cabinet on August 11, emphasizing the rollout of multi-factor authentication (MFA) paired with urgent mandatory password resets across all government systems. According to the ministry's data compilation, approximately 200 million login credentials linked to Thailand have been found among 50 billion compromised credentials globally, with around 30,000 government systems and over 35,000 private sector systems affected. These credentials are accumulated in various databases including the Dark Web, though not all accounts remain active.

Chaidchob explained that recent data leaks resulted not from direct system hacking but from credential leaks—where usernames and passwords were stolen, sold on the Dark Web, and then used to access systems through normal channels and APIs. The solution requires not just fixing vulnerabilities but breaking the cycle of leaked login data through password changes and enhanced authentication.

"Password resets are only a short-term measure to buy time, as new passwords can still be stolen if users are tricked into clicking unsafe links or entering data in compromised channels," Chaidchob stated. "The immediate action needed is a Force Reset—mandatory password changes across all government systems so old passwords found in leaked databases become useless."

The ministry will review all approximately 30,000 government systems—both active and inactive, externally accessible and backend systems—setting a 15-day target for system cleansing and decommissioning unnecessary platforms. MFA implementation will be tailored to each system's risk level rather than limited to two factors. The DE will also convene over 300 ministries and department-level agencies to comprehensively audit their systems, structure, access channels, and security measures, integrating cybersecurity and digitalization into performance indicators and budgets.

While most of Thailand's 200 million compromised credentials accumulated over years, particularly during the COVID-19 period, the government acknowledged it cannot guarantee future leaks but will accelerate system security through risk management, MFA deployment, system decommissioning, and long-term cybersecurity standards upgrades.

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Police

Cyber Police Train Students to Spot Online Scams

Thai cyber police trained over 1,100 students at a Chiang Mai school to recognize online scams including investment fraud, impersonation, and phishing. The Cyber C.A.T. program aims to build digital literacy and recruit student volunteers a

Cyber Police Train Students to Spot Online Scams
10 Aug Khaosod

The Cyber Police Division Region 4 launched an educational campaign at Reinachelle College in Chiang Mai on August 10, targeting children and youth with its Cyber C.A.T. (Children Assistant Team) initiative. Over 1,100 students in grades 4 through 12 attended the program, which focused on identifying current online threats such as social media deception, impersonation of government officials, fraudulent investment schemes, counterfeit online purchases, money mule recruitment, and phishing via fake links and SMS messages.

According to Pol. Lt. Narwatana Khamphilo, Deputy Commander of Region 4, young people face particular risk due to their heavy engagement with technology and online media, making them vulnerable to cyber criminals or unwitting accomplices in illegal activities such as opening shell bank accounts or spreading unlawful content. The Cyber C.A.T. program aims to equip youth with knowledge, understanding, and defensive skills while fostering digital citizenship, media literacy, and safe technology use. The initiative also recruits student volunteers to serve as cyber safety networks within their schools and communities.

Pol. Lt. Narwatana urged parents and youth to remain vigilant against constantly evolving online threats and to follow the principle "Don't believe, don't rush, don't transfer money." Those encountering suspicious or fraudulent online behavior are encouraged to report it to cyber police immediately. He emphasized that awareness and skepticism are key defenses: "Know the scam, don't fall for it, don't lose money" will help Thai youth stay safe in the digital world. The Cyber Police will continue similar educational activities to build cyber resilience in the next generation.

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National

Four Bangkok Private Schools Seek Closure Over Economic Decline

Four Bangkok private schools have requested closure citing economic hardship and dropping birth rates, prompting the Education Ministry to survey whether more institutions plan to shut down.

Four Bangkok Private Schools Seek Closure Over Economic Decline
10 Aug Khaosod

Education Minister Prasert Chanthrawong announced after a Private Education Promotion Committee meeting that four private schools in Bangkok have filed for closure due to economic hardship and declining birth rates. The committee also discussed foreign teachers' requests to contribute to a private school teacher welfare fund, but opinions diverged because current regulations require contributors to maintain payments for at least 10 years to receive benefits, while most foreign teachers remain in Thailand for only 6-7 years. The committee directed relevant agencies to further study the matter and weigh the pros and cons before deciding on policy changes. Regarding school closures, the minister emphasized these are internal institutional matters beyond the Education Ministry's scope to intervene in, unless schools request help; however, he noted that if schools close and students transfer successfully to other schools, there should be minimal impact on students. The ministry will conduct a survey to determine whether additional private schools plan to seek closure.

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National

Thai Football Association Issues Lightning Safety Protocol

Thailand's Football Association has mandated lightning safety protocols for all professional matches, requiring play suspension when lightning strikes within 30 seconds and evacuation of players and spectators to designated shelter areas du

Thai Football Association Issues Lightning Safety Protocol
10 Aug Khaosod

Secretary-general Ekkapon Planavy of the Football Association of Thailand has notified all professional football league clubs, match controllers, and referee development directors to prioritize the safety of players, team staff, referees, officials, and spectators during thunderstorms and lightning. The Football Association has established protocols for all professional matches: (1) Match suspension and safety measures apply when lightning is observed and the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less. Referees and match officials must halt play temporarily and evacuate players, team staff, referees, and officials to sheltered or safe areas, while spectators move to designated refuge zones. (2) Continuous weather monitoring and resumption procedures require referees to work with match controllers and officials to assess weather and safety conditions before allowing play to resume. (3) If severe weather persists for more than 60 minutes total, match controllers and referees must follow competition regulations for force majeure situations to determine whether to resume or terminate the match. (4) Home clubs must prepare shelter areas for players, staff, and spectators, establish evacuation procedures, and ensure efficient communication systems. All clubs and personnel must strictly adhere to these guidelines with player safety, match officials, staff, and spectator safety as the highest priority.

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Tourism

True 5G Connects Koh Phangan's Five Dimensions

True Corporation expanded 5G coverage across Koh Phangan to support tourism and remote work, launching the initiative at an August 2025 event as the island welcomes nearly 1.8 million annual visitors seeking digital connectivity alongside w

True 5G Connects Koh Phangan's Five Dimensions
10 Aug Khaosod

True 5G brings high-quality connectivity to Koh Phangan's five dimensions—from lifestyle centers and full moon experiences to forests and sea, extending to wellness destinations—at the 'Feel All the Feelings @Koh Phangan: Recharge Your Life' event on August 10, 2025. As urban residents grow exhausted by fast-paced city life, Koh Phangan has emerged as a preferred getaway destination. This August, Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province, will serve as the hub for the 'Feel All the Feelings @Koh Phangan: Recharge Your Life' campaign, themed 'The Island of Power Energized by the Moon,' inviting visitors to experience all that the island offers through its nature, people, art, and culture. True Corporation is expanding 5G coverage to serve Thai tourists, international visitors, and digital nomads choosing to stay long-term on the island.

At the event opening, Oliver Kittipong Veeratecha, head of brand and communications at True Corporation Public Company Limited, joined government officials including Paisit Thongjiam, District Chief of Koh Phangan, and Nuchachara Vanichcharoen, Director of Thailand's Tourism Authority office in Koh Samui, along with Naruemol Mai Sophia, president of the Koh Phangan Hotel and Tourism Association.

Veeratecha explained True's commitment: "Meaningful connectivity for True goes beyond signal strength—it connects people, communities, and economic opportunities. True supports this campaign because efficient connectivity is vital to island residents' daily lives, visitor experiences, and local business growth. With 5G networks and digital technology, we believe good technology must do more than be faster or more modern—it must help society and the environment grow together sustainably, transforming individual efforts across Koh Phangan into meaningful change for Thai waters."

5G coverage has become as essential as wind, sunlight, landscape, and sandy beaches, supporting remote work, online meetings, and high-speed internet access even far from cities. True has expanded 5G coverage along the entire route from Surat Thani Airport through the pier and across the ferry crossing to Koh Phangan, ensuring seamless connectivity from the moment travelers land until they settle into island life.

According to Thailand's Tourism Authority, Koh Phangan received over 1.77 million visitors in 2568 (2025): 518,685 Thai tourists (29%) and 1,251,479 foreign tourists (71%), generating total revenue exceeding 25.39 billion baht—3.64 billion baht (14%) from Thai visitors and 21.76 billion baht (86%) from international tourists, cementing Koh Phangan's status as a premier destination.

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Police

Officials Linked to Local Exam Fraud Continue Working Normally

Officials suspected of cheating on civil service exams in Nakhon Ratchasima continue working at their posts while authorities await central government confirmation before taking action. The province has identified 152 individuals allegedly

Officials Linked to Local Exam Fraud Continue Working Normally
10 Aug Khaosod

Reporters visited Dan Khun Thod Subdistrict Municipality in Nakhon Ratchasima to investigate allegations of fraud in local civil service recruitment exams after discovering that some newly hired local government officials have names appearing on a list of suspected exam cheaters. Nakhon Ratchasima province has identified 152 individuals suspected of involvement. On-site verification confirmed that the officials in question continue working normally, though they declined to comment. Municipality superiors confirmed that staff members linked to the exam fraud allegations remain at their posts. Officials say they must await formal lists and orders from the central government before taking further action. The municipality noted that it does not have visibility into the original recruitment process, as it only receives candidates from above. However, if the municipality receives official confirmation of fraud involvement, it will proceed with appropriate measures and can promote the next candidate on the list to fill the position.

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