Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

Con Artist Poses as Lender, Secretly Records Students in Video Calls

A con artist posing as a lender on social media secretly recorded students during video calls, then distributed explicit footage with personal details to extort victims across Southern Thailand.

Con Artist Poses as Lender, Secretly Records Students in Video Calls
10 Aug Khaosod

On August 10, a 23-year-old female student filed a complaint at the Sai Yai Must Survive Community Center in the Sai Yai district after becoming a victim of a scammer who posed as someone named "Sii." The fraudster posted on social media claiming to seek conversation partners to ease loneliness and offering to cover living and tuition expenses without requiring in-person meetings, only video calls.

The victim explained she fell for the scheme because she was struggling with dormitory fees and was searching online for supplementary income. During the video call, the scammer attempted to coerce her into removing her clothes, which she largely resisted by keeping her bra on and refusing other sexual advances. The scammer then claimed to transfer payment before blocking her.

Within two days, the victim received numerous messages on Instagram, including from anonymous accounts asking if she had seen her leaked video. She discovered that the full, unblurred video had been distributed through an app, with her personal information and gambling website links attached.

The investigation revealed more than 10 other victims, including high school and university students from prominent institutions, as well as actresses, with some videos showing more explicit content. The victim's testimony indicates she clearly remembers the perpetrator's voice and warns others against trusting unknown people online, especially those offering suspicious financial arrangements.

Ekapon Luang Prasertsan, founder of the Sai Yai Must Survive page, stated this is an organized scam targeting students and has coordinated with Deputy Commander Chatchapan Kluea Kluen of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau to file formal complaints and pursue legal action. The founder urged the public not to engage in risky transactions via social media and invited other potential victims to come forward with evidence.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
Police

Condo Clothesline Falls on Motorcycle, Injures Two in Bangkok

A clothesline falling from a Bangkok condominium struck a motorcycle on July 25, causing it to crash into two other vehicles and injuring two people. The building resident was charged with negligence but the case was settled through mediati

Condo Clothesline Falls on Motorcycle, Injures Two in Bangkok
10 Aug Khaosod

On August 10, police reported an update on a clothesline that fell from a condominium in the Sukhumvit area and struck a motorcycle, causing it to skid out of control and collide with two other cars. Two people were injured and several vehicles were damaged. The incident occurred in front of The Bright condominium on Sukhumvit Soi 24, Khlong Toei district, Bangkok, on July 25, 2569 at approximately 3 p.m.

Police from Thonglor Station investigated and found a Yamaha motorcycle ridden by Aphirat with Toh Sinthisiree as passenger, both injured, and two other vehicles—a Honda Accord driven by Patinnya and a Toyota Corolla Cross driven by Thanyarat—damaged from the incident.

Investigation revealed that the accident was caused by an aluminum clothesline that fell from a resident's room in the condominium and struck the moving motorcycle, causing it to lose control and collide with the two other vehicles passing through the area.

Police reviewed CCTV footage and found the clothesline belonged to a condominium resident who had hung clothes on it. The resident was charged with negligence causing bodily injury to others. On July 27, 2569, all parties entered into dispute mediation proceedings under the Mediation of Disputes Act, B.E. 2562. The at-fault party admitted responsibility and agreed to compensation: the motorcycle driver received 40,000 baht, the passenger 10,000 baht, the Honda driver 5,000 baht, and the Toyota driver 10,500 baht, totaling 65,500 baht.

After the full compensation was paid, a written settlement agreement was signed by all parties, and the criminal charges were dismissed according to mediation procedures, resolving the dispute both civilly and criminally.

This incident serves as a cautionary tale for high-rise residents, particularly regarding placing or drying items on balconies. Even everyday objects can cause serious damage and danger to people below if they fall from a tall building.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Pushes 106 Billion Baht Aid Program Forward

Thailand's government has injected 106 billion baht through its "Thai Help Thai Plus" program benefiting over 26 million people, now expanding into capital loans and debt relief to shift from consumer spending to income generation for farme

Thailand Pushes 106 Billion Baht Aid Program Forward
10 Aug Khaosod

Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek announced that the 'Thai Help Thai Plus (60/40)' program has injected 106 billion baht into the economy, with data as of August 9, 2025, showing 106,630.53 million baht in total spending from 26,040,623 beneficiaries across 1,099,641 participating shops. This reflects widespread distribution of purchasing power to small merchants, entrepreneurs, and the grassroots economy.

Ratchada emphasized that the program is not a one-off measure but part of continuous economic stewardship, expanding from boosting consumer purchasing power to capital injection, reduced financing costs, and debt resolution. The initiative aims to give citizens, farmers, and business owners the liquidity needed to generate income and continue operations.

The government has since launched 'Thai Help Thai Capital Boost with Shared Interest' through village and community funds, enabling fund members nationwide to access affordable capital for business development and expansion. This represents a transition from demand-side stimulus to grassroots income generation.

For farmers, the government is promoting a half-interest agricultural credit program worth 30 billion baht over three years through the Agricultural Bank of Thailand to reduce financing costs and improve access to capital. For SMEs, the government introduced 'SME Credit Boost' alongside a debt restructuring program called 'Close Debt, Move Forward' to help businesses adjust obligations and resume operations. Credit is already flowing through the system, with plans to expand assistance through state-owned financial institutions to provide parallel funding channels alongside commercial banks.

"The government is not merely managing living costs," Ratchada stated. "We want people to have income, businesses to have capital, and debt reduced so they can move forward. We're transitioning stimulus from consumer demand to capital injection, cost reduction, and debt relief, ensuring money circulates as income, employment, and sustained grassroots economic strength."

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Demands Upstream Dam Operators Give Advance Notice Before Water Release

Thailand's deputy PM is pushing upstream dam operators to give advance notice before releasing water, addressing a key gap in managing the Mekong River's unpredictable flows affecting Northeast provinces.

Thailand Demands Upstream Dam Operators Give Advance Notice Before Water Release
10 Aug Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister Songsakdi Thongsuree outlined a nine-point water management plan for Northeast Thailand's 20 provinces on August 10, 2025, at Government House. He said all provinces are preparing preventive measures and disaster response based on lessons from past flooding, including designated evacuation shelters and flood-prone area mapping. Thailand has 22 river basins, and the deputy PM stressed the need to address both flooding (excess water) and drought (insufficient supply) simultaneously through water retention projects.

One major obstacle is that dredging natural water sources generates soil classified as state property, discouraging local authorities from undertaking projects. The Ministry of Interior previously allowed contractors to use excavated soil, but after soil became commercially valuable, new regulations are being drafted to offset excavation costs and accelerate projects.

Regarding the high Mekong River water levels, Songsakdi acknowledged that upstream dam operators currently release water first and notify Thailand afterward, rather than providing advance notice for preparedness. He called on the Foreign Ministry to negotiate with riparian nations for prior notification before water releases. When asked about proposals to create a separate water ministry, he said such ideas exist but sees no urgent need to separate water affairs from existing structures at this time.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Bangkok Announces Free School Program With Benefits

Bangkok's governor eliminated school maintenance fees at 437 public schools and introduced a free education program including uniforms, meals, insurance, and textbooks for all students.

Bangkok Announces Free School Program With Benefits
10 Aug Khaosod

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced a free education policy for all 437 schools under Bangkok's administration, eliminating school maintenance fees charged to parents. The policy aims to reduce financial burdens on families and ensure equal access to quality education without hidden costs.

Under the program, students receive free benefits including uniforms and equipment, breakfast and milk (15 baht per student), accident insurance covering up to 6,000 baht in medical expenses with 90,000 baht compensation for death or disability, hygiene products for elementary students in grades 4-6, and textbooks along with learning activity fees. The Bangkok Education Office is preparing an official proclamation to formally implement the free education policy with no additional charges.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Bust Foreign Nominee Network in Hua Hin Pool Villa Raid

Police arrested 13 foreign nationals in Hua Hin after busting a network using Thai nominees to illegally own pool villas worth millions of baht, part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on foreign property schemes.

Police Bust Foreign Nominee Network in Hua Hin Pool Villa Raid
10 Aug Khaosod

On August 10, Deputy National Police Chief Samran Nualmaha ordered a Phase 6 operation against foreign nominees, targeting pool villas in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The operation, led by senior police officers including Nopsilp Poolsawat, involved over 200 personnel from the Royal Thai Police, Department of Business Development, and Department of Land Resources. Arrest warrants were issued for 45 foreigners and summonses for 39 Thai nationals across 15 search locations. Police arrested 13 suspects from multiple countries, including 3 British, 4 Chinese, 1 Italian, 1 French, 1 Dutch, 1 Austrian, 1 Filipino, and 1 American national.

The primary target was the "A Hua Hin" project, a modern single-family home and pool villa development in Tub Tai subdistrict, Hua Hin district, priced between 10–20 million baht per unit. Investigation revealed 6 companies using Thai nominees as shareholders to conceal foreign ownership of properties. Four companies were identified in Phase 1 and two in Phase 2 of the project. Interrogations showed that foreign nationals sought legal advice to establish companies for property acquisition, believing this arrangement was lawful. Thai nominees admitted they never paid for shares, managed operations, or saw financial documents, confirming the scheme's sole purpose was to mask foreign ownership. Police seized company registration documents, accounting records, computers, mobile phones, and electronic data to trace financial flows and expand investigation to related networks domestically and internationally.

This Phase 6 operation follows five previous phases conducted across six provinces including Surat Thani, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, and Chon Buri. Earlier phases examined 233 land parcels covering over 160 rai, valued at approximately 2,539 million baht, resulting in 133 arrest warrants and 20 court convictions. The National Police Office pledged to continue combating foreign nominee networks and illegal foreign business operations in tourism areas nationwide, while investigating state officials suspected of corruption or complicity. The public is urged to report suspected foreign capital violations to local police or the National Police hotline 1599 available 24/7.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

Thailand Tops European Summer Travel Rankings in Asia

Thailand tops European summer travel rankings in Asia for the second consecutive year, with Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Pattaya all placing in the top five regional destinations according to Agoda booking data.

Thailand Tops European Summer Travel Rankings in Asia
10 Aug Khaosod

On August 10, 2025, Agoda, the digital travel platform, released its ranking of Asian destinations most sought by European travelers based on accommodation searches made between April and June for travel during July and August—peak summer vacation season for Europeans. Thailand has retained the number one position for the second consecutive year, with three Thai cities making the top five regional destinations: Bangkok at first place, Koh Samui climbing from fourth to third, and Pattaya at fifth.

Bali holds second place for the second year running, while Tokyo ranks fourth, continuing to attract European visitors. Indonesia rose from third to second overall, with Vietnam jumping from fifth to fourth, and Malaysia holding fifth place among the region's most popular destinations.

Travelers from Germany, France, and the Netherlands represent the top three nationalities searching for Thailand in summer—a pattern unchanged from last year—while Spain and Italy round out the top five.

Among the top 20 destinations, India showed the highest growth in European search interest at 14% year-over-year, followed by South Korea at 13% and Vietnam at 12%, reflecting growing European demand for diverse Asian itineraries beyond traditional hotspots.

Anong Rotkon, Agoda's Country Director for Thailand and Indochina, stated: "European travelers have made Thailand part of their annual travel routine, as evidenced by our consecutive number-one ranking and three Thai cities in the top five. This reflects sustained interest rather than a passing trend, and the simultaneous popularity of Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Pattaya shows that Thailand's appeal spans multiple experiences and attractions." She added that Agoda is pleased to help travelers discover Asia on their own terms, regardless of destination.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Hunt Illegal Taxi Driver Who Overcharged Laotian Passenger 4,500 Baht

Police are hunting an unlicensed taxi driver in Ubon Ratchathani who allegedly intimidated and overcharged a Laotian passenger 4,500 baht for a 94-kilometer trip, sparking a crackdown on illegal vehicles operating from the bus station.

Police Hunt Illegal Taxi Driver Who Overcharged Laotian Passenger 4,500 Baht
10 Aug Khaosod

Police and transport officials are stepping up efforts to locate an illegal taxi driver who allegedly intimidated and overcharged a Laotian social media creator 4,500 baht for a trip from Ubon Ratchathani bus station to Chong Mek border post.

The creator posted a video and message of frustration after arriving at Ubon Ratchathani bus station to catch a ride home and send goods to his mother, only to be tricked and threatened by an unlicensed taxi driver operating from within the station. The fare for the approximately 94-kilometer journey was inflated far beyond the normal rate, sparking intense criticism on social media for damaging the province's tourism image.

Reporters met with Police Captain Saksri Krairat, commander of Muang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station, who said that after learning of the incident online, he ordered officers to track down the driver shown in the video for extortion and fare manipulation. He called on anyone who recognizes the driver to report them to police. Officers are actively pursuing the case.

Saksri also stated that police will partner with transport officials to conduct sweeps and arrests of illegal black-plate taxis and unlicensed vehicles operating unlawfully within the bus station. Authorities welcome reports from the public about such vehicles so they can take legal action.

Meanwhile, Jakkarakrithi Tangjintrong, Ubon Ratchathani provincial transport officer, revealed that the incident occurred on August 8 around 7:00 a.m. when a passenger from Laos arrived at Ubon Ratchathani bus station and boarded an onward vehicle to Chong Mek. The passenger unfortunately encountered an illegal black-plate taxi—identified as a four-door pickup—and was charged 4,500 baht after being threatened.

Jakkarakrithi said the transport office has verified the vehicle's license plate number and is issuing a summons to the owner to explain their actions. This violates the 2562 Motor Vehicle Act, which carries a fine of up to 2,000 baht for misusing a vehicle. However, because the incident harms Ubon Ratchathani's image, the transport office has coordinated with police to pursue additional fraud charges and suspend the driver's license to prevent similar tourist extortion cases.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

PM Vows No Exceptions in Gun Charge Case

Former Nonthaburi MP Chalai Riuaeng faces murder charges after allegedly shooting dead a provincial administrative organization chairman; PM vows full prosecution with no exceptions regardless of the suspect's political background.

PM Vows No Exceptions in Gun Charge Case
10 Aug Khaosod

On August 10, 2569, at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Prime Minister Anusit Charnweerakul and Interior Minister addressed the case of Chalai Riuaeng, a former Nonthaburi MP who allegedly shot and killed Pol. Maj. Thongchai Yenpraserit, the Nonthaburi provincial administrative organization chairman, at the organization's offices. The PM said the case would be prosecuted fully with no exceptions, noting that investigators are opposing bail. He emphasized the illegal firearm charge will proceed regardless of registration status. When asked about Chalai's political history, the PM stated: "I don't care who he is—right now he's a murderer." Regarding whether Chalai has left the Phum Jai Thai party, the PM said he has never met him and is unsure of his current party status, but that Chalai holds no official role in the party.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Seize 166kg of Crystal Meth from Malaysian Driver

Police arrested a 20-year-old Malaysian driver and seized 166 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from a white BMW at a Hua Hin checkpoint after investigating a larger drug trafficking network smuggling narcotics from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Police Seize 166kg of Crystal Meth from Malaysian Driver
10 Aug Khaosod

On August 10, 2569, Deputy Police Chief Samran Nualma announced the arrest of a major drug trafficking network operating in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, with coordination from local police. The case resulted from investigating small-scale drug dealers in the area, which led officers to discover a larger trafficking operation smuggling drugs from Suvarnabhumi Airport and staging them in Hua Hin for redistribution.

Police set up a checkpoint on Hua Hin Soi 8 after receiving information about a white BMW vehicle smuggling large quantities of drugs through the area. Officers intercepted the white BMW with Bangkok license plates when the driver attempted to evade the checkpoint and sped away. The vehicle was stopped near a convenience store in Hua Hin.

The driver was identified as a 20-year-old Malaysian national. Officers found multiple pieces of luggage inside the vehicle. The suspect claimed the bags did not belong to him and that he did not know the codes to open them. Police took custody of the vehicle and brought it to the checkpoint, where they conducted a search with the suspect's consent and discovered large quantities of narcotics inside the luggage.

The seized items included crystal methamphetamine weighing approximately 166 kilograms and one white BMW vehicle. Deputy Police Chief Samran stated that he has ordered Hua Hin Police Station to accelerate investigations into the entire drug trafficking network, including all involved parties and transporters. He emphasized that the large seizure reflects the ongoing attempts to smuggle drugs into Thailand, noting that Hua Hin alone seized 166 kilograms while Bangkok has seized up to 1,000 kilograms or one metric ton. He vowed to continue cracking down on and dismantling drug trafficking networks.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Nonthaburi Official Shot Dead in Debt Dispute

Nonthaburi PAO Chief Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenpraserit was shot dead by former MP Chalueang Riawaeng in a dispute over an 11 million baht debt and political candidate disagreements, with the driver also injured in the August 10 shooting.

Nonthaburi Official Shot Dead in Debt Dispute
10 Aug Khaosod

Household staff wept upon learning of the death of Nonthaburi PAO Chief Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenpraserit following a shooting by former Nonthaburi MP Chalueang Riawaeng. The incident stemmed from a debt dispute over 11 million baht and disagreements over political candidate registration. Thongchai's driver also sustained serious injuries. Thongchai was confirmed dead at 14:36 on August 10, 2026, at Phra Nang Klao Hospital. Staff members who had worked with him for many years expressed their sorrow. One household assistant who had served him for over 40 years described him as an exceptionally good and helpful person, though unfamiliar with the specific details, emphasizing his consistent kindness and support to those around him.

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.