Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Democrat Party Sets Up Independent Panel on Sexual Harassment Allegation

The Democrat Party has established an independent committee to investigate sexual harassment allegations against former Bangkok MP Thisana Chunhawan, with investigators planning to interview associates since the alleged victim has not yet c

Democrat Party Sets Up Independent Panel on Sexual Harassment Allegation
4 Aug Khaosod

On August 4, 2025, at Parliament, Panida Mongkolswat, a Samut Prakan MP from the Democrat Party, discussed progress in investigating allegations that Thisana Chunhawan (Kaew Ta), a former Bangkok MP from the Democrat Party, was sexually harassed. She stated that an independent committee with no prior involvement in previous parliamentary sessions has been established to create a safe, comfortable, and secure space for the victim to come forward.

When asked how evidence would be gathered if Thisana does not provide information directly, Panida said they would need to interview friends and associates who may have access to information or understanding of the situation to establish a timeline and facts. The committee will use all available processes to establish the initial facts.

When asked whether Thisana has spoken with her about who committed the harassment, Panida said she has no knowledge of the matter and was unaware when the incident occurred. She noted that current public discussion of the case may affect the victim's feelings, as she may not wish to communicate about it publicly. She emphasized this is the victim's preference, and the incident happened long ago with limited details available.

When asked if the public disclosure might be intended to overshadow other issues facing the Democrat Party, Panida said she would not presume, but rather focus on how to respond now that it has emerged.

"I acknowledge that in the past, based on Kaew Ta's perspective, how the party handled this may not have been sufficient to make her feel safe enough to communicate about it concretely. But today we recognize this and have made continuous political progress," Panida said. "I am confident that the current justice process will deliver fairness to Kaew Ta and all involved. Regarding clarity on this matter, we can provide more information later, as there is currently insufficient clarity," she added.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
Police

Armed Robbers Hold Up Elderly Fruit Vendor for 6,000 Baht

Two armed robbers on a motorcycle held up an elderly fruit vendor in the Ladprao-Wanghin area on August 1, stealing 6,000 baht from his cart in an isolated location near a temple curve. Police are investigating the robbery, with a witness s

Armed Robbers Hold Up Elderly Fruit Vendor for 6,000 Baht
4 Aug Khaosod

Two armed robbers on a motorcycle accosted an elderly fruit vendor in the Ladprao-Wanghin area, brandishing a gun and ransacking his money container on his cart, making off with around 6,000 baht. The incident occurred on August 1 at approximately 10:30 p.m. near the Ladprao temple curve, before Bang Jak petrol station—a dark and isolated location. On August 4, the "Khao Sod" news team met with Nai Cho, a bakery shop owner and good citizen who accompanied the vendor to file a police report.

Nai Cho explained that the vendor regularly stops at his shop around 5:00 p.m., and he often provides him with food and water because the elderly man pushes his cart selling fruit by himself. On August 1, the vendor arrived looking distressed and said he had suffered "bad luck"—he had been robbed. He recounted that around 10:30 p.m., while pushing his cart home on his usual route, two men on a motorcycle wearing black helmets pulled up beside him. The passenger, holding a gun, stood guard while the driver rummaged through the colored container where the vendor kept his money, stealing approximately 6,000 baht accumulated over three days of sales.

Nai Cho noted that the robbers likely had been observing the vendor's behavior beforehand, as he had been selling in the area for a long time and kept his money in the same container—something an ordinary person would not know unless they had been monitoring him. The 6,000 baht represented three days of fruit sales plus extra money customers had given him, such as paying 100 baht for a 50-baht item. The vendor has no bank account, no mobile phone, and cannot read or write, so he cannot deposit or transfer money normally. When customers want to transfer funds to him, they send money to Nai Cho's account, and he gives the vendor cash. After the robbery, Nai Cho took the vendor to file a report, and police are investigating.

Despite his fear following the robbery, the vendor continues selling because it is his only means of livelihood. Nai Cho appealed to the perpetrators: "If you must be a thief, at least have some dignity. Don't rob an elderly man who has no strength to fight back. He would give you anything if you asked." He added that the vendor is so kindhearted that he sometimes lets customers take fruit on credit when they have no money. Nai Cho urged the robbers to stop their behavior and never target the elderly or those unable to defend themselves.

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National

Index Living Mall Launches Pet-Friendly Campaign With 50,000 Baht Prize Pool

Index Living Mall launched a pet-friendly campaign with 50,000 baht in prizes as Thailand's pet market surges toward 100 billion baht in 2025, driving furniture and home design innovation.

Index Living Mall Launches Pet-Friendly Campaign With 50,000 Baht Prize Pool
4 Aug Khaosod

Index Living Mall has launched the 'Share Home Moments with Your Four-Legged Friends' campaign, inviting pet owners to share photos of their pets in their homes and compete for prizes worth over 50,000 baht. According to Kritchanok Patmasatyanondh, Chief Executive of Index Living Mall (ILM), the housing and furniture market in Thailand is moving in a new direction as the Pet Humanization trend—valuing pets as family members—gains popularity and drives significant growth in the pet market.

Thailand's pet market is projected to reach over 100 billion baht in 2025, up from approximately 92 billion baht in 2024, representing growth of about 13.2 percent. Pet food represents the largest market segment at around 62.4 billion baht, followed by pet equipment and furniture, and veterinary services.

Index Living Mall sees the Pet Humanization trend as more than just a boost to pet product sales—it is fundamentally changing how consumers select furniture and design their living spaces. Customers are no longer seeking only pet-specific products but want homes designed to seamlessly integrate both people and pets into a unified, harmonious space. To address design, safety, and comfort needs, the company is creating a market that combines furniture, home living, and pet lifestyle through several strategic approaches:

1. Product Innovation: Furniture that merges functionality for both humans and pets, such as Easy Clean fabric sofas with water-repellent fiber technology that resists staining and odor, and synthetic leather sofas that are scratch-resistant and free from harmful chemicals like phthalates and formaldehyde. Multi-functional workdesks that accommodate cat scratching posts and climbing features, alongside coffee tables, side tables, and stools designed for shared living.

2. Home Solutions and Customization: Furniture available under the Younique Built-in Furniture brand, offering unlimited choices in design, size, function, and materials to meet the needs of pet lovers in any living situation.

3. Category Expansion: A Pet Living Collection featuring pet accessories including beds, cat houses, pet strollers, travel bags, food bowls, water fountains, litter boxes, toys, scratching posts, odor neutralizers, and waste bags, available at all Index Living Mall locations.

Index Living Mall has also expanded its 'Pet Accessory' zone to approximately 30 square meters per location with over 100 product lines for new stores and renovated branches including locations in Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, and Hat Yai. Pet-friendly living is not merely a short-term trend but a long-term business opportunity that will grow alongside social change and evolving lifestyles.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Pheu Thai Dismisses Coalition Rumors, Vows Full Scrutiny

Pheu Thai deputy leader Prayut Wattharasin rejected coalition speculation on August 4, reaffirming the party's commitment to its opposition role and vowing to scrutinize the government's performance on competitiveness and corruption.

Pheu Thai Dismisses Coalition Rumors, Vows Full Scrutiny
4 Aug Khaosod

On August 4, Prayut Wattharasin, a Pheu Thai list MP and deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party, dismissed speculation about forming a red-green-orange coalition government, noting that such arrangements remain based on unconfirmed assumptions across multiple factions. He emphasized that Pheu Thai's current role is to fulfill its duty as the leading opposition force, with all party members mindful of the public's electoral trust. Denying any outreach to potential coalition partners, Wattharasin called the rumors unrelated to Pheu Thai, explaining that submitting no-confidence motions is the opposition's responsibility while other parties' decisions to participate and vote rest with them. When asked about Pheu Thai's position if the government coalition partners discuss terms, he reaffirmed the party's clarity about its opposition leadership role and declined to speculate on future events. However, he stressed on principle that MPs were elected and entrusted by the public, making their campaign pledges a binding social contract to uphold. Regarding government longevity, Wattharasin said he cannot predict the future but the opposition will demonstrate to all lawmakers that prolonging this government harms the nation through declining competitiveness, inequality, and widespread corruption across sectors and levels. "We will do our utmost in that role, and whenever the next election comes, we are ready to present an alternative that will lead the country toward a better future," he concluded.

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Community

Charity Concert Unites 80s-90s Stars for Heart Patient Fund

A year-end charity concert featuring 80s-90s Thai music legends will raise funds for heart patients at Thammasat University Hospital on December 26 at Siam Paragon's Paragon Hall.

Charity Concert Unites 80s-90s Stars for Heart Patient Fund
4 Aug Khaosod

Bangkok Aircraft Gallery and Museum Limited, led by organizer Sirima Ariyachaipanich alongside project advisor Chompoo Fruity and Somkiate Ariyachaipanich, unveiled "A Very Innocent Concert" at Paragon Hall in Siam Paragon shopping center. The year-end fundraiser aims to create warm memories for guests transitioning into 2027 while supporting disadvantaged heart patients at Thammasat Cardiac Center at Thammasat University Hospital.

The concert concept—"Not just a concert, but living memories delivering joy during the season of happiness"—features hits from the 80s-90s and contemporary songs performed by legendary and Gen X artists including Saiyachai Radomkij, Somkiate Ariyachaipanich, Ton McIntosh, Chompoo Fruity, Pom Autobahn, Ben Chalahtis, Q Flure, Mariam B5, and Two Days Ago Kids. They will reimagine classics from The Innocent, The McIntosh, and Fruity bands alongside international and youth favorites.

Beyond music, the concert represents a significant collaboration with Thammasat Cardiac Center. Hospital administrators and cardiac specialists, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adisai Buakamsri (head of cardiology) and Dr. Thida Sriratna Tabukaanon (heart failure and transplant expert), discussed the hospital's growing need to expand treatment access and breakthrough innovations still awaiting approval in Thailand's basic healthcare system. The concert will take place on Saturday, December 26, 2026, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. and performances beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Paragon Hall.

Thammasat University Hospital is accepting donations starting August 4, 2026. Donors receive concert tickets and double tax deduction benefits. Interested parties can contact the donation line at LINE: @tuh_donation or call 0 2926 9432 during business hours.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Foreign Investors Bullish on Thai Stock Market Amid War, Politics Risks

Foreign investors are driving confidence in Thai stocks to a "hot" level despite geopolitical tensions and political risks, with the SET Index gaining 2.04% in July as overseas buyers injected nearly 49 billion baht into the market.

Foreign Investors Bullish on Thai Stock Market Amid War, Politics Risks
4 Aug Khaosod

FETCO Chairman Paibuol Nalintharangkur released the July 2025 Investor Confidence Index, surveyed from July 20–31, showing investor confidence for the next three months at 146.72 points—a "hot" level reflecting optimism about Thailand's capital market trajectory. Foreign capital inflows emerged as the strongest support factor, followed by state economic stimulus measures and listed company earnings.

The biggest risk factors cited by investors were international conflicts, followed by listed company performance and domestic political uncertainty. Foreign investors and brokerage accounts reported "extremely hot" confidence, domestic institutional investors showed "hot" confidence, and retail investors remained "neutral." Banking stocks attracted the most interest, while real estate stocks drew the least.

Throughout July 2025, the SET Index rose nearly continuously before facing selling pressure late month due to corporate earnings concerns and external factors. However, net foreign buying and confidence in Thai economic trends provided support. The SET Index closed July at 1,623.64 points, up 2.04% from the prior month, with average daily trading value at 87,397 million baht. Foreign investors posted net purchases of 48,864 million baht, bringing year-to-date net foreign inflows to 75,864 million baht.

FETCO highlighted key factors to monitor: Thai economic recovery following the Finance Ministry's revised 2025 GDP forecast to 2.5%, foreign investment in target industries, tourism recovery, and Q2 corporate earnings. External factors include U.S. Federal Reserve policy direction, Middle East tensions, oil price volatility, and uncertainty over U.S. trade policy—particularly the planned 12.5% tariff on Thai imports, which could impact exports and competitiveness.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Ministers Push to Finish Amnat Charoen Sports Stadium After 10-Year Delay

Senior ministers visited Amnat Charoen province to break a decade-long impasse on the stalled central sports stadium, vowing completion by 2027 to boost local sports, tourism, and economy.

Ministers Push to Finish Amnat Charoen Sports Stadium After 10-Year Delay
4 Aug Khaosod

Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phan-charoenworrakul and Prime Minister's Office Minister Suksumruay Wantaniyakul made an urgent visit to Amnat Charoen province to oversee tourism and sports initiatives and resolve the long-running problems of the provincial central sports stadium, which has been stalled for more than a decade. The ministers held a meeting on August 2, 2026, at the provincial administrative office to discuss tourism and sports operations, attended by ministry officials, parliament member Janina Kemnarak, and local government heads. Following the meeting, the sports minister led an inspection of the province's sports infrastructure, including a 1,000-seat multipurpose gymnasium, the provincial swimming pool, and the central sports stadium.

The visit aimed to identify obstacles and monitor progress on the stadium project, which has plagued the province for over ten years and deprived residents of essential public sports infrastructure. Minister Surasak stressed firmly that the ministry has ordered all relevant agencies to aggressively solve problems at every stage, and that the decade-long stalled project must move forward, with the central sports stadium to be completed and opened to the public by 2027 as planned.

Once completed, the minister said the stadium will boost Amnat Charoen in multiple ways: it will accommodate provincial and regional sporting competitions, develop young athletes, and provide standard exercise facilities for residents. Economically, it will drive sports tourism, attract visitors, generate local revenue, and improve living standards sustainably. The in-depth visit demonstrates the ministry's proactive commitment to ending chronic project delays and ensuring state infrastructure delivers maximum public benefit across all regions of Thailand.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

PM Outlines Three-Point Vision for Stronger ASEAN Future

Thailand's PM outlined a three-point vision for ASEAN at a Jakarta summit, calling for stronger regional unity, crisis resilience, and tangible benefits for citizens amid growing global fragmentation.

PM Outlines Three-Point Vision for Stronger ASEAN Future
4 Aug Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a vision statement at ASEC's Nusantara Hall in Jakarta on August 4, 2025, attended by representatives from over 100 countries. He proposed three pathways: strengthening regionalism, building resilience to global volatility, and ensuring ASEAN delivers meaningful benefits to ordinary people.

On regionalism, the PM stressed that ASEAN's unity and centrality matter more in a fragmented world. While consensus and non-interference remain foundational, they should be applied flexibly to keep the bloc united and effective. He cited Myanmar as a test case, supporting calibrated re-engagement within the Five-Point Consensus framework. He noted recent progress, including the International Committee of the Red Cross visiting Aung San Suu Kyi, whom reports indicate is in good health.

Regarding Thailand-Cambodia ties, he confirmed both nations aim to rebuild trust and resume bilateral dialogue, with Thailand committed to resolving differences peacefully and upholding international law while maintaining ASEAN unity.

On resilience, the PM said ASEAN must prepare proactively rather than react to crises. This requires strengthening supply chains, energy, and food security, while accelerating digital connectivity and technological capacity-building to handle future challenges.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Cambodian Woman Arrested for Selling Pork Without Valid Work Permit

A 33-year-old Cambodian woman was arrested at a Sa Kaeo market for selling pork despite her work permit authorizing only laborer positions.

Cambodian Woman Arrested for Selling Pork Without Valid Work Permit
4 Aug Khaosod

SA KAEO — Immigration police in Sa Kaeo have arrested a Cambodian woman for allegedly working outside the conditions of her work permit after finding her selling fresh pork at a municipal market.

The operation was carried out by Sa Kaeo Immigration Police in cooperation with the provincial employment office during an inspection of foreign workers at Sa Kaeo Municipal Fresh Market in Muang district.

Officers found the 33-year-old Cambodian national selling fresh pork and asked to inspect her documents. Authorities said she held a valid Cambodian passport and was legally permitted to remain in Thailand until 2027.

However, an inspection of her work permit found that she was authorized to work only as a laborer. Selling fresh pork was deemed to be outside the scope of employment permitted under her work authorization.

She was charged with working without a valid work permit or performing work beyond the conditions authorized under Thailand's law governing the employment of foreign workers.

The suspect was taken to Muang Sa Kaeo Police Station for legal proceedings.

Sa Kaeo Immigration Police said inspections of foreign workers will continue across the province, warning that authorities will take legal action against employers and migrant workers found violating the conditions of work permits or other labor regulations.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

New Museum Exhibition Opens at Nakhon Si Thammarat

A new permanent exhibition hall dedicated to Phra Mahathat Chedi opened at Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum, showcasing the history and cultural significance of the revered Buddhist temple through multimedia displays and artifacts.

New Museum Exhibition Opens at Nakhon Si Thammarat
4 Aug Khaosod

Recently, Panom Butr Chantrachoti, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, presided over the opening of a permanent exhibition hall dedicated to Phra Mahathat Chedi Nakhon Si Thammarat at the Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of His Majesty King Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 5, 2570.

The Fine Arts Department has undertaken a renovation and development initiative for the national museum, which His Majesty originally opened on August 26, 2517. The Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum was the first national museum established in southern Thailand. As part of efforts to enhance the museum's capacity and significance, the Fine Arts Department created the new permanent exhibition hall dedicated to Phra Mahathat Chedi Nakhon Si Thammarat. The exhibition presents and conveys knowledge about Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn through contemporary and aesthetically refined display media, preserving and advancing cultural heritage as a learning and tourism destination capable of generating income for local communities. The exhibition also celebrates the designation of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn as a World Heritage Site, a matter of national pride.

The permanent exhibition hall presents this important religious monument, which serves as a spiritual center for the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat and residents throughout the southern region. The exhibition is titled "Phra Mahathat Chedi Nakhon Si Thammarat" and comprises an introduction stating "Born in one nation, one must pay respects to the chedi of the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat," which explains the significance of Buddhist relics in Thailand, the history of Phra Mahathat Chedi Nakhon Si Thammarat as one of Thailand's great chedis, and the history of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn.

Section 1, Phra Mahathat Chedi Nakhon Si Thammarat, presents multimedia and scale models explaining the history and significance of the chedi as the center of Buddhism in the southern peninsula. Section 2, Buddhist Veneration and Traditions, showcases the devotion people have toward the chedi through historical accounts of temple renovations, the presentation of Buddhist offerings, and related traditions, featuring ten Buddhist offerings displayed on a chedi model from the temple alongside interactive media. Section 3, Royal Devotion and Archaeological Work, recounts royal patronage and the preservation of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn according to international standards, using graphics, multimedia, and artifacts from archaeological excavations conducted in 2552 and 2559 to illustrate the temple's age, development, and significance, including the display of a wooden lintel from the main viharn. Section 4, Miscellaneous Narratives, presents stories, beliefs, and sacred aspects related to the temple, the devotion of people across generations, the role of the chedi as a spiritual center, and the identity of Nakhon Si Thammarat residents. The exhibition space is designed to evoke the atmosphere of a temple corridor, creating an immersive experience as if walking through the stories within the temple itself.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Community

Revered Monk's Closed-Eye Golden Buddha Amulet Seeks New Home

A rare closed-eye golden Buddha amulet created by revered monk Luang Pu Ruem in 1985 remains highly sought after among collectors and devotees seeking spiritual protection and meditation benefits.

Revered Monk's Closed-Eye Golden Buddha Amulet Seeks New Home
4 Aug Khaosod

Luang Pu Ruem entrusted long-preserved coconut husks to create closed-eye golden amulets featuring sacred powder mixed with blessed materials and seven-month beeswax as a binding agent. The amulets are pot-bellied, meditation-posture figures seated on lotus pedestals, marked with the letter "r" on each piece, with a total of 2,528 amulets created in 1985. After consecration began in January 1985, they were released for veneration on February 19, 1985, and have since become extremely rare and difficult to obtain. The article also covers other notable amulets including lockets of Luang Pu Iem from Wat Sanam Sung, amulets of Luang Pho Phra Sai from Wat Pho Chai in Nong Khai, and coins of Luang Pu Suk's Maha Prab series from 2555, each with detailed descriptions of their design, materials, and spiritual significance.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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