Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Deputy PM Visits Nan Flood Zone, Distributes Aid on Day Three

Deputy Prime Minister Yossanan Wongswaddi visited Nan province on day three of flooding to distribute aid and assess damage, assuring residents that water levels are receding and recovery efforts are underway across multiple government agen

Deputy PM Visits Nan Flood Zone, Distributes Aid on Day Three
15h ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister Yossanan Wongswaddi, also Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, led a high-level team from Nan province on August 21, 2569 to assess flooding and flash-flood conditions across the province and coordinate emergency relief and recovery efforts. At approximately 1:30 p.m., he traveled to Pua district's community hall to distribute survival kits donated by the Northern Residents Association to flood victims, accompanied by former Nan MPs including Dr. Chollanan Srikaew and Nathpong Supariyasilp.

Addressing residents in the Northern dialect, Deputy PM Yossanan expressed sympathy for the disaster caused by heavy rain accumulating in the hills and triggering rapid flash floods affecting a wide area. He assured the public that all government bodies, provincial authorities, local administrative organizations, and the Irrigation Department have prepared and are working to alleviate suffering. He confirmed that water levels are receding and the situation is improving, marking entry into the "recovery phase," with local units accelerating cleanup efforts and potentially hiring private contractors to speed the process. Multiple ministries including Social Development and Human Security, Labor, Interior, Agriculture and Cooperatives, and Public Health have coordinated to provide medicines and relief measures.

Deputy PM Yossanan stated his primary objectives are to restore normalcy and rebuild public confidence for tourism recovery. Utilities including electricity and water supply will be restored within 1-2 days. He pledged to remain in the area until conditions improve and to accelerate Irrigation Department projects to permanently solve the recurring flooding that has plagued the region for three years. He also warned residents to watch for landslides if further rains occur.

At 3:00 p.m., the team visited the Chulalongkorn University Phasingh evacuation center in Mueang Nan district, where he warmly interacted with flood victims, creating moments of laughter and relief. He then visited Nan Hospital at 4:00 p.m. to encourage medical staff, officials, patients, and the injured.

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Weather

Heavy Rain Triggers Widespread Flooding in Uttaradit

Heavy rainfall in Uttaradit province on August 21 triggered widespread flooding in Pai Lom subdistrict, damaging over 2,000 rai of farmland across seven villages. Authorities cleared waterways and issued flood warnings while advising reside

Heavy Rain Triggers Widespread Flooding in Uttaradit
15h ago Khaosod

On August 21, 2026, heavy and continuous rainfall across Uttaradit province caused water levels to rise significantly. Highland areas in Lap La district experienced particularly intense rain, raising levels in Mae Pool and Mae Prong streams. The accumulated water flowed rapidly into streams and canals in Pai Lom subdistrict, Lap La district, overwhelming them and flooding homes and farmland across a wide area.

Komsarn Ammeung, chief of the Pai Lom subdistrict administrative office, instructed area leaders to alert residents to watch for sudden flooding, flash floods, and overflowing banks in low-lying areas. He advised people to move vehicles, secure valuables and important documents to higher ground, and watch for electrical hazards while caring for vulnerable groups. Authorities coordinated with Uttaradit provincial government, provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office, and Uttaradit municipality to mobilize backhoes and excavators to clear waterways of debris, vegetation, and fallen trees blocking water flow through canals to improve drainage toward Bung Mai, a major water storage reservoir. Uttaradit Highway 1 Office installed flood warning signs along affected roads to alert the public to avoid the areas or use caution when passing through.

Komsarn reported that Pai Lom subdistrict, a low-lying area receiving runoff from Lap La's highlands, initially saw flooding in seven villages across community clusters 1, 2, 3, and 6, with over 2,000 rai of predominantly rice-growing agricultural land damaged. The situation is expected to return to normal once rainfall decreases. Authorities are monitoring water levels continuously around the clock.

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National

AP Thailand Launches Twin House Campaign With Zero Interest for Five Years

AP Thailand is launching a twin house campaign in Q3 2025 offering zero-percent financing for five years across 80+ Bangkok locations, with discounts up to 2 million baht and four new projects to drive sales in a sluggish market.

AP Thailand Launches Twin House Campaign With Zero Interest for Five Years
15h ago Khaosod

AP Thailand is launching an aggressive push into the twin house market in the third quarter of 2025, offering zero per cent financing for up to five years across more than 80 locations throughout Bangkok and its surrounding areas, along with discounts of up to 2 million baht and four new project launches. The move aims to reduce buyer burden and speed up purchasing decisions in an uncertain property market.

Metha Raktham, deputy managing director of AP Thailand, announced that the company has partnered with three major financial institutions—Kasikornbank, Krung Thai Bank, and Thai Commercial Bank—to run the "AP Twin House Smooth 0% Annual Interest for Five Years" campaign. The special offer provides zero per cent financing for up to five years to help ease concerns about long-term repayment obligations for all 80 twin house projects across Bangkok, with prices starting at 2.99 million baht and discounts reaching up to 2 million baht.

In the third quarter of 2025, AP is also launching four new twin house projects: Grand Pleno Petchkasem-Charan 2, Grand Pleno Bangna-King Kaew, Grand Pleno Phahonyothin-Thoburom, and Grand Pleno Rama 9-Bangkok Stadium. The key selling point is that every square metre is designed for practical everyday use and reflects genuine understanding of residents' behaviour.

AP's twin houses cover more than 80 locations across Bangkok and the metropolitan area under five brands: Meuang Klang THE EDITION, Meuang Klang, Grand Pleno, Pleno, and Pleno Town, with prices starting at 2.99 million baht.

Beyond the zero per cent five-year offer, AP is providing additional incentives including discounts of up to 2 million baht and a "Buy AP Townhome and Twin House, Win Big" campaign featuring chances to win a Tesla Model 3 worth 1.199 million baht and monthly prizes. The promotion runs from 17 August to 30 September 2025 for bookings and transfers.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Opposition Leader Pushes Probe Into TH-AI Passport Data Risks

Opposition leader Nattapong Ruengpanya is pushing for an investigation into the TH-AI Passport project, citing concerns over data security, specification manipulation, and potential collusion among winning bidders across multiple government

Opposition Leader Pushes Probe Into TH-AI Passport Data Risks
15h ago Khaosod

At 3:45 p.m. on August 21, 2025 in Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai, Nattapong Ruengpanya, a list-based MP and leader of the People's Party opposition, discussed Digital Economy and Society Ministry Deputy Secretary Pachon Anantasil's determination to press ahead with the TH-AI Passport project despite alleged Article 157 charges. Nattapong said the opposition is preparing a complaint for relevant agencies to investigate. Dr. Wayo Aswanarung, a list-based MP and party deputy leader, is leading the effort, with MP Ratchanok Srinok also involved. Although the government has the authority to continue the project, the opposition will perform its full oversight duty and submit the matter for further investigation.

When asked if there are grounds to prosecute, particularly for violating the Terms of Reference, Nattapong said the available information clearly indicates specification locking. The People's Party has uncovered additional concerns: the network of companies winning the TH-AI Passport contract also hold other state sector contracts across multiple ministries, displaying bidding and procurement patterns that suggest collusion and specification manipulation.

Regarding concerns that data could leak abroad, despite the ministry's assurances of security, Nattapong said the public must choose whom to trust. The Terms of Reference, he noted, clearly state that both the state and service providers know who accesses the system and what commands are used. He cannot verify whether government claims are true, but urged citizens registering for the program to be aware that the Terms of Reference contain such provisions and to consider how well their personal data will be protected.

Asked whether the current one million registrations constitute success against a five million target, Nattapong said the real issue is larger. While he agrees the government's stated aim to raise Thai skills in AI use is valid, the more important question is how AI is deployed. Beyond raising awareness, meaningful AI applications should address disaster management, detecting state procurement fraud, or investigating local corruption—uses that civil society and activists have already developed. If the state, with its budget and authority, took the lead on such projects using AI, wouldn't the benefits be far greater? If government chose to do what truly needs doing, the impact would be far more significant.

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Police

Thai Officials Raid Pattaya Nominees Scheme Assisting Foreigners

Thai authorities raided three Pattaya locations investigating a scheme where Thai nominees illegally held land and businesses on behalf of foreigners, targeting an international law firm and hotel suspected of violating the Alien Business A

Thai Officials Raid Pattaya Nominees Scheme Assisting Foreigners
15h ago Khaosod

On August 21, Deputy Interior Minister Worsit Liangprasit and Justice Minister Rutthapol Naorat coordinated a multi-agency raid across three locations in Pattaya and Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province, to investigate the use of Thai nominees in land holdings and business operations controlled by foreigners. The operation, conducted under court-authorized search warrants, is part of government policy to crack down on illegal business practices, following similar investigations in Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Suratthani province, and Phuket.

Investigators identified Cozy Beach View Company Limited as potentially violating the Alien Business Act by using Thai nationals—some employed by an international law firm—as nominee shareholders. The first target was KT International Law and Business office in Pattaya, suspected of arranging shell company registrations. The second was Shilat Avenue Pattaya hotel, found to employ similar nominee structures with complex share transfers linked to Lotus Paradise Development Company and individuals with prior aluminum trade experience in Samut Sakhon province. The third location was the company's premises in Nong Phrueao, Bang Lamung, conducting actual business operations. Officials seized evidence to establish the scope and complexity of the nominee network.

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Regional

Vietnam Coach Confident of Retaining AFF Cup Crown Against Thailand

Vietnam coach Kim Sang-suk expressed confidence ahead of the AFF Cup final against Thailand on August 22, citing his team's strong tournament performance and positive history at Rajamangala Stadium.

Vietnam Coach Confident of Retaining AFF Cup Crown Against Thailand
15h ago Khaosod

South Korean coach Kim Sang-sik of Vietnam's national football team has expressed confidence that his squad will defend their ASEAN Championship title. At a press conference at Rajamangala Stadium on August 21 organized by the ASEAN Football Federation, Kim Sang-sik discussed the championship match against Thailand: "Our team has prepared well for this tournament and performed excellently throughout. We also have positive memories at Rajamangala Stadium and experience winning championships here. We will prove ourselves in tomorrow's match. The entire team hopes to win the championship, and we are confident in ourselves."

When asked whether Rafaelson (Nguyen Xuan Son), a Brazilian-born striker, would score a hat-trick against Thailand, the Vietnamese coach responded that beyond Nguyen Xuan Son, who leads the scoring race with five goals, there are other players ready to perform in the match against Thailand.

Meanwhile, Do Hoang Hen (Henrique), a Brazilian-blooded striker, said the team had trained well in South Korea and would strive for victory. He expressed it as an honor to play as a Vietnamese footballer, saying he loves everyone and Vietnamese fans, and will give his full effort as a Vietnamese national.

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National

True Corporation Congratulates JJ-Chanita as True AF 2026 Champion

JJ-Chanita Baisamut won True Academy Fantasia 2026, earning one million baht, two years of free True 5G service, and a brand presenter role from True Corporation.

True Corporation Congratulates JJ-Chanita as True AF 2026 Champion
15h ago Khaosod

Bangkok, August 21, 2026 – Following the successful conclusion of True Academy Fantasia 2026, JJ-Chanita Baisamut, winner of The Winner True AF 2026, led a team of 12 contestants to meet True Corporation executives to express gratitude for their sponsorship. The meeting was headed by Sigve Brekke, Group Chief Executive Officer, joined by Oliver Kittipong Viratetcha, Head of Brand and Communications; Thanpol Manavutti, Head of Home Connectivity; Pirathon Kaem Sri Na Ayutthaya, Head of Content and Media; Chakakrit Urairatn, Head of Government Relations; and Roj Dechordumpan, Head of Mobile Postpaid Operations. They congratulated JJ as the top contestant and presented her prize package consisting of one million baht in cash, two years of unlimited True 5G service for her entire family, 24 months of True Online Home Internet with TrueX IoT equipment, and an opportunity to become True Corporation's new brand presenter and entertainment industry star. The 11 runners-up each received 12 months of unlimited True 5G service and 12 months of True Online Home Internet with TrueX IoT equipment to enhance their digital lifestyle with seamless connectivity. The event concluded with a warm meet-and-greet session at True Tower on Ratchadamri Road, where all 12 contestants performed the True AF 2026 theme song, received red roses from True employees, and took celebratory photographs together.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Transport Deputy Pushes Dual-Track and High-Speed Rail Forward

Thailand's transport deputy inspected high-speed rail and dual-track railway projects in Nakhon Ratchasima, with Phase 1 of the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail expected to open by 2574, cutting travel time to 90 minutes.

Transport Deputy Pushes Dual-Track and High-Speed Rail Forward
15h ago Khaosod

Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angsakulkiattikul inspected progress on rail projects in Nakhon Ratchasima on August 21, 2569. He reviewed the Thailand-China high-speed rail project Phase 1 (Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima) and dual-track railway Phase 1 (Mab Ka Bao to Chum Thang Jira) and heard proposals and concerns from local authorities, joined by Watchraphol Tomornsakdit (Nakhon Ratchasima MP District 2), Manas Suwannarinthon (Deputy Governor), Yolada Wangsupkitjgosal (Governor), and government agencies.

Siripong said the inspection tracked key transport projects for Nakhon Ratchasima, following the trial opening of Highway M6 between cities, which has improved travel efficiency significantly. For the dual-track railway, construction is underway on multiple contracts with two remaining that need acceleration; it is expected to open around 2572. The Thailand-China high-speed rail Phase 1, despite delays beyond original plans, remains manageable and is forecast to open in 2574, reducing Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima travel time to about 90 minutes. Phase 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai) procurement is expected within 2570, targeting a 2576 opening; when complete, travel from Nong Khai to Bangkok will take roughly three hours.

Delay causes include land acquisition and public complaints, particularly from Khok Krauat community, currently under negotiation. Once cleared, construction will resume normally. Contractors abandoning work will face legal action, while safety standards and contract management will be enforced to prevent individual contractor problems affecting the whole system.

MP Watchraphol submitted local concerns, especially over high-speed rail contracts 3-5 (12.8 kilometers), originally planned as a 7-kilometer earthen embankment but feared to harm drainage and divide the city. He requested the design be changed to elevated tracks. He also proposed the 100-rai Nakhon Ratchasima railway station area be developed as a transport hub rather than maintenance center to boost local economy and commerce. He further suggested coordinating with the Interior Ministry and local administrative bodies to resolve railway and electrical crossings, and to explore solar power systems due to frequent electrical equipment theft along the route affecting public safety and movement.

Siripong agreed to review all proposals.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Woman Reports Ex-Boyfriend's Repeated Home Invasions

A 47-year-old woman has filed three police reports after her ex-boyfriend repeatedly broke into her Ko Lanta home, stealing valuables and attempting sexual assault on her and her 27-year-old daughter multiple times since mid-August.

Woman Reports Ex-Boyfriend's Repeated Home Invasions
15h ago Khaosod

A 47-year-old woman has reported that her ex-boyfriend, whom she dated for 2-3 years before breaking up over two years ago, has repeatedly broken into her home and harassed her. She filed police reports three times.

On August 16 at 2:21 a.m., the man broke into her home and took her bag containing an ID card, approximately 600 baht in cash, a pawn ticket, an iPad, and a room key.

On August 17 at 1:00 a.m., he broke in again and attempted sexual assault on her 27-year-old daughter and on the victim herself, but was unsuccessful.

On August 21 at 2:22 a.m., he broke in once more, wielding a knife, and attempted sexual assault on both the victim and her daughter, but they managed to escape.

The victim expressed severe fear and concern about her safety, noting that despite filing three police reports, the man has continued to gain entry to her home. She is calling on police to urgently track down and prosecute the suspect to protect herself and her daughter, and is asking anyone with information about him to report it to authorities.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Deputy PM Mobilizes Private Sector Aid for Nan Flood Victims

Deputy PM Suphajee Suthammaphan announced the Commerce Ministry is coordinating with private companies and the Pharmaceutical Organization to collect and distribute emergency relief supplies including food, water, medicines, and hygiene pro

Deputy PM Mobilizes Private Sector Aid for Nan Flood Victims
15h ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthammaphan announced on August 21 that her ministry is coordinating with private sector partners and the Pharmaceutical Organization to collect essential supplies and distribute relief bags to flood-affected residents in Nan province. Concerned about the situation affecting northern Thailand residents, she has instructed her ministry to provide full assistance by mobilizing food, drinking water, milk, essential items, and medicines from private businesses and related agencies. "The Commerce Ministry wants to deliver aid to people quickly, especially in the early stages of disaster. Essential everyday items will greatly ease people's suffering, so we are urgently coordinating with the private sector and relevant agencies to support and dispatch supplies to Nan province," she said. The relief effort has garnered cooperation from the Internal Trade Department's private business network and the Pharmaceutical Organization, which are contributing ready-to-drink milk, instant noodles, canned fish and fish products, drinking water, sanitary pads, soap, shampoo, laundry products, cleaning solutions, tissue paper, and necessary medicines and medical supplies. The Internal Trade Department is packing approximately 500 to 1,000 relief bags for efficient transport and distribution to disaster victims. Officials are working urgently to pack and prepare these bags for delivery to Nan province by Friday, August 21, with rapid distribution to affected residents. Supporting companies include One Thai Food Industry, Thai President Foods, Saha Pathana Pibul, Thai Food Products Manufacturing, Thai Union Group, Royal Foods, Pattaya Food Industry, Thai Nam Tip Corporation, Nestle Thailand, Friesland Campina Thailand, F&N Dairies Thailand, Dutch Mill, Green Spot, Lactasoy, Kao Industrial Thailand, and the Pharmaceutical Organization. "On behalf of the Commerce Ministry, I thank the private sector, the Pharmaceutical Organization, and all sectors for supporting this relief effort," Suphajee said. "We will expedite delivery of all supplies to disaster areas to reach Nan residents as quickly as possible and send encouragement to all affected people to safely overcome this crisis."

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Japan Carmakers Press Thailand on Unfair EV Tax Rules

Japanese automakers are pressing Thailand to reform tax rules they say unfairly favor Chinese EV imports, with Toyota warning that unfair incentives could prompt production relocations to countries like Indonesia.

Japan Carmakers Press Thailand on Unfair EV Tax Rules
15h ago Khaosod

Senior executives from major Japanese automakers have publicly criticized what they say are unfair tax and incentive schemes for imported electric vehicles, particularly from China, sparking ongoing tension with Thailand's automotive industry.

Suphakorn Rattanwarahah, Deputy Managing Director of Toyota Motor Thailand, said the company has discussed the current state of the automotive industry with the Thai government to highlight the competitive imbalance between domestically produced vehicles and foreign imports, especially from China. Toyota has proposed restructuring the excise tax framework to create fair competition while prioritizing the national interest. Chinese EVs currently imported and sold in Thailand pay different excise taxes than domestically produced vehicles, making competition difficult.

Toyota also argues that to protect Thailand's automotive industry—particularly those with substantial manufacturing investments—the government should not allow tax loopholes to be exploited by importers, which costs the country lost tax revenue that should fund national development.

Meanwhile, Honda Chairman and CEO Koji Iwanami said Honda has coordinated with six other Japanese carmakers and the Japan Chamber of Commerce to urge the Thai government to lower import tax rates on Japanese vehicles and improve their competitiveness. Japanese vehicles currently face an 80% import tariff, and Honda seeks to increase opportunities and diversity in vehicle imports from Japan to meet Thai consumer demand.

The situation intensified when neighboring Indonesia announced it would welcome Toyota's relocation of its entire production base to the country, not just manufacturing facilities but a complete ecosystem. Though Toyota Thailand's senior management stated it is unlikely to move all production out of Thailand due to long-established operations, supply chain integration, trained workforce, and world-class quality standards, they warned that without fair investment incentives, the future remains uncertain.

The dispute has caused significant upheaval in Thailand's automotive sector. The Thai government has taken action, with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas instructing the Revenue Department to expedite review of the automotive tax structure using excise tax rates, with conclusions due by September to ensure fairness across all vehicle powertrains.

Industry Minister Weerawut Silpaarcha stated that the government must urgently restructure excise taxes so that domestic vehicle production costs can compete with imported vehicles, without allowing imports to have lower costs than domestically produced vehicles, which would undermine Thai manufacturers' competitiveness.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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