Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

Drug Suspect Dies in Standoff, Injures Officer

A drug suspect died in an explosive standoff with police in Chiang Rai after opening fire on officers executing a search warrant; one officer was injured by shrapnel.

Drug Suspect Dies in Standoff, Injures Officer
20h ago Khaosod

On August 18, 2025, Fang District Police coordinated with military units to execute a search warrant at a house in Mueang Chiang Rai district. Officers were attempting to apprehend Silchai on drug trafficking charges related to methamphetamine distribution. An unidentified man at the location opened fire on officers with a shotgun and attempted to throw explosives at them. The suspect then detonated an explosive device near the house, killing himself. Officers have not yet identified the deceased and are awaiting forensic confirmation. Police Officer Third Class Pongsak Klangthaison was wounded by shrapnel on his left arm and was taken to Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital. The area remained cordoned off as operations continued.

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Tourism

Khon Kaen Zoo Welcomes Baby Giraffe

Khon Kaen Zoo welcomed a female baby giraffe born in May, expanding its breeding program and offering visitors close views from the skyway bridge while the calf develops under veterinary care.

Khon Kaen Zoo Welcomes Baby Giraffe
20h ago Khaosod

Khon Kaen Zoo has unveiled a new female baby giraffe, marking another success in wildlife breeding programs. The calf is now available for visitors to view closely from the zoo's skyway bridge. Tipawan Kittikun, director of Khon Kaen Zoo, announced that the zoo has achieved another breeding success after a giraffe gave birth to a female calf on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. The calf is currently three months old and represents a significant accomplishment in wildlife population management and breeding for the Zoo Organization of Thailand. The newborn giraffe is the offspring of Khaem, a breeding male imported from abroad and born on May 25, 2009, and Burn Fern (Chae), a breeding female transferred from Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo and born on September 14, 2006. This calf is Burn Fern's ninth offspring. Khon Kaen Zoo currently houses three giraffes in total: the breeding pair and their new offspring. The baby giraffe is receiving close care from veterinarians and caretakers, with ongoing monitoring of its health, nursing, growth, and mother-infant behavior. To ensure proper development, visitors are not permitted to feed the calf at this time. However, tourists can view the baby giraffe up close from the skyway bridge and observe it foraging alongside zebras and ostriches in a recreated savanna grassland habitat. "The birth of this baby giraffe is not only a breeding success but also an important opportunity to educate children, youth, and the public about biology, animal behavior, and wildlife conservation, while promoting Khon Kaen Zoo as a quality learning and conservation tourism destination," the zoo director stated.

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National

Young Innovators Design Bangkok Solutions Using AI and Code

Bangkok youth used AI and coding to design solutions for city challenges like air quality and flood management in Code Genius Junior Hackathon 2026, learning to connect technology with real-world problems through Design Thinking processes.

Young Innovators Design Bangkok Solutions Using AI and Code
20h ago Khaosod

Code Genius, under LEARN Corporation, has organized the Code Genius Junior Hackathon 2026 with the theme "Young Innovators for Better Bangkok: A Liveable City Through Young Brilliant Ideas." The event provides youth an opportunity to apply knowledge in coding, AI, Scratch, and micro:bit to design innovations and solutions for real challenges facing Bangkok, covering air quality, stray animals, disaster preparedness, night safety, transportation and traffic, and building an inclusive city. The learning approach emphasizes using technology as a tool to understand and solve real-world problems.

The activity took place at Learn Sadhit Phattana (LSP School), where participants learned through Design Thinking processes—from problem analysis, user understanding, concept development, to prototyping and presenting work to expert judges. Many ideas demonstrated students' ability to connect technology with social problems and human quality of life. One notable project came from the Safer team, which presented a real-time flood warning application with nearby safe zones and rescue boat services designed for the general public, pet owners, and people with disabilities, reflecting comprehensive user-centered innovation design.

Judges evaluated entries based on Design Thinking criteria, assessing problem understanding, creative solutions, and prototype development alignment with the given brief. The event featured experts from government, education, and technology sectors as judges and advisors, helping advance participants' ideas toward real-world application.

Chanpatin Palapipath, founder and managing director of Code Genius, stated: "We believe children learn best when they see the connection between what they learn and real context. Using coding or AI to solve city problems isn't about creating perfect innovations, but about teaching them to ask questions, see human impact, and learn that their knowledge can create real change. In the future, the key skill may not just be using technology, but using technology to solve meaningful problems."

The event reflects Code Genius's learning philosophy that technology skills should develop alongside critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving abilities, enabling students to apply knowledge meaningfully. This aligns with LEARN Corporation's mission to develop learners' potential through education connected to real life and future global change. For more information, visit www.codegeniusacademy.com or www.learn.co.th.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Pong Announces Rock Legacy Concert With Surprise Guests

Rock legend Pong announces a comprehensive concert spanning his entire catalog at Thunder Dome on November 7, featuring surprise appearances by beauty queen Ingfah Waraha and Nap Retrospect.

Pong Announces Rock Legacy Concert With Surprise Guests
20h ago Khaosod

Legendary rock musician Pong Pattamapong Sammatipibul, known for his work with The Olarn Project, Hin Lek Lai, and The Sun, is preparing to unleash a full-scale concert called PONG ROCK LEGACY at Thunder Dome in Muang Thonburi on November 7, 2025. The setlist will span his entire musical catalog, including rare tracks, introspective songs, and heavy metal numbers rarely performed in live venues, alongside fan favorites. The concert will feature surprise guest appearances by Ingfah Waraha, a top Thai beauty queen and entertainer, and Nap Retrospect, marking Ingfah's first collaboration with Pong on stage.

At 64 years old, Pong shared his health secrets for maintaining his stage energy: adequate rest, no smoking, minimal alcohol, regular exercise, and consistent music practice. He emphasized that artists should not strain their voices if their bodies are not ready, as it can cause lasting damage. Pong confirmed the concert is a comprehensive showcase—not a farewell—and stressed his intention to continue making and performing music as long as fans show support. He expressed excitement about meeting Ingfah for the first time, noting her status as a genuine trend in Thai entertainment, and mentioned that preparation with his production team is on track to deliver a full-scale experience.

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Tourism

King Power Opens Passage of Collections Flagship Store

King Power Rangsit has opened The Passage of Collections, a flagship multi-brand fashion store featuring seven luxury and contemporary labels including Alexander McQueen, Marni, and Vivienne Westwood on Level 1. The space showcases ready-to

King Power Opens Passage of Collections Flagship Store
20h ago Khaosod

King Power Rangsit has opened its first multi-brand store, The Passage of Collections, on Level 1, featuring seven world brands and inviting shoppers to browse fashion, apparel, bags, jewelry, and footwear that can be mixed and matched in any style every day.

The King Power group unveiled The Passage of Collections as a premier fashion shopping destination welcoming Thai fans and tourists worldwide to experience seamlessly integrated fashion design connected with lifestyle. It brings together iconic legendary brands and trending names with diverse items that complete any look beyond what was possible before.

The Passage of Collections is a fashion space for everyday wear, designed perfectly for modern lifestyles without following seasonal trends, moving beyond traditional luxury to blend diverse contemporary fashion spanning luxury, streetwear, and genderless styles. Customers can enjoy mixing and matching pieces daily using the key concept "Everything Wear" from global brands including Alexander McQueen, Courrèges, Jacquemus, Marni, MM6, The Row, and Vivienne Westwood, allowing shoppers to express their identity, taste, and personal style freely.

Inside the curved retail space with surrounding clear glass, warm-toned wooden walls, and graduated golden lighting along the ceiling that guides the eye to brand logos etched in glass, various brands are arranged rhythmically on wooden shelves displaying bags, shoes, and jewelry in a curated gallery-like setting. The Passage of Collections is not merely a designer brand showroom but a space where customers select pieces that truly fit themselves and can wear with joy. The seven highlighted brands each offer distinct appeal: Alexander McQueen, a British luxury brand blending dark romanticism with haute couture craftsmanship, known globally for its iconic skull motif; Courrèges, founded in Paris by André and Coqueline Courrèges and a legendary 1960s fashion house that sparked the Space Age trend and revolutionized women's fashion with futuristic silhouettes and geometric cutting; Jacquemus, a French brand with minimalist style infused with playfulness, expressed through asymmetrical silhouettes and unconventional tailoring in warm tones reflecting Mediterranean charm, guaranteed by its signature mini bag Le Chiquito; Marni Meryll Rogge, which reinterprets its recognizable identity inspired by the Prealps surrounding Milan, blending mountain climber chic with refined tailoring and hit items like Fussbett shoes and Trunk bags; MM6, a contemporary fashion brand distinguished by innovative clothing merging creative and playful thinking, breaking conventional boundaries through conceptual design and unique fabric techniques in an all-gender style that unlocks identity without limits; The Row, an American luxury brand founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, showcasing quiet luxury through simple, serene lines and shapes that emphasize restrained elegance; and Vivienne Westwood, representing punk spirit and rebellious design.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Woman Alone in Hotel Room Attacked by Adjacent Guest

A Hat Yai woman filed a police complaint after an intoxicated man from an adjacent hotel room repeatedly tried to break into her room on August 16-17, forcing his way past the door lock despite her chain lock defense.

Woman Alone in Hotel Room Attacked by Adjacent Guest
20h ago Khaosod

On August 18, a 34-year-old woman reported an alarming incident after checking into a hotel room in Hat Yai. While sleeping alone on the night of August 16-17, an unfamiliar man—apparently intoxicated or mentally unstable—repeatedly knocked on her door and managed to pick the lock. Although the door had an additional chain lock, the man persisted in trying to reach through and remove it with his hand. The woman quickly called hotel staff for help, and it was discovered that the man was staying in the adjacent room and had attempted this intrusion two or three times previously. The hotel staff only came to observe and took no other action, prompting the woman to file a trespassing complaint with Khao Hong Police in Hat Yai District.

The woman expressed deep fear, saying that if the man had managed to enter, she dares not imagine what might have happened. Lieutenant Colonel Apichat Wanko, superintendent of Khao Hong Police Station, has ordered the investigation team to urgently collect evidence including CCTV footage to proceed with the case as quickly as possible, noting that such a situation cannot be left unaddressed due to the danger it poses.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

Phra Khanong Police Chief Denies Fake Arrest Warrant Claims

Police chief denies allegations of fake arrest warrant in case involving woman prosecuted for 2016 trespassing protests over eroded coastal land in Bangkok.

Phra Khanong Police Chief Denies Fake Arrest Warrant Claims
20h ago Khaosod

On August 18, 2025, Pol. Col. Chaiwat Pradabpai, superintendent of Phra Khanong Police Station, addressed allegations made by Ms. Chommani, known as Pa Da, who claims she was charged with eight counts of attempted murder by Phra Khanong Police. The case originated in 1995 when Abbas filed a lawsuit against the Royal Thai Treasury Department over coastal land that had since eroded into the sea. After three court proceedings, the Supreme Court ruled in 2016 that the land had disappeared beneath the sea, concluding the civil case. In 2016, a group claiming to be estate managers rejected the Supreme Court's decision and led public protests, eventually cutting wire fences and trespassing on an oil company's leased area. This led to multiple criminal charges for trespassing and property destruction. Pa Da was among those prosecuted, facing one case from 2018 and three more from 2020. The first case resulted in a jail sentence and is under appeal. In 2024, prosecutors decided to prosecute the group for additional trespassing charges, requiring her arrest. When she failed to respond to a police summons, officers requested a court-issued arrest warrant, which Pol. Col. Chaiwat emphasized was a legitimate court order, not a police fabrication. He stressed that police do not issue arrest warrants; they gather evidence and present requests to the court, which then decides whether sufficient grounds exist. When she was arrested a second time during a public holiday, she was held pending transfer to prosecutors for court filing, which he clarified was lawful arrest, not unlawful detention. Regarding her claim that fingerprints were not repeated during the later arrest, Pol. Col. Chaiwat explained that since the arrest was for prosecution purposes in an existing case where fingerprints had already been taken, duplication was unnecessary. He also dismissed allegations that officers sprayed water on her, stating police had no reason for such conduct. He concluded by noting that with the case now under court examination, the legal process must proceed according to law.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai SME Confidence Index Climbs Above Baseline for First Time in Five Months

Thai small and medium enterprise confidence rebounded above baseline in July 2025 for the first time in five months, driven by government stimulus programs, though business owners worry about sustaining growth once support expires in Septem

Thai SME Confidence Index Climbs Above Baseline for First Time in Five Months
20h ago Khaosod

Deputy Director Panita Shinwatcharoen of the Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Office announced that the SMESI for July 2025 improved to 50.8 from 47.8 in the previous month, marking a return above the baseline level of 50.0 for the first time in five months. Despite lingering pressures from Middle East tensions affecting shipping costs and supply chains, the index recovered significantly thanks to government short-term economic stimulus, particularly the Thailand Helping Thailand Plus programme delivered through the Paotang mobile app. The trade sector index reached 52.0 while services rebounded to 50.9, with three-month forward confidence rising to 52.9 for the August to October period, reflecting optimism about the year-end tourism season.

However, entrepreneurs remain cautious about consumer purchasing power once the Thailand Helping Thailand Plus programme expires in September, and cost pressures continue to weigh. Nearly 82% of SMEs report strain from fuel, electricity, raw material, and online platform fees, with over half facing digital costs exceeding 15% of sales revenue. About 43% of entrepreneurs have called on government to design simpler, faster, and more precisely targeted support measures to address sustained cost burdens.

Government procurement represents a significant opportunity worth 1.3 to 1.8 trillion baht annually. The office and the Comptroller General's Department have successfully promoted the Thai SME GP scheme, achieving over 600 billion baht in SME government procurement in 2024, representing 33.7% of total procurement value. Recent figures show SME procurement reached 371.245 billion baht, or 55.8% of total value, with over 180,000 participating enterprises. To expand opportunities and prevent large businesses from misusing SME privileges, the office and Comptroller General's Department are revising the Thai SME GP criteria effective October 1, 2025 in three key areas: offering a 10% price score bonus for SMEs verified through ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO) checks; adding a 5% price bonus for SMEs issuing electronic tax invoices to promote digital adoption; and adjusting cumulative contract value criteria from size-based limits to a combined ceiling of 500 million baht.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Parliamentary Budget Panel Questions 8 Million Baht Website Project

A parliamentary budget committee questioned the House Secretariat's 8 million baht website development project after receiving three bids ranging from 7.3 to 10.48 million baht for identical scope. Lawmakers also raised concerns about spend

Parliamentary Budget Panel Questions 8 Million Baht Website Project
20h ago Khaosod

On August 18, 2026, a special parliamentary budget committee met to review fiscal year 2570 spending proposals for parliamentary bodies, chaired by Bunyong Wongtrairat, deputy committee chairman. The committee examined budget allocations for the King Prajadhipok Institute, the Senate Secretariat Office, the House Secretariat Office, and the Former Parliamentarians' Fund.

Committee member Chalonath Koykul questioned the House Secretariat's 8 million baht parliamentary website development project, noting that three price quotes ranged from 7.3 million to 10.48 million baht despite identical project scope, a 3 million baht difference. The Secretariat described the work as upgrading existing systems and databases rather than building new ones, prompting questions about how the 8 million baht figure was calculated.

Koykul also queried a separate 8 million baht civic promotion fund, part of a 25 million baht democracy initiative, saying the per-person training cost of 25,000 baht exceeded the previous fiscal year's 6.5 million baht allocation without clear justification for the increase.

Parliamentarian Bunluepraserit Sopha raised security concerns, recounting an incident where he was filmed on his phone in the parliamentary meeting room and the clip was published online. He also criticized invitations to democracy promotion events held at hotels without clear speaking topics, suggesting such activities should be held at temples or schools instead.

Bunluepraserit, a lawmaker since 2001, stated he has never claimed parliamentary benefits or medical expenses, believing public funds should help those in greater need. He urged the fund committee to tighten eligibility criteria and screening standards.

House Secretary-General Sirot Phaetphan explained that the website project involves developing an integrated system with a central database and improvements to the legislative review process under Section 77, including identity verification and complaint handling features. He said three contractors were consulted on pricing and detailed specifications would be submitted in writing.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Lost Cat Returns Home After 10 Years on Owner's Birthday

A tabby cat missing for a decade reunited with his Welsh family after locals spotted him living in a nearby shrub and brought him to a vet clinic, where his microchip revealed his identity—on his owner's 30th birthday.

Lost Cat Returns Home After 10 Years on Owner's Birthday
20h ago Khaosod

Charlie, a 13-year-old tabby cat, has reunited with his family after vanishing for ten years, arriving home on the exact day his owner turned 30. The BBC shared the touching story on August 18, 2024.

Charlie went missing in April 2016 when he was just three years old, shortly after the family relocated from Newbridge to Abercarn in Wales. As an outdoor cat who loved to roam, he disappeared one day. The family searched extensively and posted appeals on social media, but received only occasional leads and never found him.

Last month, owner Hannah Robertson received a call from a veterinary clinic in Abercarn. Local residents had spotted Charlie living in a nearby shrub and had been feeding him for several weeks. They brought him to the clinic, where staff scanned his microchip and contacted the family. Remarkably, this discovery happened on Lucy's 30th birthday.

What moved the family most was that Charlie recognized his owners immediately, despite ten years apart. He remains in good health, his coat is beautiful, and he is as affectionate as ever. Hannah explained that she will likely never know where Charlie spent those ten years, but joked that "the cat had quite an adventure." Charlie is now adjusting to life back home with the family and their other pets, already appearing happy. Lucy noted that Charlie is still the lovable cat he always was and seems to realize he has become something of a celebrity.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Community

Foundation Donates School and Sports Supplies to Sakon Nakhon Students

Pure Heart Foundation donated school supplies and sports equipment to two schools in Sakon Nakhon province, with support from multiple corporate partners coordinating through the "Fulfill Dreams with Heart for Children" program.

Foundation Donates School and Sports Supplies to Sakon Nakhon Students
20h ago Khaosod

The Pure Heart Foundation has distributed educational and sports equipment to students in Sakon Nakhon province through its "Fulfill Dreams with Heart for Children" program, aimed at building skills and supporting student development.

On August 18, foundation chairwoman Theeranat Nawamawat and her team visited Kok Lao Wittayakarn School and Baan Na School (Krurusat Utit Wittayayan) in Muang District, Sakon Nakhon to present donations. School director Prakop Tanmun accepted the items on behalf of the schools, which had requested support through the foundation's Facebook page. The foundation coordinated with partner organizations to collect goods that matched the children's actual needs and could be put to immediate use.

The donations came from multiple supporters. Pure Energy Public Company Limited provided sports equipment to promote physical activity and athletic competition. Thai Smile Bus supplied school materials, clothing, educational toys, story books, and learning resources designed to create an engaging and age-appropriate learning environment. Bye Lee Enterprise contributed snacks to add joy for the students.

The foundation also received support from Thep Sampathai Company (Sampathai Tour) for transportation logistics and assistance from the Office of Protected Areas Management Region 10 (Udon Thani) under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which facilitated smooth delivery to the schools.

Chairwoman Theeranat emphasized that the foundation prioritizes helping improve the quality of life for young people, ensuring every item donated serves a real educational, sports, or skills-development purpose. She noted that the project succeeds only through cooperation from all sectors, including donors and supporting agencies. She expressed gratitude to all partners for making this assistance reach the children appropriately.

"The foundation believes good help begins with listening and taking action," she said. "When all sectors work together, we create a spirit of goodwill that fulfills the dreams of children in Sakon Nakhon and creates opportunities for students to learn and grow well."

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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