Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Easy Pass Update: Simple 3-Step Guide for New Car or License Plate

Easy Pass users can update their vehicle information online in three simple steps after buying a new car or changing license plates, without worrying about compatibility issues.

Easy Pass Update: Simple 3-Step Guide for New Car or License Plate
11 Aug Khaosod

Easy Pass users who have recently purchased a new vehicle or changed their license plate need not worry about compatibility issues. You can update your Easy Pass information easily through an online system in just three steps.

Log in through the website at https://thaieasypass.exat.co.th/ Select vehicle registration edit from the data management menu and choose the item you wish to modify Fill in the complete details of your new vehicle registration, make, and color, then click confirm.

The process is convenient, quick, and can be done from anywhere. Stay updated on travel news by following the Expressway Authority of Thailand's official page.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Expands Research Fund Program for Young Capital Market Researchers

Thailand expanded a research fund program supporting emerging capital market researchers into its second year, aiming to develop young talent and strengthen the nation's position as a regional financial hub.

Thailand Expands Research Fund Program for Young Capital Market Researchers
11 Aug Khaosod

On August 11, the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (OHEC) signed an amended memorandum of understanding with the Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF) to continue the "Research Fund Support Program for Emerging Capital Market Researchers" into its second year. The initiative aims to develop a robust "National Brain Power Ecosystem" by elevating capacity across four key dimensions: cultivating young researchers to international professional standards, integrating knowledge networks across institutions, creating financial innovations that solve real problems, and strengthening Thailand's position as a regional financial hub.

Permanent Secretary Supachai Patumanakul announced that during fiscal year 2568, the program successfully advanced 10 quality research projects to practical policy implementation. The expanded agreement ensures ten additional emerging researchers will receive sustained and full support. He emphasized that today's signing represents a shared commitment to leverage higher education, science, research, and innovation to drive Thailand's capital market development, support the nation's transition to a high-income knowledge-based economy, and foster sustainable economic growth.

CMDF Manager Chakrachai Bunyawat described the partnership as a crucial step forward amid rapid technological and geopolitical changes. He stressed that Thailand's capital market needs not just funding but expertise to navigate AI, digital economies, and emerging risks. The collaboration translates academic research beyond academic journals into actionable policy, regulations, and financial innovations. Investing in young researchers who understand economics, technology, and modern challenges will strengthen the nation's capabilities and competitiveness.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Jasmine Flower Prices Spike to 1,000 Baht Per Liter Before Mother's Day

Jasmine flower prices have spiked to 1,000 baht per liter ahead of Mother's Day due to lower supply from weather damage, prompting Thai trade officials to warn vendors against price gouging and monitor markets for fair pricing.

Jasmine Flower Prices Spike to 1,000 Baht Per Liter Before Mother's Day
11 Aug Khaosod

The Internal Trade Department inspected flower markets at Pak Khlong Talad 2 to monitor jasmine prices ahead of Mother's Day, reminding vendors to display prices clearly and reasonably. Officials warned that any opportunistic price increases would trigger immediate legal action.

Deputy Director-General Chirawut Suvanajaksorn said officials visited the flower market center at Pak Khlong Talad 2 in Talad Noi district and Yod Piman Market in Phra Nakhon district on August 11 to track jasmine sales. Demand for jasmine flowers and garlands increases during the Mother's Day season, but this year's supply is lower, causing prices to rise according to market mechanisms. The department is closely monitoring price levels, product quantities, and price displays to ensure fair trading and prevent consumer exploitation during periods of high demand.

Surveys found that fresh, large-grade A jasmine flowers in retail shops sell for approximately 1,000 baht per liter, while wholesale prices are around 850 baht per liter. Overall fresh jasmine prices range from 750–1,000 baht per liter depending on size, quality, freshness, and vendor. Fresh jasmine garlands are priced at 200–300 baht for large arrangements, 50–100 baht for medium, and 35–50 baht for small, with prices varying by size, quality, and design.

Chirawut said inquiries revealed that most jasmine sold comes from Nakhon Sawan and Kamphaeng Phet provinces. This year's yield is lower than last year due to heavy rain and cool weather, while Mother's Day demand has increased, causing the price spike—a short-term adjustment based on supply and market demand.

"For consumers buying jasmine or garlands for Mother's Day, please compare prices, quality, size, and quantity before deciding," Chirawut advised. "You don't need to buy from the first shop you find, as prices vary by quality and cost. Comparing options helps you get fair value and meet your budget."

The department has instructed business operators to display prices clearly and transparently so consumers can easily check and compare before purchase. Prices shown must match the sale price, and vendors should charge reasonable rates aligned with costs and market conditions, avoiding excessive markups during high-demand periods.

If the department finds abnormally high prices or receives complaints of price gouging, it will investigate the facts and vendor costs. If found guilty of overpricing without justification, the case may violate the 2542 BE Price of Goods and Services Act, carrying penalties of up to 7 years imprisonment, a fine up to 140,000 baht, or both.

The Internal Trade Department will continue monitoring flower and Mother's Day-related product sales to ensure fair, transparent trading. Consumers who spot unmarked prices, mismatched advertised prices, or unfair practices can report to the department's hotline at 1569 or their provincial commerce office.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Cabinet Approves Civil Service Overhaul to Cut Budget Costs

Thailand's Cabinet approved a civil service overhaul to reduce budget costs, freezing new positions and phasing out vacant roles as personnel expenses consume 70% of the government's annual budget.

Cabinet Approves Civil Service Overhaul to Cut Budget Costs
11 Aug Khaosod

On August 11, 2569, at Government House, government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek announced that the Cabinet has approved a civil service personnel management reform proposal led by Deputy Prime Minister Pokphand Nilpraphand. The reform aligns with government policy presented to Parliament and addresses the country's fiscal situation, where personnel costs consume 70% of the annual budget. The measures include: (1) freezing all new civil servant position allocations, requiring agencies to manage existing staff and fill vacancies only as needed from approved recruitment lists; (2) eliminating unused civil servant positions that have received no budget allocation since October 1, 2567, with reports due by December 2569; (3) phasing out positions vacated by retirement in fiscal years 2570-2575, particularly in support functions including administrative officers, public relations officers, communications officers, audiovisual officers, librarians, and various technician roles, with exceptions for medical and dental staff at the Public Health Ministry and correctional personnel. All government agencies must review their mandates, functions, and structures to align with personnel levels without compromising service quality.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Weather

Heavy Rain Warning Issued for 43 Thai Provinces

Thailand's meteorological department issued a heavy rain warning for 43 provinces on August 11, with the strongest impacts expected in the north and northeast where thunderstorms could trigger flash floods in low-lying areas and near waterw

Heavy Rain Warning Issued for 43 Thai Provinces
11 Aug Khaosod

On August 11, 2025, the Thai Meteorological Department forecast heavy rainfall in scattered areas across upper Thailand over the next 24 hours. A monsoon trough is moving across the upper northern and upper northeastern regions toward a low-pressure system in northern Vietnam, while the southwestern monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and Thailand's coastal areas is moderately strong.

Residents in affected areas are warned to watch for dangers from heavy and accumulated rainfall, which may cause flash floods and flash flooding, especially in foothill areas near waterways and in low-lying zones.

Waves in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are moderately strong, reaching 2–3 meters in height, with waves exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. Boat operators are urged to exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm zones. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand should remain ashore.

**Northern Region**: Thunderstorms in 70% of the area with heavy rain in some places. Affected provinces include Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Low 23–27°C, high 31–34°C. Southwest winds 10–20 kph.

**Northeastern Region**: Thunderstorms in 70% of the area with heavy rain in some places. Affected provinces include Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani. Low 24–25°C, high 32–34°C. Southwest winds 10–20 kph.

**Central Region**: Thunderstorms in 60% of the area with heavy rain in some places. Affected provinces include Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Low 24–26°C, high 32–34°C. Southwest winds 10–25 kph.

**Eastern Region**: Thunderstorms in 70% of the area with heavy rain in some places. Affected provinces include Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 24–27°C, high 30–34°C. Southwest winds 20–40 kph. Seas with 2–3 meter waves, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas.

**Southern Region (East Coast)**: Thunderstorms in 40% of the area. Mostly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Low 23–25°C, high 32–35°C. Southwest winds 20–35 kph. Seas with 1–2 meter waves, exceeding 2 meters offshore and in thunderstorm zones.

**Southern Region (West Coast)**: Thunderstorms in 40% of the area. Ranong, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces. Low 24–28°C, high 31–34°C. From Phang Nga northward: southwest winds 20–40 kph, waves 2–3 meters, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorms. From Phuket southward: southwest winds 20–35 kph, waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms.

**Bangkok and Vicinity**: Thunderstorms in 70% of the area with heavy rain in some places. Low 26–27°C.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Court Voids Social Security Board Election Delay Order

Thailand's Administrative Court struck down a suspension order that had delayed Social Security Board elections, ruling the indefinite postponement unlawful and ordering voting to proceed as originally scheduled on September 27.

Court Voids Social Security Board Election Delay Order
11 Aug Khaosod

At 3:00 p.m. on August 11, 2025, the Administrative Court ruled to revoke the announcement suspending elections for employer and insured worker representatives on the Social Security Board, which had been issued on July 27, 2025. The Progressive Social Security Team, led by Satstharam Thammabusdee and 14 members, had sued the election committee, claiming the suspension order was unlawful because it set no clear timeline and constituted illegal action.

The court reasoned that the announcement effectively halted the election process established by the original proclamation issued on May 25, 2025, preventing the election proceedings from continuing. The court found no justification for the delay under Labor Ministry emergency provisions. The Social Security Office (SSO) had budgeted 275 million baht for the elections and could seek additional approval if needed, making the indefinite suspension unnecessary and unlawful. The court also issued an injunction preventing the SSO from issuing similar orders to suspend the elections.

Speaking after the ruling, Satstharam stated the Progressive Social Security Team won the case and that election proceedings must now resume on the original schedule. He noted the SSO is fully prepared, with over 7 million ballots already printed, and budget is not an obstacle. Allowing the Social Security Board to operate under interim management for nearly six months risks long-term damage to the fund, he added. The elections will now take place on September 27, 2025. Satstharam appealed to the public to participate in what he described as a historic opportunity to return control of the country's largest welfare organization to ordinary workers and their families, whose contributions support 1.2 million children, 200,000 pregnant women, 900,000 pensioners, and millions of patients.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Custom Home Builders Report 4.8 Billion Baht in First-Half Sales

Thailand's custom home-building market grew 12% in the first half of 2025, with member companies reaching 4.8 billion baht in sales, driven by frozen prices and strong demand for luxury homes above 20 million baht.

Custom Home Builders Report 4.8 Billion Baht in First-Half Sales
11 Aug Khaosod

The House Builders Association (HBA) says Thailand's custom home-building market continued to grow in the first half of 2025 despite economic pressure. The association values the overall market at 100 billion baht, a 4-5% increase from 2024, split between Bangkok and surrounding areas (20%) and provincial regions (80%). Member company sales reached 4.8 billion baht in the first half, up 12%, with full-year projections of 10 billion baht.

HBA chairman Anantkorn Amorwathai said market growth in the second half is being driven by stabilizing construction costs. Member firms have kept house prices frozen since the second quarter to ease consumer expenses and boost home-building decisions. Genuine homeowners—those building for actual residence rather than speculation—continue to show strong demand, and financial institutions are increasingly willing to extend credit to this segment, viewing it as lower-risk than speculative property purchases.

Luxury homes priced at 20 million baht and above are leading market interest, accounting for 26% of contracts signed in the first half, followed by homes priced between 10.01 and 20 million baht (25%), 5.01-10 million baht (23%), and 2.51-5 million baht (21%). This marks a significant shift from 2024, when the 10-20 million baht segment led with 26%.

"Premium homes of 20 million baht and up are attracting the most market attention, showing that high-end buyers retain strong purchasing power and are increasingly choosing association members for our quality standards and reliability," Anantkorn said.

The HBA is establishing a consumer protection fund to strengthen industry standards. The fund will compensate consumers harmed by member company negligence—such as failure to complete construction—with compensation up to 1 million baht per case, settled within 30 days. The initiative starts as a pilot program to build consumer confidence and differentiate HBA members from unregistered contractors. Over the past two years, the association mediated fewer than 10 disputes, but the fund represents a more concrete consumer safeguard. The HBA will monitor the fund's performance and review its structure in future.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Expands School Milk Program to 6.6 Million Students

Thailand is expanding its school milk program to reach 6.6 million students, including middle schoolers at educational opportunity schools, starting in November to improve nutrition for low-income families in remote areas.

Thailand Expands School Milk Program to 6.6 Million Students
11 Aug Khaosod

The Cabinet has approved an expansion of the school milk supplementary feeding program to include students in grades 7–9 at educational opportunity schools for the first time, Deputy Agriculture Minister Watchara Khaokhram announced today. The program aims to invest in child and youth nutrition, enabling healthy physical, cognitive, and developmentally appropriate learning while building quality citizens who will drive the nation's future development. Implementation will begin in the second semester of the 2025 academic year this November. The expanded program will now cover approximately 6.6 million students, up from roughly 6 million previously, reducing inequality especially for low-income families in remote areas and easing parents' financial burden. The initiative will also support the domestic raw milk market by increasing raw milk purchases to 87,202 tons per day, helping dairy farmers and the milk industry across the board. Watchara emphasized that the government wants Thai children to drink 100 percent pure milk containing complete natural proteins and vitamins, and remains committed to supporting dairy farmers and milk-producing communities. The expansion aims to improve Thai children's quality of life through access to standardized, nutritious school milk while building a sustainable Thai milk industry and creating both quality citizens and sustainable economic growth.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Men's Rattan Ball Team Wins 37th King's Cup Title

Thailand's men's rattan ball team won their 37th national championship, defeating Malaysia 2-0 in the King's Cup final at Fashion Island shopping center on August 11.

Thailand Men's Rattan Ball Team Wins 37th King's Cup Title
11 Aug Khaosod

Thailand's men's rattan ball team defeated Malaysia 2-0 in the final of the 39th King's Cup World Championship, held on August 11, 2026, at Fashion Island shopping center. Coach Pornchai Khaeokaew fielded his strongest lineup, with Team A players Jirasak Pakbuaengern, Pornthep Thinbangbon, and Mrukkinthon Panmakorn (team captain) winning 15-7, 15-11, before Team B's Krisanpong Nonthakotsorn, Thanapol Sapyen, and Wutinan Khamsanah (team captain) secured victory 15-9, 15-12. The 2-0 result gave Thailand its 37th men's team championship and sixth title overall at this tournament. This marks the first championship for Pornchai Khaeokaew as head coach of the Thai national team.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Lost Hikers Ignored Rescuers, Fearing Mountain Demons

Two Chinese hikers stranded on a mountain for 30 hours ignored rescue teams' calls for nearly 17 hours, fearing the voices were demons trying to lure them deeper into the wilderness, a traditional superstition that nearly cost them their li

Lost Hikers Ignored Rescuers, Fearing Mountain Demons
11 Aug Khaosod

A frightening ordeal unfolded when two Chinese residents became trapped on a mountain for nearly 30 hours, hearing rescue teams calling for them but refusing to respond due to fears of supernatural deception. The couple—a 73-year-old man and 58-year-old woman from a nearby village—had ventured out to gather medicinal herbs on July 29. Both have hearing difficulties and carried no mobile phones, food, or water.

When police and fire officials in Huizhou District received notice of two missing villagers, they mobilized rescue teams to search through the night across treacherous, steep terrain with slippery surfaces. After 17 hours of intensive searching, rescuers found the pair in severely weakened condition. However, when questioned, officials made a shocking discovery: the couple admitted they had heard the rescue team calling for some time before being found.

Their refusal to respond stemmed from ancient Chinese folklore holding that demons or spirits inhabiting mountains can mimic the voices of familiar people to lure lost travelers into responding, causing greater confusion and disorientation. According to this belief, victims should never answer calls on mountains or admit to hunger and thirst, fearing spiritual possession. Fearing these phantom voices, the couple walked in the opposite direction away from the rescue team's position, repeatedly missing critical opportunities for help until rescuers reached the rear of the mountain.

The couple's adherence to this traditional superstition directly hampered their rescue. Beyond refusing to answer, they deliberately moved away from the rescue team's voices, compounding their ordeal. Once officials approached from behind the mountain, the pair finally responded.

After the story spread on social media, many online commenters shared their thoughts. Some noted that waiting 17 hours for help would be agonizing, while others acknowledged they might feel similarly afraid if lost on a mountain hearing mysterious calls. Several revealed their own families still hold such beliefs.

Huizhou District fire officials urged the public to avoid entering mountainous or remote wilderness areas alone and to prioritize safety by contacting emergency services if faced with danger in natural settings.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Exam Fraud Uncovered: Officials Accused of Rigging 2564 Local Admin Test

Officials allegedly altered test scores in a 2564 local administrator exam, inflating grades and changing failures to passes, prompting the NACC to launch a special investigation into the widespread fraud affecting municipal and provincial

Exam Fraud Uncovered: Officials Accused of Rigging 2564 Local Admin Test
11 Aug Khaosod

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has accepted a special investigation into charges that recruitment officials improperly altered test scores in the 2564 local administrator examination for municipal employees, provincial administrative staff, and Pattaya city personnel. Following an investigation into 2568 exam fraud, officials discovered that scores in the 2564 local administrator recruitment exam were systematically modified—failing scores were changed to passing, or grades were artificially inflated—with evidence linking these alterations to the earlier case. Given the large number of suspects and accused parties involved, plus its significant public interest and potential broad impact, the NACC voted to pursue the matter as a special case.

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.