Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

FLE Advances With First IPO Filing, Eyes Mai Market Listing

Frontline Engineering Company Limited received SEC approval for its 100-million-share IPO filing and plans to list on the mai market to fund expansion of its water management systems business serving government and private sector clients.

FLE Advances With First IPO Filing, Eyes Mai Market Listing
31 Jul Khaosod

Frontline Engineering Company Limited (FLE), a comprehensive water management system provider, is advancing capital raising efforts after the Securities and Exchange Commission approved its initial IPO filing of 100 million shares, preparing for listing on the mai market to expand operations and support growing demand from both government and private sector clients.

On July 31, 2025, Saksorn Thonopchai, Chief Executive Officer of Fin Plus Advisory Company Limited, which serves as FLE's financial advisor, announced that the SEC has completed its initial review of FLE's securities offering registration statement and draft prospectus. FLE submitted an IPO of 100 million ordinary shares, representing 33.33 percent of the company's total issued and paid-up ordinary shares, with anticipated listing on the mai market in the industrial goods business category.

FLE maintains registered capital of 150 million baht comprising 300 million ordinary shares with a par value of 0.50 baht each, of which 200 million shares have been paid up. The remaining 100 million shares were reserved for the initial public offering.

Phanu Chokapithan, Chief Executive Officer of Frontline Engineering, stated that the company supplies and distributes water pumps, valves, pipes, Bailey bridges, dredgers, and related equipment from world-leading manufacturers certified to international standards and recognized in the water management industry. The company also develops and sells products under its own brands, including HYLIC water pumps and valves, and ANACONDA water delivery pipes, designed for durability, high performance, and cost-effectiveness across diverse environments.

FLE additionally offers water pump rental services and provides electrical, mechanical, and solar energy installation, testing, and maintenance services for irrigation systems, water distribution networks, and solar cell systems powering water pumps, along with product-related services including installation, testing, and repair work.

The company operates an assembly plant and water pump testing center capable of simulating real working conditions and testing pressure and flow rates, staffed by experienced engineers specializing in pump mechanics to ensure quality and performance meet standards and customer specifications. With over 20 years of experience, FLE has earned ongoing trust from diverse clients across government agencies including the Irrigation Department, Department of Groundwater Resources, and provincial water authorities, as well as the private sector. The company aims to expand its private sector client base among infrastructure contractors, industrial estates, villages, golf courses, and solar farm businesses.

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Police

Japanese Prosecutors Drop Charges Against Thai Woman Arrested With Ice in Coffee

Japanese prosecutors have dropped charges against a 28-year-old Thai woman arrested at Fukuoka Airport in July with methamphetamine hidden in coffee, determining she unknowingly served as a courier for a larger smuggling operation. She is e

Japanese Prosecutors Drop Charges Against Thai Woman Arrested With Ice in Coffee
31 Jul Khaosod

A 28-year-old Thai woman arrested at Fukuoka Airport after methamphetamine was discovered hidden inside a coffee package in her luggage has been cleared of charges by Japanese prosecutors. The woman had been hired to courier goods to a Thai national living in Japan when airport officials discovered the ice drug concealed in her baggage on July 12, 2025. Her family had appealed to relevant authorities for help, suspecting she may have unknowingly become a courier for a larger smuggling operation.

On July 31, 2025, Ms. Areepak Ngernbumrung, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) and spokesperson, announced that Japanese prosecutors determined the Thai woman had no intent or credible involvement in international drug trafficking, as she was merely a courier unaware that narcotics were being smuggled into Japan. The prosecutors also noted she had no prior history of drug-related offenses or involvement. This is not the first case where Japanese prosecutors have declined to press charges against a Thai national in a drug case; decisions depend on available evidence and case circumstances.

Ms. Areepak revealed that immigration police will coordinate with Thai consular officials to confirm the woman's clearance from the drug charge so she can return to Thailand promptly. The responsibility for bringing her home rests with Thai consular staff and her family. The NCB will focus its efforts on investigating and tracking individuals connected to the broader international drug trafficking network, while criminal proceedings fall under the jurisdiction of the Drug Suppression Operations Center (DSPOC).

The question of whether she faces customs evasion charges upon return to Thailand remains under review by DSPOC investigators. Police are also pursuing the male courier driver who delivered the package to her home. Security camera footage has been analyzed, confirming the male rider delivered the parcel himself.

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Police

Human Rights Advocate Files Complaint Over Fake News and Threats

Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit filed a police complaint on July 31 against individuals and social media pages spreading false statements and hate speech attributed to her about southern border violence, threatening her safety. She called on a

Human Rights Advocate Files Complaint Over Fake News and Threats
31 Jul Khaosod

At 10:30 a.m. on July 31, 2025, at Bang Yai Police Station, Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit and human rights defenders filed a complaint against multiple individuals and social media pages accused of deliberately distorting information, spreading false statements, and inciting hate speech that has led to threats against her life and safety.

Angkhana revealed that the complaint stems from false statements attributed to her being edited and reshared online, with claims that she had commented on violence in the southern border region, specifically the shooting that killed five paramilitary rangers and injured civilians and children. She stressed that she never made any public or private statements about this incident.

Angkhana expressed deep concern that hate-filled speech could escalate into hate crimes, and that having false information spread about her directly threatens her family's safety and diminishes human dignity and worth. She noted that following each southern border violence incident, she is typically among the first to be targeted, despite having previously won a civil case against the National Security Council.

Angkhana stated she had previously submitted complaints to the National Police Office but received no updates, prompting her to file a formal complaint at Bang Yai Police Station, her jurisdiction. She requested police investigate the source and origin of the false information.

Initial charges include entering false data into a computer system, defamation, harassment, and inciting hate speech. She called on state agencies overseeing technology crimes to implement serious measures against online harassment to protect civilians and human rights defenders.

Angkhana acknowledged her concern that distorted statements could fuel hatred in the three southern border provinces and endanger her own life. As a human rights worker since her tenure on the National Human Rights Commission, she emphasized she did not comment this time, yet is repeatedly targeted whenever incidents occur. She worries that hate-fueled words could lead to criminal acts.

She characterized the situation as degrading to human dignity and worth, noting she had previously filed a civil case against the National Security Council, which the court ruled had committed illegal surveillance. She has also submitted complaints to the National Police Office but remains without updates while continuing to face harassment.

Angkhana expressed disbelief and suspicion regarding statements made by senior state officials referencing her in this case, questioning whether they had verified information before commenting, as widespread sharing suggests possible political discrediting. She urged the government, particularly the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, to take urgent action, as the harassment continues unabated.

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National

Gelato Craze Boosts Thailand's Ice Cream Market 70%

Thai ice cream orders surged 70% in late July as a viral gelato trend attracted 40% new customers to the market, with chocolate flavors leading demand across GrabFood's platform.

Gelato Craze Boosts Thailand's Ice Cream Market 70%
31 Jul Khaosod

GrabFood, one of Thailand's leading food delivery apps, revealed that ice cream orders through its platform have surged more than 70% in the two weeks ending July 29, 2025, driven by the viral "ultra-smooth gelato effect" that has energized Thailand's 25-billion-baht ice cream market even during the rainy season. The trend has attracted 40% new customers who have never ordered ice cream before, with chocolate flavors dominating at over 70% market share, while pistachio has emerged as the fastest-growing flavor.

Ice cream menu searches on the platform have jumped sixfold, reflecting how social media trends influence Thai consumer behavior, particularly among urban shoppers seeking affordable alternatives to trending products. GrabFood noted that ice cream orders grew 70% while packaged ice cream purchases through GrabMart doubled, with major brands like Swensen's, Dairy Queen, and MIXUE leading sales, and specialty gelato shops seeing a twofold increase overall.

The phenomenon demonstrates that 60% of ice cream customers are repeat buyers, though 40% are new to the category, with average order values ranging from 150 to 300 baht. Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Khon Kaen are the top five provinces for ice cream orders, while searches for "gelato" have increased more than sixfold on both GrabFood and GrabMart, indicating the social media trend's powerful impact on purchasing decisions.

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Police

Wife Pleads With Fugitive to Surrender in Russian Brothers Case

Police are seeking two brothers accused of stealing vehicles and linked to the disappearance of two Russian men missing for five days in southern Thailand. The fugitive's wife and friend both pleaded with him to surrender, claiming he was c

Wife Pleads With Fugitive to Surrender in Russian Brothers Case
31 Jul Khaosod

Police are hunting two suspects—Thana, 43, and Thaijai (Thong), 39—accused of nighttime theft using vehicles and connected to the disappearance of two Russian brothers, now five days without trace. On July 31, 2025, reporters spoke with the wife of the fugitive Thong, who said she had been in a relationship with him for about a year. She revealed that his associate Thana had recently been released from prison and once attempted to assault her in bed, only stopped when Thong intervened. She believes Thong may have tried to help the Russian brothers escape Thana but was coerced by threats into participating in the crime. The couple last met on Monday, July 27, when Thong gave her 100 baht before disappearing. She urged her husband to surrender, saying he cannot escape justice. A close friend, known as Khon, 56, who fishes with Thong, reported seeing him ride a red Honda Wave motorcycle near the burial site on July 28 or 29. Khon believes Thong was intimidated by Thana, who is armed, into helping with the crime and appealed for Thong to turn himself in while hoping the Russian children remain alive. Dashcam footage from July 29 at 06:05 captured Thana and Thong on separate motorcycles leaving Thung Luang Soi, less than 100 meters from the motorcycle burial site, and returning at 06:07—the same day the buried motorcycle was discovered.

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National

Thailand Responds to Cambodia's JBC Statement

The JIC takes note of a statement made by the Spokesperson of the Cambodian Ministry of Defence during a briefing to the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH) and wishes to clarify the following ke...

31 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

The JIC takes note of a statement made by the Spokesperson of the Cambodian Ministry of Defence during a briefing to the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH) and wishes to clarify the following ke...

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Police

Two Airport Taxi Drivers Charged With Meth Possession

Two airport taxi drivers tested positive for methamphetamine at Phuket International Airport, undermining a newly launched safety campaign that reported zero drug-impaired drivers found.

Two Airport Taxi Drivers Charged With Meth Possession
31 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: Two public transport drivers have tested positive for methamphetamine outside Phuket International Airport just days after the launch of the airport’s annual ‘White Airport 2026’ safety campaign – a programme that once again failed to report finding a single drug-impaired driver.

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National

Commerce Ministry Tightens Rules Against Shell Company Loopholes

Thailand's Commerce Ministry tightened rules against nominee company loopholes by requiring foreign investors to submit investment justification letters and bank statements, effective August 1, targeting the 119,116 Thai-registered companie

Commerce Ministry Tightens Rules Against Shell Company Loopholes
31 Jul Khaosod

The Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce has escalated efforts to combat the use of Thai nominees to front for foreign investors. The department issued Order 2/2569 on July 31, 2025, requiring new standards and documentation for business registration and amendments when foreign investors are involved or have signing authority. Companies must now submit investment justification letters and three months of bank statements from both Thai investors paying in capital and the recipients of those funds, enabling officials to verify genuine investment capability.

Department Director Poonpong Naiyanakarun explained that nominee schemes undermine business confidence and fairness in Thailand's economy. Previous screening measures at initial registration helped reduce risk, but unscrupulous operators have evolved their tactics—setting up companies that appear to comply initially, then filing amendments later to introduce foreign investors or grant signing authority, thereby circumventing existing controls.

The new order broadens inspection scope across the entire business lifecycle, from founding registration through all subsequent amendments, preventing future structural changes. Currently, Thailand has 1,004,558 registered entities: 200,327 partnerships, 802,717 limited companies, and 1,514 public limited companies. Among these, 119,116 companies with foreign ownership stakes of 0.01–49.99 percent remain classified as Thai entities but fall into the nominee risk category. The measures take effect August 1, 2025.

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National

Interior Ministry Vows Local Exam Fraud Probe Results Within Week

Thailand's Deputy Interior Minister pledged to deliver results within a week on an ongoing investigation into fraud allegations in local government recruitment exams, vowing swift action against any officials or individuals involved in corr

Interior Ministry Vows Local Exam Fraud Probe Results Within Week
31 Jul Khaosod

Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasoet on July 31, 2569 disclosed progress on an investigation into allegations of fraud in local government recruitment exams, saying he has instructed relevant agencies to expedite fact-checking and action on all fronts to achieve swift clarity. He confirmed that within the coming week there must be progress or conclusions in completed investigations to restore public confidence. Local government recruitment exams are a critical gateway for young people and those sincere about public service; allowing fraud to occur damages moral principles and destroys public trust in the civil service system.

"I have instructed all agencies that next week we must have results in the areas where action is possible," Worasit said. "We will not let this matter be buried or drag on. The public must have answers, and those who took the exam honestly must receive justice. If the investigation finds that any individuals or government officials were involved in corruption, we will take decisive action through discipline, administrative procedures, and criminal law with no exceptions, and we will not consider the position or influence of anyone involved."

Worasit added that responsible agencies have been ordered to coordinate with law enforcement agencies to swiftly gather complete evidence with transparency and in accordance with due process, while providing regular progress reports to keep the public continuously informed. The Interior Ministry prioritizes strengthening good governance in local administration and will not allow corruption to undermine the opportunities of candidates who passed exams through ability and integrity, because truth must be revealed, justice must be served, and wrongdoers must face legal punishment.

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National

Election Official Asks Thai EC to Probe Orange-Slate Candidate Collusion

A civil society leader asked Thailand's Election Commission to investigate whether 300 orange-slate Senate candidates engaged in illegal coordinated activity, arguing that similar conduct by opposing groups has been treated differently unde

Election Official Asks Thai EC to Probe Orange-Slate Candidate Collusion
31 Jul Khaosod

On July 31, 2025, Srisuwarn Janyai, leader of the Love Nation Love Land organization, filed a formal request with the Election Commission (EC) to investigate allegations that approximately 300 orange-slate Senate candidates engaged in coordinated activity at a meeting held at Jupiter Room in Muang Thong Thani. He asked whether such planning and organization to deploy candidates as a unified faction would constitute illegal conduct that could undermine fair and honest elections.

Srisuwann noted that while media, influencers, academics, and politicians have debated allegations of vote-rigging by one candidate group already under EC and Special Cases Investigation Department (DSI) scrutiny, similar conduct by the orange-slate group has emerged but is being described differently. He questioned the double standard: if one faction's coordinated activity is called "organized teamwork" or "deploying our people," why is similar behavior by opposing candidates labeled "vote-rigging"?

Srisuwann argued that the Election Commission, as the authority under the Constitutional Act on the Election Commission Article 41, has a duty to investigate and determine facts whenever reasonable suspicion arises, regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed. He emphasized that standards must be applied equally to all factions, and that "vote-rigging" should not become merely a political insult selectively applied to disfavored groups. He submitted preliminary evidence along with his complaint to prompt formal investigation and adjudication according to law.

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National

PromptPay Surges 13% in June with 2.39 Billion Transactions

Thailand's PromptPay digital payment system processed 2.39 billion transactions in June, a 13% surge year-on-year, with registered accounts reaching 83.15 million as the system strengthens its role in the country's financial infrastructure.

PromptPay Surges 13% in June with 2.39 Billion Transactions
31 Jul Khaosod

National IT and Telecom Authority (NITMX), which provides Thailand's national payment infrastructure, released June 2025 usage data for the PromptPay system on July 31, showing continued growth in digital payments during the first half of the year. PromptPay transaction volume reached 2.39 billion in June, a 13% year-on-year increase, while transaction value stood at 4.38 trillion baht, up 4% year-on-year. This growth reflects PromptPay's role as a cornerstone of Thailand's digital financial infrastructure, supporting high-volume transactions reliably across peer-to-peer transfers, online shopping, small business payments, and cash flow tied to expanding economic activity.

Registered accounts climbed to 83.15 million by end of June, comprising 82.73 million personal accounts and 0.42 million business accounts. Steady growth in registrations shows public and business confidence in the real-time, secure, and low-cost transfer system, particularly among small merchants, online retailers, and freelancers. The highest daily transaction volume occurred on Tuesday, June 30, with 79.79 million transactions, coinciding with month-end bill payments, salary transfers, and business clearing cycles.

Cross-border QR payment inbound transactions in June reached 1,584,225 million baht, driven largely by foreign tourists using their home country apps to scan QR codes and pay for goods and services in Thailand directly, eliminating currency exchange barriers. China led with 981.52 million baht in transaction value, followed by Malaysia at 310.69 million baht and Laos at 111.85 million baht, underscoring the importance of cross-border payment connectivity for supporting tourism and international trade.

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