Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

Four Officers Reassigned After Illegal Bar Bust in Chachoengsao

Four police officers in Chachoengsao were reassigned following an illegal bar raid that uncovered underage drinking, after-hours alcohol sales, and drug use on the premises.

Four Officers Reassigned After Illegal Bar Bust in Chachoengsao
9 Aug Khaosod

Police Colonel Kriankai Bunyasom, commander of Chachoengsao Provincial Police, signed Order No. 137/2569 on August 9, 2026, reassigning four officers to the Provincial Police Operations Center and appointing eight additional officers to temporary supervisory roles. The administrative order stems from an August 8 raid at approximately 1:39 a.m. by the Interior Ministry's special operations unit and DOPA S.W.A.T., which discovered the unlicensed establishment operating illegally. Officers found alcohol being sold beyond legal hours, youth under age 20 patronizing the venue, positive drug test results in urine samples, and controlled substances on the premises. The provincial police established a fact-finding committee to conduct a transparent and efficient investigation. The reassignments are administrative measures taken in the interest of government operations and do not constitute disciplinary action or a finding of misconduct. Four officers reassigned include Pongsun Meesoree, Saravut Sriruk Yim, Namchok Kunawija, and Pirapong Wantee. Eight officers appointed to temporary positions include Siripong Pumleochaeng, Suradej Nakhakmuak, Wanchai Prathom, and Suradej Namyottha, among others.

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National

Nan Province Launches AI Flood Alert System With National Research Institute

Nan Province launched an AI-powered flood alert system with the National Research Council and Chulalongkorn University, integrating water data from multiple agencies to improve disaster preparedness and early warnings across the region.

Nan Province Launches AI Flood Alert System With National Research Institute
9 Aug Khaosod

The National Research Council (NRC) and Chulalongkorn University have joined Nan Provincial Administration to launch the "Nan Water Plan," a data-driven innovation platform designed to strengthen flood response and water management across the region. On August 9, 2026, NRC Director Dr. Vibharat Deeaung led a fact-finding visit to the provincial offices alongside academics, government officials, and local researchers to review the implementation of the water management system.

Dr. Vibharat emphasized that the NRC prioritizes translating research into practical benefits for communities, and that effective water management and disaster response require collaboration between research institutions and local agencies. By linking data from provincial down to community level, residents gain access to information and can participate in protecting their own areas, supported by knowledge and technology for systematic flood preparedness.

Associate Professor Dr. Suchrit Koonthanakulwongse noted that water management research must integrate knowledge, technology, and data from multiple agencies to create decision-support systems applicable on the ground. The "Nan Water Plan" represents a key approach to applying research with local and relevant agencies, improving planning and response to both flooding and drought.

Nan Provincial Administration head Thipawan Wongdee confirmed that flood and drought management are critical mandates, carried out through collaboration with research units to analyze water sources, develop community water plans, and assess water balance. The province is coordinating to ensure research data feeds into provincial water management planning.

Developed by Associate Professor Chuchooke Aiyupong from Chiang Mai University, the "Nan Water Plan" aligns water data with local context for planning, monitoring, and response. The province is also developing flood maps and using "Flood Eye" technology to measure soil moisture and rainfall, enabling early forecasting and giving residents more time to prepare or evacuate.

Nan Province is establishing a provincial water data center to consolidate and link information from multiple agencies using GIS systems to store disaster-response resources such as boats and pumps, with screening and alert mechanisms to ensure residents receive accurate, coordinated information. This visit reflects the NRC's commitment to bringing research innovations to practical use in communities.

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National

August 12 Designated as National Day of Remembrance

Thailand has designated August 12 as an annual national day of remembrance honoring Queen Sirikit, the late Queen Mother who passed away in October 2025, with the date also serving as Mother's Day.

August 12 Designated as National Day of Remembrance
9 Aug Khaosod

The Royal Gazette published on July 16, 2569 (2026) announced a Prime Minister's Office declaration establishing August 12 of every year as an important national day of Thailand. This designation honors the passing of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who departed on October 24, 2568 (2025), bringing profound sorrow to all Thai people. Given her immense grace and kindness bestowed upon the nation and its citizens throughout her life, all Thai people are called to reflect upon her benevolence and recognize August 12, which is also her birthday, as a day of national significance. Accordingly, the royal decree designates August 12 annually as an important national day, serving as both the anniversary of Queen Sirikit's birthday and as Mother's Day. The government has proclaimed it a public holiday effective July 10, 2569 (2026), enabling citizens nationwide to organize activities honoring her grace and expressing gratitude to the Queen Mother, the mother of the land. Additional activities throughout the month will include remembrance of maternal kindness, fostering family warmth, and bringing relatives together. For the first time, His Majesty has graciously bestowed a royal motto for Mother's Day 2569: "A mother's virtue is boundless, beyond description or time. It is incomparable, irreplaceable—goodness proclaimed to all the world." The motto encapsulates the essence that all citizens are encouraged to practice in their daily lives as a tribute to their mothers. Commemorative ceremonies dedicated as royal merit-making for the Queen Mother include Buddhist chanting and alms-offering processions held simultaneously nationwide. The central ceremony will be held at Sanam Luang, while provincial ceremonies will take place at provincial halls or suitable venues. These events, including meditation practices and volunteer work for public welfare throughout the month, aim to honor Her Majesty's immense grace.

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National

Government Data Leaks Expose Inconsistency on Corruption Fight

Government data leaks exposing personal information from transport and health agencies reveal contradictions in the administration's anti-corruption stance, with officials denying breaches and threatening whistleblowers instead of fixing se

Government Data Leaks Expose Inconsistency on Corruption Fight
9 Aug Khaosod

A critical test of the government's true commitment to anti-corruption emerges from recent public data breaches. Although labeled as state information, the exposed data—including vehicle registrations, ID photos, birth dates from the Department of Land Transport, and health records from the Public Health Ministry—constitutes personal information that the government is obliged to safeguard.

While such data breaches may seem innocuous on the surface with no immediate financial transaction losses, the potential harm becomes clear under closer scrutiny: if leaked data falls into the hands of scammers or fraud rings, they can easily manipulate victims into revealing additional sensitive information or gain access to mobile banking credentials, causing incalculable damage.

News reports document cases of people defrauded of entire savings, falling into debt, and even resorting to suicide, leaving families devastated. If the government genuinely viewed this as a problem, it would enforce strict data protection protocols. Instead, the opposite has occurred: leaked information did not result from system hacking but from careless password management—as if builders erected strong walls but left the keys scattered outside.

When private citizens point out these security flaws, some government agencies refuse to review and fix the breaches. Instead, they deny any leaks occurred and threaten to prosecute the whistleblowers. A mature, transparent response would be to praise such disclosures, invite the informant to consult, and seal the vulnerabilities immediately.

This mirrors the parliamentary salary scandal exposed by Yingluck Shinawatra's aide Anachon, which revealed opaque selection processes and political favoritism in deputy appointments. The government should have thanked the whistleblower, preserved the evidence, requested details, and urgently corrected the misconduct. Instead, government figures not only failed to protect the exposer but proceeded to sue.

Government members should acknowledge that no corruption was involved, stand united against wrongdoing, and support pursuing the matter through the Supreme Court and the DSI for genuine justice. Yet actions speak louder than words. Without decisive, transparent action, observers rightly question the government's sincerity in building integrity and transparency in society.

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National

Legal Experts Urge PM Srettha to Resolve NBTC Chair Dispute

A Bangkok court dismissed the NBTC chairman's challenge to a selection committee's attempt to remove him, but legal experts say he remains in office without a royal decree ending his appointment. The dispute centers on whether the committee

Legal Experts Urge PM Srettha to Resolve NBTC Chair Dispute
9 Aug Khaosod

On August 9, the Central Administrative Court dismissed a case filed by Dr. Sarun Bunjaichaipruk, chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), against the NBTC selection committee. Dr. Sarun had alleged that the committee was biased, non-transparent, lacked a quorum, and exceeded its legal authority. The court found that Dr. Sarun had suffered no injury or harm. Legal experts note that the court's dismissal means Dr. Sarun remains NBTC chairman because no royal decree has been issued to remove him from the position.

The selection committee voted unanimously 4–0 that Dr. Sarun should forfeit his right to become an NBTC commissioner, citing his continued work as an hourly-paid physician at Ramathibodi Hospital. However, Dr. Sarun contested this, arguing that the committee's authority to determine commissioner qualifications ended once it submitted his name to the Senate and he received royal appointment on April 13, 2022.

Legal scholars point out that the committee's power to rule on his removal remains disputed and unresolved. Former selection committee member Nathawong Rattamurit wrote to the Prime Minister and Senate President stating that the committee's role concluded after selecting Dr. Sarun and his royal appointment. Committee member Yupin Chonannontinivat also opposed the committee's attempt to revoke his qualifications. According to the constitutional court's ruling, the selection committee's authority to verify candidates' qualifications applies only before royal appointment.

Legal experts note that Dr. Sarun submitted his resignation from Ramathibodi Hospital's Faculty of Medicine on January 7, 2022, after Senate approval but before his royal appointment on April 13. Additionally, committee chairman Kiatphong Amatayakul's eligibility has been questioned, as the 2553 Broadcasting Act requires NBTC selection committee members to be Thai nationals aged 40–70, and questions have been raised about whether he met age requirements when presiding over the July 21 committee meeting.

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Police

Man Arrested for Stealing Electrical Wires, Found Playing Online Slots

A 41-year-old man was arrested in Ayutthaya for stealing electrical wires from apartment buildings to fund his online gambling habit, with police discovering drug paraphernalia and ammunition during the raid.

Man Arrested for Stealing Electrical Wires, Found Playing Online Slots
9 Aug Khaosod

Police in Phra In Racha district, Ayutthaya, arrested a 41-year-old man identified as Praphan (surname withheld) on August 9 after he was caught stealing electrical wires from multiple buildings in the Eua Arthorn apartment community in Chiang Rak Noi subdistrict. Residents had reported power outages caused by severed electrical cables that damaged the distribution system and required lengthy repairs. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and witness statements, identifying a suspect who appeared at multiple buildings during the times of the incidents. Upon searching his room, police found the suspect playing online slot games and discovered drug paraphernalia. When questioned about why he avoided cutting wires from his own building, Praphan confessed he feared losing his own electricity supply.

During the room search, officers seized tools used for the theft, clothing worn during the crimes, ammunition, a mobile phone actively used for online gambling, and stolen items from incidents on August 5 and 6. Officers also noted signs of unauthorized electricity and water usage in his unit. A urine test revealed methamphetamine in his system. Police charged him with theft, illegal possession of firearms ammunition, illegal online casino gambling (online slots), and drug possession. The case has been forwarded to investigators at Phra In Racha Police Station for further legal proceedings.

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National

Five Southern Border Provinces Propose 44 Projects Worth 8.96 Billion Baht

Five southern border provinces unveiled 44 development projects worth 8.96 billion baht at a preparatory Cabinet meeting, with Pattani leading proposals to establish itself as a regional logistics hub connecting Malaysia and Indonesia.

Five Southern Border Provinces Propose 44 Projects Worth 8.96 Billion Baht
9 Aug Khaosod

Five southern border provinces have presented 44 development projects totaling 8.956 billion baht at a preparatory meeting for the first off-site Cabinet session of 2026, held on August 9 at Songkhla Provincial Hall. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn chaired the meeting to screen and prepare project proposals while establishing development strategies for Songkhla, Satun, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces. The goal was to ensure proposals are comprehensive, clearly articulated, and reflect the needs and potential of each area.

Songkhla proposed five projects worth 395.5 million baht focusing on infrastructure and economic activities, including cultural heritage development and riverbank protection. Satun submitted 18 projects valued at 209 million baht emphasizing infrastructure, dredging, port improvements, and tourism, with proposals for a shipping route connecting Satun, Penang, and Langkawi. Yala proposed six projects for 265 million baht aimed at infrastructure development, sports facilities, water management, and border trade promotion. Pattani submitted six projects worth 7.683 billion baht to establish itself as a southern logistics hub for water, land, and rail transport, including dredging and rail infrastructure to connect Malaysia and Indonesia. Narathiwat proposed nine projects valued at 404 million baht including highway expansions, bridge construction, road network development, and comprehensive flood mitigation in the Yateng River basin.

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Police

Beer Hall Owner Charged in Fatal Bangkok Fire

BANGKOK: Police have charged the owner of Na Ladprao beer hall with six offences following a fire last month that killed 37 people and injured 77 others.

Beer Hall Owner Charged in Fatal Bangkok Fire
9 Aug The Phuket News

BANGKOK: Police have charged the owner of Na Ladprao beer hall with six offences following a fire last month that killed 37 people and injured 77 others.

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Police

Foreign Teacher Flees Thailand After Gun Threats

A South African English teacher at Hatyai Wittayalai School in Songkhla province fled Thailand on July 19 after sending gun threat messages to staff via LINE. The school suspended classes and heightened security following the incident.

Foreign Teacher Flees Thailand After Gun Threats
9 Aug Khaosod

A South African English teacher employed in the school's English Program has left the country since July 19 at 2:39 p.m. through the Padang Besar border checkpoint, following threats sent via LINE messaging that included images of firearms. The former teacher, identified as Mr. Pieter, targeted staff and administrators at Hatyai Wittayalai School in Songkhla province. The school immediately suspended in-person classes and shifted to online instruction for safety.

Police from Hatyai Station have confirmed the teacher's departure. Security has been heightened around the school, with continuous patrols and entry restrictions in place. The school has announced online classes for August 10–11 and is conducting an urgent review of the incident.

The school principal has filed a report regarding the distribution of firearm images and threatening messages. The former teacher had previously made allegations on social media concerning wages, social security contributions, contract guarantees, budget management, and flood damage reporting.

Hatyai Wittayalai School has issued a statement denying the accusations and asserting that all financial procedures comply with regulations. Students who knew the teacher described him as friendly and kind, though they were shocked by the threatening content and images he distributed.

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National

Surat Thani University Launches Safety Culture Initiative

Prince of Songkla University's Surat Thani campus hosted a regional occupational safety seminar on August 5-6, 2025, featuring workshops on smart safety technology and recognizing 37 businesses for accident prevention efforts.

Surat Thani University Launches Safety Culture Initiative
9 Aug Khaosod

Prince of Songkla University's Surat Thani campus, in collaboration with the Institute for the Promotion of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (public organization), is driving workplace safety knowledge and networks through a regional academic seminar on occupational safety and health in Surat Thani Province scheduled for August 5-6, 2025, at the university conference hall. The event aims to build a safety culture while integrating smart safety technology and innovation to elevate workplace safety standards and support economic and industrial growth in Southern Thailand.

Dr. Nanthachai Pannyasurit, director of the Institute for the Promotion of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment, presided over the opening ceremony. District Chief Suchaow Toomosik, representing the provincial governor, welcomed participants, while Associate Professor Suchadha Thipmonthree, vice rector of the Surat Thani campus, addressed the university's collaborative role in supporting the event and developing occupational safety knowledge at the regional level.

The seminar attracted participation from government officials, private sector representatives, safety network partners, business operators, academics, and workers from Southern Thailand to exchange knowledge and experience in occupational safety, occupational health, risk management, and the application of technology and innovation to create safer work environments.

A key highlight was the presentation of awards to 37 businesses that met the criteria of the Zero Accident Campaign 2026, recognizing organizations that prioritize accident prevention and serve as models for building safety culture within their organizations, while encouraging continuous improvement of safety standards across business and industry.

Over the two-day event, diverse knowledge-sharing activities were conducted, including academic lectures, panel discussions, demonstrations of safety innovations, virtual reality (VR) training, and exhibitions from government agencies, private companies, and educational institutions. These provided participants with practical exposure to safety technologies, tools, and management approaches applicable to their workplaces.

The event reflects the Smart Safety approach, which integrates technology and innovation as essential tools for risk prevention and management while building organizational safety awareness and culture. This positions occupational safety and health development to keep pace with technological change and contemporary work models.

As a higher education institution in Southern Thailand, Prince of Songkla University's Surat Thani campus plays a vital role in supporting academic knowledge, personnel development, and networking collaboration between the university, government agencies, business, and industry to collectively raise occupational safety, health, and work environment standards—a foundation for improving worker quality of life, organizational efficiency, and economic development.

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National

Anti-Corruption Fund Backs Youth Theater Project in Rayong

The National Anti-Corruption Fund partnered with celebrity actors and Rayong students to create short films combining anti-corruption education with performing arts, teaching youth about integrity and corruption's societal impact.

Anti-Corruption Fund Backs Youth Theater Project in Rayong
9 Aug Khaosod

The National Anti-Corruption Fund is building ethical resilience among Thai youth through a practical workshop program that combines anti-corruption education with performing arts. The project invites students from Assumption School Rayong to develop scripts and storylines themselves, guided by renowned director Marutt Sarawat and a professional team. Celebrity actors including Mook Worranit Thawornvong, Ping Raphat Eknidiseth, Jeegraceka Paveenida Chanjahatkij, Piew Chindhorn Thappayon, Titan Narawich Boonritthee, and Happy Neramit Chaisit participated alongside the students. The workshop produces entertaining yet socially beneficial short films that instill integrity from school age onward, helping youth understand teamwork, responsibility, and how small acts of corruption can escalate into national problems.

For audiences and society at large, the films raise awareness about corruption's daily impact and reflect real-world issues of abuse of power and negative behavioral patterns that viewers can immediately apply to their lives. Mook Worranit expressed enthusiasm about working with the students, viewing their creative involvement as a positive sign of Thailand's youth awakening to corruption's dangers and appreciating the professional guidance from director Marutt Sarawat. She hopes the anti-corruption plays will serve as a mirror for young people and audiences to recognize that integrity is life's most fundamental foundation.

Piew Chindhorn, a prominent influencer joining the project, emphasized that communicating anti-corruption messages to younger audiences requires creative and accessible media, which this short film delivers. She expressed pride in collaborating with the Anti-Corruption Fund and witnessed the determination of students, influencers, and actors unified in a common purpose, demonstrating that young people's power can genuinely transform society—beginning with refusing to accept wrongdoing in schools and extending toward building a transparent future. Titan Narawich, a young actor, expressed joy at being part of a creative anti-corruption project.

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