Lanta & News
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National

Interior Ministry Orders Village Chiefs to Document Homes, Vehicles for Welfare Card Appeals

Village chiefs will document residents' homes and vehicles through photos to help low-income families appeal for state welfare cards, with a September 20 deadline for submitting supporting documents.

Interior Ministry Orders Village Chiefs to Document Homes, Vehicles for Welfare Card Appeals
23 Jul Khaosod

Deputy Interior Minister Palpeer Suwannachawi announced that the Interior Ministry has instructed village chiefs and headmen to re-inspect residents' homes and vehicles, taking photographs as evidence to support appeals for state welfare cards, with the goal of helping as many low-income people as possible.

At a press conference on July 23, 2025, at Government House, Palpeer explained that after seeing public complaints about the welfare card rollout results, the Interior Ministry decided that local administration officials must provide maximum assistance to citizens. This led to the establishment of one-stop mobile service centers so residents won't need to travel far or visit district offices.

However, the Interior Ministry will do more than that. Officials will coordinate with all relevant agencies to verify various criteria, such as vehicle ownership. District officials will conduct checklists to verify information. Additionally, village chiefs, headmen, and district officers will visit every residence to assess actual conditions. For vehicles, for example, they will help confirm details to the Transport Ministry or notify them if a registered vehicle has been idle and is no longer usable.

Palpeer emphasized another major concern: cases where individuals have had their names fraudulently used in company accounts, stock holdings, or other accounts without their knowledge. These cases will be investigated further to determine which companies used people's names and whether those individuals actually consented to such use, whether in money laundering schemes, nominee accounts, grey-market businesses, or other fraudulent arrangements. The Interior Ministry is taking these investigations seriously.

When asked whether officials are confident they can catch all people with eligibility problems who file appeals, Palpeer said there is no quota for how many people will participate, but there is genuine intent to properly screen people with low incomes so the government can assist them through the state welfare card program.

He said that after collecting nationwide data, it will be sent to relevant agencies for additional screening. The Finance Ministry is expected to announce a clear timeline today, requesting an extension until September 20, 2025, to give people time to prepare supporting documents such as company names, assets, bank accounts, insurance policies, and other financial records.

Administration officials must give people time to prepare documents before forwarding them to relevant agencies, and the agencies also need time to process the information.

Palpeer noted that the Interior Ministry previously coordinated with the Finance Ministry to request the names of people who fell through the cracks, but this may not be legally possible due to privacy restrictions. Therefore, administration officials will verify directly whether people listed actually reside in their registered areas. He also announced that people living outside their registered hometown can file appeals at any district office in their current area of residence.

When asked how officials can ensure that only genuinely poor residents are identified, given past problems where village chiefs included their own relatives in welfare card lists, Palpeer did not fully address the concern in the available portion of his statement.

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National

Woman's Face Emerges From Dam After 50 Years

A woman's face has mysteriously emerged on Thailand's Khong Khao Khat dam for the first time in 50 years as water levels dropped, revealing natural formations that resemble a nose, hair, and smile near Uttaradit Province.

Woman's Face Emerges From Dam After 50 Years
23 Jul Khaosod

An unusual natural phenomenon at Khong Khao Khat earthen dam in Tha Pla District, Uttaradit Province, has emerged following a drop in Siriki Reservoir water levels to 141 meters—about 31 percent capacity, or approximately 4,928 million cubic meters. A distinctive landform resembling a woman's face has become visible on the dam, featuring what appears to be a nose, long hair, and a gentle smile, earning it the nickname "Miss Tha Pla Earthen Dam."

Nai Danai U-Sap, chairman of the Tha Pla District Cultural Council, explained that this rare formation results from a natural balance between incoming water (approximately 20 million cubic meters daily) and the terrain at that specific location. The phenomenon is unprecedented in the 50 years since Siriki Dam's construction in 1968, when the main dam began operation as one of the region's largest earthen dams, capable of storing 9,510 million cubic meters of water. The smaller Khong Khao Khat dam, located in Chrim Subdistrict about 30 kilometers from Uttaradit city, has a crest spanning 5 kilometers.

Beyond its role as a water storage and supply facility for Tha Pla and Uttaradit city, the dam site has become an important tourist attraction. Officials note that the distinctive landform visible from elevated vantage points represents rare natural artistry, distinguishable only when water levels drop to this specific threshold. The surrounding area also offers scenic views framed by mountains and forests, making it suitable for relaxation, photography, and sunrise and sunset viewing.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Thalang Hospital Opens New Dialysis Centre

PHUKET: Thalang Hospital has opened a new haemodialysis centre after receiving more than B8 million in funding from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation to expand treatment services for kidney patients in northern Phuket.

Thalang Hospital Opens New Dialysis Centre
23 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: Thalang Hospital has opened a new haemodialysis centre after receiving more than B8 million in funding from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation to expand treatment services for kidney patients in northern Phuket.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Phuket Provides New Home to Vulnerable Family

PHUKET: A vulnerable family in Wichit has received a newly built home under a government housing assistance programme aimed at improving living conditions for low-income households.

Phuket Provides New Home to Vulnerable Family
23 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: A vulnerable family in Wichit has received a newly built home under a government housing assistance programme aimed at improving living conditions for low-income households.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Gold Price Holds Steady at 66,700 Baht Per Baht Weight

Thailand's gold prices remained unchanged at 66,700 baht per baht weight on July 23, though analysts predict a potential surge of 1,000-2,000 baht at tomorrow's opening.

Gold Price Holds Steady at 66,700 Baht Per Baht Weight
23 Jul Khaosod

Gold prices on July 23, 2026 held steady compared to the previous day's closing, according to the Thai Gold Merchants Association. Ornamental gold (96.5% purity) sold for 66,700 baht per baht weight, while gold bars were bought at 65,700 baht and sold at 65,900 baht per baht weight. Global gold spot prices stood at $4,120 per ounce. Market observers predict gold may surge 1,000-2,000 baht per baht weight at tomorrow's opening and could break through the 80,000-baht level.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand's World Heritage Sites Maintain UNESCO Standards

Thailand maintained all its UNESCO World Heritage Sites in good standing at the World Heritage Committee's July meeting, with none placed on the endangered list. The country awaits a decision on designating Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn

Thailand's World Heritage Sites Maintain UNESCO Standards
23 Jul Khaosod

Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin announced that Thailand has maintained conservation standards for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, confirming that no Thai heritage sites have been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage in Danger list. The results of the 48th ordinary meeting of the World Heritage Committee held on July 21-22, 2025, represent good news for Thailand, as no Thai sites were proposed for inclusion on the endangered list, reflecting the country's effective conservation and management of its World Heritage sites in accordance with the World Heritage Convention. Thailand is awaiting one more important decision in the coming three days regarding the registration of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat as a new World Heritage site, which would be Thailand's sixth cultural and ninth overall World Heritage site, and would make history as the first World Heritage site in southern Thailand.

Deputy Permanent Secretary Raviwan Puridej stated that Thailand's achievement in avoiding the endangered list resulted from policies prioritizing heritage conservation alongside sustainable development, supported by coordinated efforts across all relevant agencies. The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, as Thailand's focal point for the World Heritage Convention, has integrated cooperation with site management agencies and stakeholders to monitor and assess conservation status closely, ensuring alignment with international standards and preserving the Outstanding Universal Value of Thailand's World Heritage sites. At the 48th World Heritage Committee meeting, agenda item 7A addressed the conservation status of properties on the endangered list, and Thailand received positive results with no sites proposed for the list, demonstrating effective implementation of conservation obligations and continuous preservation of heritage values.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Social Media Star Warns After Severe Dengue Fever ICU Battle

Popular content creator Noo Lek spent over 10 days hospitalized, including time in ICU, after contracting severe dengue fever that caused internal bleeding. She warns others to seek immediate medical care for sustained fever, noting the dis

Thai Social Media Star Warns After Severe Dengue Fever ICU Battle
23 Jul Khaosod

Content creator Noo Lek (Pattravadee Pintong) has posted a video recounting her first-ever ICU experience after contracting severe dengue fever. She explains her month-long absence from social media was due to her recent discharge from intensive care following dengue infection. In the post, she describes a terrifying ordeal: "I couldn't post or go live at all. Today I'm updating you—dengue fever is truly frightening. I disappeared for a month because of dengue and had to be hospitalized for over 10 days, including time in the ICU. It was extremely risky, a 50-50 chance of survival."

Noo Lek believes she contracted the disease from mosquito bites while attending a merit-making ceremony in Songkhla province, where she was taken to a coastal forest area with heavy mosquito activity. Four to five days after returning to Bangkok, she developed fever reaching 40 degrees Celsius that wouldn't break with medication, body aches, and chills. At the hospital, blood tests confirmed dengue fever. "The doctor said it was life-threatening, mentioning that people have died from this. After five days in the hospital with fever not improving, and seven to eight days later still showing no improvement, I began vomiting blood. The doctor admitted me to the ICU immediately. The doctor was very concerned because dengue can cause internal bleeding in the stomach or brain, which is fatal."

During her ICU stay, Noo Lek's condition deteriorated to the point where she prepared her will for her husband and child. She emotionally describes the moment of discharge: "When the doctor told me I had survived, I cried. I was terrified. My child is only seven years old." She emphasizes there is no specific medication for dengue beyond paracetamol and urges anyone with sustained fever to seek medical care immediately. She also notes that seven people in her neighborhood have contracted dengue, some before her diagnosis. She warns against taking counterfeit medicine, as improper treatment can cause fatal brain bleeding.

Noo Lek concludes her warning by describing her experience as the scariest and most painful of her life: "I came close to death twice before, but this time it was the most frightening and agonizing. Many people might have had dengue but felt it wasn't serious, but for me this time it was severe. In the ICU, my blood count and liver values dropped every day. Vomiting blood—I've never been closer to death in my entire life. Please share my story with family and friends so they can be careful and this doesn't happen to anyone else." Friends and fans have responded with overwhelming support and well-wishes for her recovery.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Government Clarifies 3-Baht Power Rate Registration Rules

All households automatically receive a 3-baht rate for the first 200 electricity units starting September with no registration required, while welfare card holders must register separately to claim 315-baht monthly assistance.

Government Clarifies 3-Baht Power Rate Registration Rules
23 Jul Khaosod

The government emphasized that all households automatically receive the 3-baht rate for the first 200 electricity units with no registration needed, starting in September, while welfare card holders must register to claim the 315-baht monthly assistance.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persivivatana explained that due to public confusion over the rate adjustment and government relief measures, the Ministry of Interior clarified that the new residential electricity rate structure under the National Energy Policy Committee resolution grants automatic entitlement to all households without requiring registration or app access.

Meanwhile, electricity relief for state welfare card holders still requires registration with the power authority to claim benefits under prescribed criteria.

The Regional Electricity Authority (PEA) and Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) under the Ministry of Interior's supervision are implementing the energy committee resolution, with new rates effective from August consumption and billing beginning in September 2569.

Under this rate restructuring, all residential homes receive the benefit of paying no more than 3 baht per unit for the first 200 units without registration or further action. Consumption from unit 201 onward applies the original rate. Temporary meter rates have also been reduced to match residential rates to ease household expenses.

Beyond the rate adjustment, state welfare card holders continue receiving electricity assistance capped at 315 baht monthly under the existing scheme, though they must register with the power authority. Registration opens July 20 through September 30, 2569.

Under the energy committee resolution, the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Energy, PEA, and MEA will separate public electricity costs from household bills at approximately 0.09 baht per unit, automatically reducing rates for all users.

"The government reiterates that this residential electricity rate adjustment is an automatic right for all households—no registration, no app download needed—with benefits visible on September bills for August consumption," Lalida stated. "State welfare card holders seeking the 315-baht monthly assistance should register with their power authority by the deadline to avoid missing the benefit."

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Election Commission Dissolves Anakhon Glai Party

The Election Commission dissolved the Anakhon Glai Party after it failed to meet membership and regional branch requirements within a year of registration.

Election Commission Dissolves Anakhon Glai Party
23 Jul Khaosod

The Election Commission announced on July 23, 2025, through the Royal Thai Gazette that the Anakhon Glai Party has been dissolved as a political party. The Party Registrar, with approval from the Election Commission, originally registered the Anakhon Glai Party on February 18, 2025, under the Political Parties Act B.E. 2560. However, upon inspection, the registrar found that the party failed to meet legal requirements: it did not achieve at least 5,000 members and did not establish party branches in each region as mandated by the Election Commission within one year of registration. Under Section 91 of the Political Parties Act B.E. 2560, the Election Commission declared the party dissolved effective from the publication date in the Royal Thai Gazette.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Family's Near-Miss at Market Offers Road Safety Lesson

A pickup truck nearly struck a family's three children at a zebra crossing in Samut Songkhram, prompting the parents to use the incident as a call for greater road safety awareness among both drivers and pedestrians.

Family's Near-Miss at Market Offers Road Safety Lesson
23 Jul Khaosod

A tense moment unfolded for the family of Guy Ratchanon and Haru during a trip to Rom Hup Market in Samut Songkhram province when a pickup truck nearly hit their three children as they crossed a zebra crossing. Guy quickly stepped in front of the vehicle to shield his children and then approached the driver to ask why he nearly struck the family, leading to a brief exchange. Though visibly upset, Guy remained composed and avoided any serious confrontation, and the incident has since generated significant online discussion.

In a recent social media post, Haru clarified that the incident occurred a month earlier, during a busy day at the market when both tourists and traffic were heavy. She emphasized that the family does not wish to turn the matter into drama or blame anyone, believing no one intentionally causes such accidents. Instead, she called for a reminder to all road users—both drivers and pedestrians—to exercise caution and look out for one another so everyone can return home safely.

Haru noted that while pedestrians are not always in the right, in this case her family had already crossed more than halfway across before the vehicle approached, suggesting that with a bit more caution and awareness on both sides, such incidents could be prevented. She thanked everyone for their concern and used the moment to reflect on what makes a destination truly worth visiting: not just beautiful places, but the kindness and discipline of the people who inhabit them.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

PM Anutin Opens Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2026

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening ceremony of the Thailand–China Cooperation Expo 2026 today (July 22) at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, reaffirming the government's commitment...

23 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening ceremony of the Thailand–China Cooperation Expo 2026 today (July 22) at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, reaffirming the government's commitment...

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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