Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Regional

Jasmine Flower Prices Spike Ahead of Mother's Day

Jasmine flower prices have doubled ahead of Thailand's National Mother's Day on August 12, with vendors at Si Racha Municipal Market raising prices to meet surging demand for holiday garlands.

Jasmine Flower Prices Spike Ahead of Mother's Day
11 Aug Khaosod

Reporters surveying fresh flower prices at Si Racha Municipal Market in Chon Buri province on August 11 found that multiple vendors have significantly raised prices ahead of National Mother's Day on August 12. Jasmine flowers, which serve as the symbolic flower for the occasion, have seen prices double as demand surges for garland-making during the holiday period. Joy, a flower shop owner, explained that jasmine prices have climbed from around 300–400 baht per liter to 1,000 baht per liter (approximately 1,600 baht per kilogram). Star of Bethlehem flowers have risen from 1.50 baht per bloom to 3–5 baht depending on size, while roses range from 7–15 baht per bloom with further increases expected. Ready-made jasmine garlands start at 30 baht each, while larger or custom-made garlands cost between 300–500 baht.

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National

Tawee Demands Interior Ministry Release Exam Score Files

Former Justice Minister Tawee demands the Interior Ministry release exam score files to verify a local civil service exam fraud investigation, warning that officials responsible for processing and approving results must be investigated alon

Tawee Demands Interior Ministry Release Exam Score Files
11 Aug Khaosod

On August 11, 2569, Pol. Lt. Col. Tawee Sod-song, former Justice Minister, Prachathai party leader, and list-based MP, stated through social media that the Interior Ministry must "stop fearing the truth and stop stalling." He urged the CSC and DLA to immediately submit exam score processing files and candidate lists for verification against data held by Mahasarakham University.

Tawee cautioned that the local civil service exam fraud investigation risks losing focus if it targets only the 5,924 disqualified applicants. He warned this could become a scheme to help criminals by making applicants scapegoats while allowing responsible officials to remain in investigative positions. He stressed that applicants cannot declare themselves passed, be listed, or draw salaries from public funds—these actions fall under the CSC, DLA, and Interior Ministry's responsibility. Therefore, investigations must prioritize those who received score results, custodians of data, list preparers, proposers, approvers, signatories, and commanding officers.

The Central Examination Committee for Local Government Officials (CSC) comprises 19 members with legal authority and responsibility, while the DLA directly supervises the examination process. According to Mahasarakham University's briefing to the legal and human rights committee, the university held eight initial examination centers on December 7, 2568, and submitted score processing files and candidate lists to the CSC via the DLA between December 11–12, 2568. Two southern examination centers held tests on February 15, 2569, with data submitted February 18–19, 2569.

CSC meeting minutes 16/2568 show 47,208 candidates proposed as passing Sections A and B before the list was announced on February 19, 2569. Meeting 4/2569 proposed 8,545 passing candidates from southern centers before announcement on April 8, 2569.

On June 22, 2569, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and police conducted a search, discovering local government officials handling answer sheets and score files. They seized equipment and documents related to 5,960 candidates flagged for investigation, despite results already being announced. This raised suspicion that officials may have been retroactively altering scores or evidence to match the CSC's published list.

The incident prompted public outrage over the major local exam fraud. Although the government and Interior Ministry pledged to address it, and the CSC issued a new announcement on August 10, 2569 removing 5,924 names from lists published February 19 and April 8, 2569, the CSC and DLA have yet to submit exam score processing files and candidate lists for verification as requested. In contrast, Mahasarakham University and Janwan Printing submitted their source data to the NACC starting June 24, 2569 immediately upon request. Over a month has passed, yet critical evidence held by the CSC and DLA remains unsubmitted.

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Police

Three Monks Test Positive for Drug Use in Sisaket

Three monks in Sisaket's Nam Kliang district tested positive for drug use following an investigation by authorities, with one found possessing methamphetamine tablets. Two of the positive cases involved previously defrocked monks who had no

Three Monks Test Positive for Drug Use in Sisaket
11 Aug Khaosod

On August 11, Nathanan Suwannimit, the district chief of Nam Kliang in Sisaket Province and director of the district drug prevention and suppression operation center, announced that he had assigned security officials led by Ms. Chatkarn Kotarak, a civil servant, along with volunteers to investigate complaints. Intelligence indicated that monks staying in temples in Nam Kliang and Rung Rawi subdistricts were engaged in drug-related behavior.

Officials conducted urine tests on four monks at the first targeted temple in Nam Kliang. Three tested negative and one tested positive: a 58-year-old monk identified as "A." A search of his quarters revealed two methamphetamine tablets hidden inside. During initial questioning, the monk admitted to purchasing the drugs from locals and using them once a week or three to four times a month.

Officials then visited another temple in Rung Rawi subdistrict, where ten monks were in residence. Eight tested negative; two tested positive, identified as monks "B" and "C." Local sources revealed that monks B and C had previously been defrocked for drug-related offenses but later returned to monastic life. They had not undergone formal ordination from an abbot but instead sought spiritual redemption by worshipping at local earth shrines before donning robes again and moving into the temple.

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Tourism

Yamaha Revs Up Fan Experience at Aston Villa Thailand Tour

Yamaha Motor Thailand partnered with Aston Villa's match against BG Pathum United, deploying 30 motorcycles to shuttle fans from the stadium to nearby transit after the game as part of its sports marketing strategy.

Yamaha Revs Up Fan Experience at Aston Villa Thailand Tour
11 Aug Khaosod

Thai Yamaha Motor Company has partnered with the Aston Villa Asia Tour Thailand football match between English club Aston Villa and BG Pathum United at BG Stadium, reinforcing Yamaha's role in using sports as a platform to engage consumers and link the brand to sports fan communities. Through sports marketing initiatives, Yamaha aims to create shared experiences that cater to diverse lifestyles and passions, consistent with the "Go Beyond, Feel Different" concept.

Beyond participating in the world-class warmup match atmosphere, Yamaha created a special experience by deploying 30 Yamaha motorcycles with volunteer riders to shuttle fans from BG Stadium to Khu Kot BTS station after the match, ensuring convenient, quick, and safe travel home while extending the excitement from the pitch to every route.

The event was attended by Ukrit Pakwivirawat, Assistant Managing Director of Sales Planning and Marketing at Thai Yamaha Motor Company; Jirayou Ajsamuang, Chief Executive Officer of Menstand and Dexter Bangkok; and Michael Thomas Bern, Managing Director of Pro Meet Elite. The initiative reflects Yamaha's commitment to supporting sports activities while building brand loyalty through accessible experiences that address modern lifestyles, whether related to sports passion, travel, or community activities under the "Go Beyond, Feel Different" concept, embodying the Revs Your Heart spirit.

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National

Thai Textiles Exhibition Blends Heritage with Modern Design

Discover how centuries of Thai craftsmanship are being reimagined for the modern world! The Government Public Relations Department of Thailand invites you to a special pop-up exhibition and seminar ho...

11 Aug Thailand.go.th Issues

Discover how centuries of Thai craftsmanship are being reimagined for the modern world! The Government Public Relations Department of Thailand invites you to a special pop-up exhibition and seminar ho...

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Police

Drunk Stepfather Arrested After Stabbing Foster Son to Death

A 28-year-old man was stabbed to death by his intoxicated stepfather in Mae Hong Son province after a dispute over household chores. The suspect was arrested nearby and confessed to the murder.

Drunk Stepfather Arrested After Stabbing Foster Son to Death
11 Aug Khaosod

On August 11, 2569, police led by Dechawatch Nathilesh, superintendent of Pang Ma Police Station, along with other officers, responded to a homicide report at a residential home in Moo 3, Ban Nam Bo Sape village, Sop Pong subdistrict, Pang Ma district, Mae Hong Son province. Officers found the body of 28-year-old Ahu Yaja with sharp-force injuries to the head and both thighs. A 22-inch knife with bloodstains was recovered from the front yard and seized as evidence.

After interviewing relatives at the scene, police identified the suspect as Ataphạ Lạyīpạ, the victim's stepfather. Officers deployed to search for him and arrested him at a nearby residence approximately 500 meters from the crime scene.

During interrogation, Ataphạ confessed to stabbing the victim to death. He stated that he had been drinking and became intoxicated before an argument broke out with the victim over the victim's refusal to help with household chores. Police charged him with intentional murder. The suspect admitted to all charges and was transferred to Pang Ma Police Station for further legal proceedings.

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Police

Police Clear Phuket Cafe After Lion Attack Rumors

Police inspected a Phuket cafe after social media rumors of a lion attacking a tourist, but confirmed the facility operates legally with properly licensed and vaccinated animals.

Police Clear Phuket Cafe After Lion Attack Rumors
11 Aug The Phuket Express

Phuket — Officers from Chalong Police Station conducted an inspection of Lion Cafe in Phuket following widespread social media reports claiming a lion had attacked a Chinese tourist. Authorities confirmed that the establishment operates legally and that its animals are properly licensed and vaccinated. At 4:00 p.m., Pol. Col. Surasak Jaidee, Superintendent of Chalong Police Station, […]

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Police

Fishing Hunters' Gunfire Bursts Water Pipe, Over 1,000 Households Without Water

Spear fishermen's stray shots ruptured a water main in Pathum Thani on August 10, leaving over 1,000 households without water for more than a day despite emergency repairs.

Fishing Hunters' Gunfire Bursts Water Pipe, Over 1,000 Households Without Water
11 Aug Khaosod

Over 1,000 households in Bang Pud subdistrict, Pathum Thani Province, have suffered water shortages after recreational spear fishermen accidentally ruptured a water main pipe on August 10. Local official Natthabutz Janthong took media representatives to inspect damage to the 3-inch diameter pipe located beneath a bridge over Khlong Prem Prachakon near Chiang Rak railway station, where spear gun projectiles had pierced the thick pipe. Water supply was cut off to communities in tambon divisions 1 and 5 beginning that afternoon. Although municipal repair crews replaced the damaged section and completed work by midday on August 11, residents at the far end of the distribution line remained without water due to insufficient pressure. This is not the first incident—similar accidents have occurred three to four times before. Janthong appealed to spear fishermen to aim carefully at fish and avoid striking the water infrastructure that supplies the community, noting that officials cannot prohibit fishing but urging hunters to be more precise with their shots.

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National

Thai Official Defends White Paper Against Cambodia Criticism

Thai military official defends the country's White Paper against Cambodian criticism, challenging opponents to identify specific factual or legal errors rather than dismiss it as merely Thailand's position.

Thai Official Defends White Paper Against Cambodia Criticism
11 Aug Khaosod

On August 11, Air Vice Marshal Prabhas Soanthaidee, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Air Force and director of the Thai-Cambodian Information Center, responded to a Cambodian article claiming Thailand's White Paper is merely "Thailand's position" and not an international court ruling. He acknowledged the technical accuracy of that point, noting Thailand never claimed it was a court judgment, but emphasized that what matters is whether the facts, evidence, and legal interpretations within the document are sound.

"If they say it's not true, show me where," Soanthaidee said. "If they say the evidence is wrong, tell me which piece. If they say Thailand's legal interpretation is incorrect, bring forward the law to counter it. That is the debate the international community should have." He explained that the White Paper compiles facts, timelines, documents, and legal principles to enable Thai citizens, media, academics, and foreigners to verify Thailand's position.

When asked about critics' call to test the document by "facts, evidence, and international law," Soanthaidee strongly endorsed the standard but insisted all parties apply it equally. "Don't use one standard to check Thailand and another for the other side," he said. He urged Thais not to share information in anger or believe claims out of preference, but to read and verify first.

Soanthaidee stressed that Thailand does not need the loudest voice, but rather needs Thai facts to travel farther. Citizens can help by sharing information with credible sources and verifiable evidence. He expressed confidence in Thailand's ability to stand on facts and welcome scrutiny: "Real evidence does not fear examination. We don't ask the world to believe Thailand because we say so—we ask them to look at the evidence and judge by facts. This is Thailand's confidence, and this is what JIC will continue to affirm."

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Police

Democrat Spokesman Slams Gun Ban Policy Leaving Police Defenseless

Democrat spokesman Phongsakorn Kwanmuang criticizes Thailand's gun licensing ban for leaving police defenseless while criminals easily purchase illegal firearms through social media, arguing the policy creates dangerous security inequality.

Democrat Spokesman Slams Gun Ban Policy Leaving Police Defenseless
11 Aug Khaosod

Democrat Party spokesman Phongsakorn Kwanmuang has criticized the government's strict gun licensing ban, arguing it creates a dangerous security inequality. While intended to reduce violence, the policy leaves police unarmed while criminals easily purchase illegal firearms online through social media platforms.

Kwanmuang stated that the government's strict controls suspending all firearm purchase licenses, including for police and state officials citing difficulty controlling online gun sales, may appear well-intentioned but in reality creates a "security disparity" that is deeply concerning.

He noted that Thai society must acknowledge that illegal and homemade firearms are readily available—a simple social media search reveals buying channels easily accessible, with reviews and deliveries conducted openly like normal products. He argued that the Prime Minister's claim that the online world is difficult to control should not justify neglecting or surrendering to the problem, as this allows the black market to flourish freely.

The direct impact of the blanket licensing suspension is that police performing dangerous duties daily are left without firearms. When law enforcement officers lack weapons while criminals can purchase illegal guns freely, public safety is compromised. Kwanmuang called on the government to address the problem by dismantling illegal online gun networks completely through coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and cyber police, aggressively removing pages and groups selling illegal firearms, and pressuring social media platforms to delete such content definitively before Thailand reaches a state where criminals are armed superior to state officials.

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National

Thai Silk Exhibition Celebrates Royal Legacy in August

A Thai silk exhibition running August 8–16 at Impact Muang Thong Thani honors Queen Sirikit's legacy in promoting traditional crafts while showcasing sericulture products from upstream farming through downstream consumer goods.

Thai Silk Exhibition Celebrates Royal Legacy in August
11 Aug Khaosod

The Department of Sericulture, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, invites the public to the "Artisan Crafts: Thai Beacon OTOP—Hearts United by Royal Grace 2569" exhibition from August 8–16, 2569 at Impact Muang Thong Thani's Challenger Buildings 1–3. The event honors the late Queen Sirikit's profound contributions to preserving, reviving, and promoting Thai arts, crafts, and silk as a valued and internationally recognized heritage.

The exhibition displays and sells artisan products, handicrafts, and OTOP goods nationwide, allowing visitors to purchase quality products directly from communities and entrepreneurs while experiencing Thai wisdom passed down through generations. The Department of Sericulture's booth conveys the concept of "Royal Grace flowing to sustain Thai silk for all; Divine compassion to preserve Thai silk sustainably," illustrating how royal benevolence has nurtured the livelihoods of farmers, weavers, and silk knowledge keepers continuously, linking past to present and future.

The Department promotes Thai silk and sericulture products through a live exhibition structured around the concept of "water flow"—from upstream to downstream—connecting the royal vision to every stage of silk production: silkworm rearing, silk reeling, weaving, and product development for contemporary use and economic value.

The "upstream" section presents knowledge about silkworm rearing and the insect's life cycle, the foundation of quality silk fiber, reflecting wisdom rooted in attentiveness, precision, and continuous knowledge transmission. The "midstream" section showcases silk reeling, fiber processing, and weaving—the critical transformation of silk thread into valued cloth, highlighting the skill, finesse, and distinctive character of Thai weavers in each region.

The "downstream" section presents the development of silk and sericulture products into creative goods advanced through design, marketing, and everyday use, enabling Thai silk to reach wider consumers and progress sustainably through conservation and development together.

A special workshop on August 12, 2569 (Mother's Day) invites visitors to craft jasmine flowers from silk cocoons, transforming sericulture materials into valued creations while honoring the meaning of jasmine as a symbol of love and gratitude, and passing Thai silk heritage to future generations.

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