Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

JIC Director Tours Thai-Cambodian Border, Praises Troops

Air Vice Marshal Praphas Saonchai, JIC Director, visited the Thai-Cambodian border to assess troops and infrastructure development, praising their discipline and commitment to protecting national sovereignty. The visit included inspections

JIC Director Tours Thai-Cambodian Border, Praises Troops
2h ago Khaosod

On August 20, 2569, Air Vice Marshal Praphas Saonchai, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force and Director of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Intelligence Center (JIC), visited the Thai-Cambodian border at Ta Kwaai Temple, Ta Meuon Thom Temple, and Hill 350 to monitor the situation, receive information from field personnel, and boost morale among troops defending sovereignty and public safety along the border.

Air Vice Marshal Praphas said the visit allowed him to see actual field conditions and operations, and to receive direct briefings from officials. He was particularly impressed by the strength, endurance, sacrifice, discipline, and professionalism of all personnel. Witnessing this firsthand strengthened his confidence in the troops, who all understand their duty, maintain discipline, and comprehend that they are protecting not merely their positions but Thailand's sovereignty, security, and the interests of all Thai people.

Regarding the Ta Kwaai Temple area, the JIC Director noted that Thai forces continue to monitor the situation closely and remain vigilant. An August 9 incident at approximately 3:42 p.m. involved reports of explosions southwest of Ta Kwaai Temple; Thai forces assessed the blast site was about 2.4 kilometers from the base and originated from the Cambodian side.

The Director emphasized that communications about border incidents must be based on verified facts and information, avoiding hasty conclusions or misleading data that could create unnecessary misunderstandings and tension. Thai forces will maintain full readiness and safeguard personnel and public security to the best of their ability.

The JIC Director also reported progress on infrastructure development. Following government policy to expand electrical service to the Ta Kwaai–Hill 350 area, completion is targeted for early 2570, bringing power to the front lines as part of broader security efforts.

Air Vice Marshal Praphas stressed that border infrastructure development is vital for operations, communications, security, and quality of life for troops in the area. "Security is not about military strength alone. Efficient infrastructure is part of security too. Bringing electricity and necessary support systems to these areas tells personnel that the border region is not forgotten, and those at the front are not abandoned," he said.

Addressing the Thai public, he called for confidence in border personnel, emphasizing their commitment and understanding of their responsibility to country and people. "You soldiers are not standing there alone. Behind you are families, people, and all Thais supporting you," he stated.

The JIC Director reiterated that Thailand seeks peace and does not wish to see conflict escalation, but maintaining peace must go hand in hand with protecting sovereignty, public safety, and national interests. Thai forces must therefore be prepared, patient, responsible, and professional, acting in accordance with law, relevant agreements, and international principles.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

DSI Summons Phuket MP Over Foreign Nominee Property Holdings

The Department of Special Investigation has summoned Phuket MP Somchai Tetchawarachurkul to give a statement on August 31 regarding allegations he held property on behalf of foreign nationals through dozens of shell companies worth over 100

DSI Summons Phuket MP Over Foreign Nominee Property Holdings
2h ago Khaosod

The Department of Special Investigation has issued a summons for Somchai Tetchawarachurkul, a Phuket member of parliament from the People's Party, to provide a statement on August 31 regarding suspicions that he may be serving as a foreign nominee in holding real estate. As of August 20, the DSI confirmed that its special cases division investigators are preparing to question Somchai about his involvement in holding shares and directorships in companies linked to the establishment of a law office, specifically regarding financial flows through corporate entities allegedly operating as nominees. The investigation found that more than 30 companies associated with Somchai have been registered, with the majority having no genuine business operations but serving only to hold land and condominiums jointly with foreigners. According to reports, Somchai holds 99.99% shares in non-operational companies focused on holding property valued at over 100 million baht on behalf of foreign nationals, raising concerns about capital sources and irregular leasing arrangements. While the conduct does not yet appear to constitute an offense under Thailand's Foreign Business Operations Act, it may violate the Land Code, particularly regarding nominee arrangements. The DSI will issue a formal letter summoning Somchai to appear as a witness; he may also provide a voluntary statement beforehand if desired. Officials emphasized this remains an investigation phase with no formal charges filed against any individual, pending witness testimony and evidence compilation. Somchai previously posted that he would clarify the matter with the DSI to demonstrate his innocence, though investigators report receiving no prior contact from him. Should Somchai provide documents, he must bring company registration papers, board structures, operational duties, and financial records to explain the origin of funds used to hold property, land, and condominiums with foreign nationals.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Police

Pickup Truck Hits Bridge Support, Two Dead Near Lampang

A white pickup truck struck a bridge support near Lampang on August 20, killing two elderly passengers and injuring two others who were traveling to a cancer hospital appointment.

Pickup Truck Hits Bridge Support, Two Dead Near Lampang
2h ago Khaosod

Ngao Police received a report on August 20, 2569, of a white Isuzu D-Max pickup truck that had struck a bridge support in Ban Maephrao, Ngao district, Lampang province. Officers arrived with rescue teams from Ngao Hospital and the Ngao District Rescue Association to find the vehicle blocking the roadway with four occupants inside. Two passengers showed severe injuries while two others were unresponsive; officials attempted CPR resuscitation before transporting them to Ngao Hospital. One family member declined further resuscitation efforts.

The four occupants were residents of Song district, Phrae province, traveling together to Lampang Cancer Hospital for medical appointments. The victims included Mantri, 50, the driver, seriously injured; Pathumvadee, 71, a passenger, seriously injured; Samaan, 83, a patient en route to the cancer hospital, deceased; and Chinda, 71, deceased. Both injured passengers were rushed to Ngao Hospital for emergency treatment. The exact cause of the accident remains under police investigation.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Actress Diew Resolves Debt with 1.75 Million Baht Payment

Actress Diew settled a 1.75 million baht debt with a cheque payment on August 20, resolving a dispute with May Wasana ahead of the contract deadline. The actress earned the money through product endorsements and live-streaming while caring

Actress Diew Resolves Debt with 1.75 Million Baht Payment
2h ago Khaosod

At 10:00 a.m. on August 20, 2025, at the Crime Suppression Division's complaint centre, lawyer Nitisak Mikwad (known as Lawyer Eiang), representing actress Diew Arisara Thongbrisut, and lawyer Arthchai Chaengrun, representing May Wasana, met with investigators to formally document the delivery of a 1.75 million baht cheque settling the debt ahead of the August 21 contract deadline.

Lawyer Eiang revealed that branded goods had already been fully returned, leaving only the outstanding cash balance. Under the debt acknowledgment letter, repayment was due within one year without a specific date. Diew earned the money through work as a product presenter and live-stream seller while managing childcare responsibilities in Taiwan.

Regarding social media claims that Diew had missed payments, Lawyer Eiang denied these allegations, stating both parties had a clear understanding of the one-year timeframe from the start, and May had supported Diew's efforts to earn the money. Diew, as a public figure, does not intend to pursue legal action over the online criticism and expressed gratitude to all parties, particularly May.

Lawyer Arthchai confirmed that all branded items and other assets had been returned earlier. The 1.75 million baht represented the outstanding amount for branded goods held in custody. Both parties have now fulfilled their obligations and will proceed separately.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Bust Five Illegal Medical Clinics, Arrest Five

Authorities arrested five unlicensed medical and dental practitioners operating from homes across three provinces, seizing over 1,000 medical items worth 330,000 baht. The suspects, including a woman who learned dentistry from YouTube video

Police Bust Five Illegal Medical Clinics, Arrest Five
2h ago Khaosod

Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), together with the Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Office, has arrested five people accused of illegally practising medicine and dentistry at five locations in Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon.

The operation resulted in the arrest of four people accused of practising dentistry without licences and one person accused of practising medicine without a licence. Authorities seized 56 types of medical materials and equipment, totalling more than 1,058 items and worth over 330,000 baht.

The investigation began after the Consumer Protection Police Division received a complaint from the Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Office and tips from members of the public about people allegedly providing dental services without authorisation.

The suspects were reportedly offering dentures, retainers and cosmetic braces to customers, often arranging appointments at their homes. On 13 August, officers searched a house in Tha Mai subdistrict, Krathum Baen district, Samut Sakhon, where they found a 30-year-old woman identified as Thanyaporn preparing equipment for braces and treating a customer.

Officers reportedly found her putting a mouth retractor in the customer's mouth and applying an etching solution as part of a cosmetic braces procedure. Thanyaporn allegedly had no dental licence, while the premises had no licence to operate a medical facility.

She reportedly told investigators that she had completed Grade 9 and learned dental procedures herself through YouTube videos. After practising on herself, she believed she had acquired enough skills to take customers. She had allegedly been providing mostly cosmetic braces for about a year, charging from 1,300 baht per service and earning around 15,000 baht a month through Facebook, Line and word of mouth.

On the same day, officers searched another house in Tha Sao subdistrict, Krathum Baen district, where they found a 61-year-old man identified as Somchai allegedly taking a dental impression from a customer to make dentures. Somchai reportedly had no dental licence and the premises were not licensed as a medical facility.

He told officers that he had completed Grade 3 and began working at a dental laboratory at the age of 16. He said he had worked there for more than 10 years before returning home and running his own operation for more than 30 years.

He reportedly received denture-making work from medical facilities in Samut Sakhon and neighbouring provinces, while occasionally accepting direct orders from local residents. He said he earned around 40,000-50,000 baht a month.

A third search in Suan Luang subdistrict, Krathum Baen district, found a 44-year-old woman identified as Saifon allegedly placing dental impression trays into a customer's mouth to make upper and lower dental impressions for retainers. She reportedly had no dental licence and the premises were not licensed to operate as a medical facility.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Police Promotions Board Meets Aug 23 to Select Senior Officers

The Royal Thai Police will hold a promotions board meeting on August 23 to fill 156 vacant senior positions across multiple ranks in the 2025 fiscal year. The screening will promote three Assistant Commissioners to Deputy Commissioner roles

Police Promotions Board Meets Aug 23 to Select Senior Officers
3h ago Khaosod

The Royal Thai Police will hold a promotions board meeting on Sunday, August 23, to select candidates for senior appointments in the 2025 fiscal year, with some minor personnel adjustments for operational efficiency. Deputy Commander Chaipatchareon Suwarnaruksachadech of the Police Personnel Office issued a memo on August 19 to all regional commanders and unit heads, detailing preparations for the screening board chaired by Police Commissioner General Kittisak Pannamethee. The meeting will be held starting at 10:00 a.m. on August 23 in the conference room on the 20th floor of the National Police Office building.

There are 156 vacant positions to fill across senior ranks: 3 Deputy Commissioner posts, 6 Assistant Commissioner posts, 19 Regional Commander posts, 41 Deputy Regional Commander posts, and 94 Provincial Commander posts. For the Deputy Commissioner level, three Assistant Commissioners will be promoted by seniority: Police Major General Naphawat Ariyangkul, Police Major General Thanapol Srisophaa, and Police Major General Kritsada Surachaipon.

At the Assistant Commissioner level, six Regional Commanders will be promoted: Police Major General Santi Chainairamai of Region 4, Police Major General Nithithon Chingatanon of the Metropolitan Region, Police Major General Ajayon Kraitong of Investigation Division, Police Major General Kritsakor Pleethanyavongsa of Central Investigation Bureau, Police Major General Pisit Tanprasert of Region 7, and Police Major General Krittapon Yisakhon of Region 5.

For Regional Commander appointments, several officials will remain in their current positions while others are reassigned: Police Major General Napsilp Poolswasdi, currently attached to the Office of the Police Commissioner, will be transferred to the Customs Bureau. Police Major General Jaroon Paengkaew, Deputy Commander of the Metropolitan Region and a close associate of Commissioner Kittisak, will be promoted to Region 2. Police Major General Vasant Techakumkesem, another ally of the commissioner, will advance to Region 3, replacing an official previously slated for the Legal Affairs office.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Wheelchair Fencer, 52, Targets Three Golds at Asian Para Games

Thai wheelchair fencer Saisuneeyah Janah, 52, aims for three gold medals across nine events at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, after winning six medals at the previous Games in 2023.

Thai Wheelchair Fencer, 52, Targets Three Golds at Asian Para Games
3h ago Khaosod

Saisuneeyah Janah, a fit and strong 52-year-old Thai wheelchair fencer, is gearing up to compete in nine wheelchair fencing events at the fifth Asian Para Games in Japan, aiming to sweep three individual gold medals. She has acknowledged that aging takes a toll on the body, but maintains that complete athletic discipline will lead to success.

Janah will compete before the fifth Asian Para Games, scheduled for October 18–24, 2026, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Thailand's Sports Authority and the Paralympic Committee of Thailand have been preparing continuously. Janah has been training with the Association of Sports for the Disabled of Thailand at the National Disabled Sports Training Center in Suphan Buri Province.

Janah revealed that the Asian Para Games is a major competition. She has been training consistently to be ready for the upcoming competition. This time she will compete in all nine medal events: three individual events, three team events, and three mixed-team events across all three weapons—epee, foil, and sabre—the most she has ever competed in. Previously, organizers allowed each athlete to compete in no more than six events. She acknowledged that age brings some nagging injuries, but she works to maintain her body across all aspects, combining disciplined training more rigorously than younger competitors. She believes this will lead to success.

"I really hope to win three gold medals from all three individual weapons," Janah said. "China remains a formidable opponent, and even though my old rival Tan Shuomei won't be competing, I can't afford to be careless."

Thailand will host the Para Fencing World Cup 2026 (Para Fencing World Cup Pattaya, Thailand) from August 30 to September 2, 2026, at the Eastern Region Sports Center in Pattaya, Chon Buri Province, with over 200 athletes from around the world competing. Janah plans to use this event to test her readiness before the Asian Para Games.

Janah earned one gold medal, four silver medals, and one bronze medal at the fourth Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, in 2023.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Interior Ministry Confirms Removal of 5,925 Officials Over Exam Fraud

Thailand's Interior Ministry is removing 5,925 officials who fraudulently passed the 2025 local government exam, with a deadline of August 31 to complete the process nationwide. Provincial authorities have begun removing appointees and refe

Interior Ministry Confirms Removal of 5,925 Officials Over Exam Fraud
3h ago Khaosod

At 9:40 a.m. on August 20, 2025, the House of Representatives' Committee on Decentralization and Local Government held a meeting chaired by Kongkrit Chatmaleeratana, a Ranong MP from the Phum Jai Thai Party. The agenda addressed the removal of certain rights and positions from individuals who passed the 2025 local government examination fraudulently.

Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit explained that innocent candidates may lose placement rights in provinces they did not originally select. He stated that the ministry aims to give opportunities to those whose names move up on the waiting list as fraudulent candidates are removed.

Worasit said the process involves sending data on candidates with abnormal scores to provincial committees nationwide, which will then coordinate with local government organizations to remove the fraudulent appointees. This removal will create vacancies for eligible candidates. When asked about delays, he assured the committee: "There will be no delays. I understand the concerns of local government leaders, but since the facts are proven, action is necessary. These individuals should not have been appointed in the first place."

He noted that several local governments have already begun the process after receiving central data. Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organization posted confirmation of receipt, and Krabi Provincial Administrative Organization has already removed all 112 fraudulent appointees in its jurisdiction. The Interior Ministry has set August 31, 2025, as the deadline for removing all 5,925 officials.

When asked about the opposition's demand to refer the case to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Worasit confirmed: "We have already submitted the case. We are handling it on two fronts—administrative and criminal. For the criminal side, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and police are responsible, but we can proceed in parallel. All evidence has been compiled and sent to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for further prosecution."

Regarding opposition MP Rangsiman Rom's claim that the scandal originated when the former government ended Burapha University's role as examination administrator, Worasit stated: "Everyone has evidence that the fraud was discovered before this. The local government examination fraud process shows the facts did not occur in 2024 or 2025. As for canceling the contract with Burapha University, I will ask the university to present its evidence."

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Man Arrested After Drunken Shooting Kills Woman, Injures Two

A 60-year-old man was arrested in Chumphon after a drunken shooting spree killed a woman and wounded two others following a dispute over a personal matter.

Man Arrested After Drunken Shooting Kills Woman, Injures Two
3h ago Khaosod

On August 19, Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Patcharaphon Kaewtong, an investigator at Lang Suan Police Station in Chumphon, received a report of a shooting at a residential property in Lang Suan district that left one dead and multiple injured. Investigation teams and rescue personnel rushed to the scene and found blood covering the ground. Three people had been shot: a 35-year-old woman from Chumphon who was struck in the head and died; a 45-year-old man from Sisaket who was grazed on the head; and a 29-year-old man from Sisaket shot in the left shoulder and right rib cage.

Investigators determined that before the attack, two men—a 60-year-old and a 44-year-old—had visited the house and gotten into a physical fight with one of the residents over a personal matter. The 44-year-old claimed he was choked, prompting the 60-year-old to intervene. Enraged, the two men returned with guns. The 44-year-old borrowed a .32 revolver from a contact in Thung Takob district, Chumphon, then gave it to the 60-year-old. They drank alcohol together and planned the attack: the 44-year-old would ride the motorcycle while the 60-year-old would shoot.

When they arrived, the 60-year-old opened fire on a man sitting outside, then shot at two others who emerged from the house. All three were injured; the 35-year-old woman later died at Lang Suan Hospital. The suspects fled on the motorcycle. Police tracked them to a house in Sai Khao subdistrict, Lang Suan district, where they were arrested with the murder weapon still in their possession.

When questioned, the 60-year-old confessed that after the shooting, he and his accomplice buried the .32 revolver in a sack near the house. Police retrieved it along with two ammunition cartridges. Officers charged both men with premeditated murder and attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, firing a weapon in public, and unlawful transport of firearms. They were remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand to Overhaul Gun Laws by Mid-September

Thailand will overhaul its 1947 gun laws by mid-September to address smuggling and illegal weapons proliferation, focusing on stricter registration and dealer oversight rather than costly buyback programs.

Thailand to Overhaul Gun Laws by Mid-September
3h ago Khaosod

On August 20, Deputy Prime Minister Pokorn Nilpraphand outlined progress on revising the Firearms Act, stating that legal changes alone cannot solve the problem. Thailand shares land and sea borders with neighboring countries where instability persists, allowing weapons to smuggle across. The current law, in place since 1947, covers legal imports but contains loopholes. Firearms fall into two categories: legal and illegal. The key reform needed is restructuring the entire legal firearms system, as different agencies currently operate independently without proper coordination.

Previous attempts to develop a centralized gun registry have been incomplete and disconnected, lacking effective monitoring systems. Gun shops are not legally required to share responsibility for oversight. While registered firearms rarely cause problems, the main issue stems from people acquiring illegal weapons or purchasing legally but failing to register them, converting legal guns into contraband. Illegal firearms fall into three categories: smuggled weapons across borders, legally purchased but unregistered guns, and homemade firearms.

The Interior Ministry has proposed controlling legally imported firearms through system overhaul, registration, and use restrictions. A voluntary surrender program will allow people to hand over firearms to authorities without penalty if uncertain about legality. Previous amnesty measures had mixed results because they lacked systemic reform. New legislation will tightly regulate gun dealers, licensing systems, and shooting ranges, which currently fall under the Thai Sports Authority's jurisdiction.

On gun buyback proposals, Pokorn noted ongoing discussions with the Interior Ministry and Office of the Council of State due to high budgetary costs. The government prefers voluntary surrender over purchasing guns back. Military and police firearms have existing safeguards, though not foolproof, representing good administrative practice. After gathering public input through September 10, the revised draft will undergo another hearing before submission to the cabinet, expected by mid-September.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Motorcycle Crashes Into Full Bus at Intersection, Two Seriously Hurt

A motorcycle ran a red light and collided with a passenger bus at Karaeng intersection in Nonthaburi on August 20, seriously injuring the bike's driver and passenger.

Motorcycle Crashes Into Full Bus at Intersection, Two Seriously Hurt
3h ago Khaosod

At 6:30 a.m. on August 20, 2025, officers from Rattanakosin Police Station, along with emergency responders from Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bang Pho Tek Tung Foundation volunteers, and Nonthaburi municipal ambulances, arrived at the scene after receiving a report of a collision between a passenger bus and a motorcycle. Two people suffered serious injuries. The incident occurred at Karaeng intersection, prompting an immediate response.

At the intersection of Namvongwan and Rattanakosin roads, officers found a cream-and-red passenger bus stopped in the middle of the intersection with a red-and-black Honda Wave motorcycle pinned beneath it. The driver and passenger, identified as 37-year-old Itthiporn and 48-year-old Rujira, were rushed to Krung Thai Hospital Pakkret and Mongkut Watthana Hospital respectively.

When questioned, the bus driver said he was traveling from Namvongwan Road toward Rattanakosin Road and proceeded through the intersection normally on a green light. He stated that the motorcycle suddenly appeared from an unknown direction and ran a red light, causing the violent collision. The bus driver insisted he had a green signal.

Following the crash, traffic police moved both vehicles to restore traffic flow. Officers plan to review closed-circuit camera footage from the intersection and from inside the bus.

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.