Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Breaking

Luxury Yacht Tilting, Risks Sinking Off Satahip

A luxury yacht listed dangerously near Satahip pier in Chachoengsao on August 3, prompting authorities to launch urgent salvage operations to prevent it from sinking and blocking shipping routes.

Luxury Yacht Tilting, Risks Sinking Off Satahip
3 Aug Khaosod

On August 3, District Chief Nattavut Anuyodtha of Satahip responded to a public report of a luxury yacht listing and at risk of sinking while moored near the pier on Soi Na Jomtien 52 in Na Jomtien Subdistrict, Satahip District, Chachoengsao Province. He inspected the scene immediately with village headwoman Teuanjit Sapna of Moo 8, Na Jomtien, and confirmed the yacht was clearly tilted. The district chief coordinated with the Pattaya Regional Port Authority and related agencies to urgently locate the yacht owner and execute rapid salvage operations to prevent sinking, obstruction of shipping routes, and maritime accidents. Local security personnel disclosed that the yacht had been towed to the location, began tilting slightly that morning, and tilted further by afternoon, prompting an official inspection. Authorities are currently tracking the owner and preparing to remove the vessel to a port for further examination and repairs to ensure unobstructed waterways and public safety.

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Police

Actor Film Denies Charges, Says Financial Trail Is 25 Million Baht, Not 142 Million

Actor Film denies operating unauthorized Forex trading services, claiming only 25 million baht in legitimate business transfers entered his account over seven years, not the alleged 142 million baht the DSI reported.

Actor Film Denies Charges, Says Financial Trail Is 25 Million Baht, Not 142 Million
3 Aug Khaosod

At 4:30 p.m. on August 3, 2025, at the DSI (Department of Special Investigation), actor Rathaphoomi Toakongthrap, also known as Film, made a statement following over six hours of questioning by the Technology and Information Crime Division regarding charges of operating unauthorized Forex trading services.

Film's lawyer, Pramuan Luengwattanavanich, revealed that his client received a comprehensive set of charges including conducting training operations, serving as a business consultant on marketing and sales, and acting as a currency exchange broker. However, Film denies all charges. Regarding the morning's questions about a 142 million baht financial trail that Film allegedly received from his brother Phurithat, the lawyer clarified that this figure does not exist. Instead, only 25 million baht in transfers from a company entered Film's bank account over a seven-year period from 2019 to 2025. The transfers peaked in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when Film's company, Mask Cute Co., Ltd., which sold face masks, was experiencing strong sales. In total, only 25 million baht over seven years can be linked to Film.

The lawyer further stated that the financial trail to Film's account is unrelated to the Forex fraud case occurring in 2024-2025. The 142 million baht claim has no basis, and all DSI allegations can be refuted. The actual transfers between Film and his brother Phurithat amount to only 11 million baht or 4 million baht in various instances—far below the reported 142 million baht.

Film expressed relief after clarifying the charges, saying he now understands the allegations and timeline involved. He plans to prepare additional financial documentation for future clarifications. Regarding the allegation that he recruited others or acted as a broker with subordinates, Film stated there is no evidence because he never recruited anyone. His lawyer added that the recruitment allegation is merely an assertion by DSI without proof, and Film firmly denies ever recruiting anyone.

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National

EECiti Smart City Project Attracts Over 100 Thai and Foreign Investors

Over 100 Thai and foreign investors expressed strong interest in the EECiti smart city project during a market sounding forum in late July, with stakeholders discussing investment structures and offering recommendations to enhance the devel

EECiti Smart City Project Attracts Over 100 Thai and Foreign Investors
3 Aug Khaosod

The EEC's market sounding forum in late July drew unexpectedly strong response, with more than 100 major Thai and foreign investors, infrastructure developers, real estate firms, financial institutions, and related agencies expressing confidence in the EECiti smart city project and interest in PPP-based investment. EEC Secretary Lata Sukhmanop stated that the forum was designed to gather input from stakeholders who would actually participate in the investment, allowing all parties to exchange views on project development approaches, investment structures, investment rights, and recommendations to enhance project feasibility and attractiveness. The hearing session included Q&A and discussion on investment allocation, risk management, project administration, investment decision factors, and investment networking activities among government, private sector, and financial institutions. Notable suggestions included synchronizing utility system development with business area expansion, attracting investors and residents to build demand, considering financial support and investment facilitation mechanisms, and developing environmentally friendly utilities that strengthen community connections. The EEC will incorporate these recommendations into EECiti's implementation to align with investor needs and plans to hold further market sounding sessions.

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Police

British Tourist Found Dead in Patong Hotel Room

A 41-year-old British tourist was found dead in his Patong hotel room on Monday after staff discovered him unresponsive during checkout; police await autopsy results to determine the cause of death.

British Tourist Found Dead in Patong Hotel Room
3 Aug Khaosod

PHUKET — A 41-year-old British tourist was found dead in his hotel room in Phuket's Patong area on Monday, with police awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.

Police at Patong Police Station were notified at about 11:20 on 3 August that a foreign man had been found dead inside Room 1414 of a hotel in Patong, Kathu district. Officers, forensic specialists and other relevant officials went to the scene to investigate.

The body was identified as Zakir Mahood, 41, a British national who had been staying alone at the hotel since July 24. He had been scheduled to check out on Monday.

According to the hotel's head housekeeper, the room was last cleaned on 27 July. After that, the guest had placed a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door.

At around 11:00 on the scheduled check-out date, a housekeeper knocked on the door but received no response. After entering the room, staff found Mahood dead inside and alerted police.

Investigators said there were no signs of forced entry, a struggle or the room being ransacked.

A preliminary examination conducted by police and a forensic doctor indicated that Mahood had died approximately 12 to 24 hours before his body was discovered. However, the exact cause of death has not yet been determined and will depend on the results of a full autopsy.

The body was transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further examination. Authorities are coordinating with the British Embassy to notify the man's relatives and arrange the repatriation of his body for funeral rites.

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Police

Major Drug Bust Nets 528 Kg of Ice in Chaiyaphum

Police seized 528 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine worth over 50 million baht from a drug trafficking operation in Chaiyaphum, arresting five suspects from Udon Thani province hired to transport the drugs to Ayutthaya.

Major Drug Bust Nets 528 Kg of Ice in Chaiyaphum
3 Aug Khaosod

On August 3, 2025, Dech Senaakham, district chief of Muang Chaiyaphum, coordinated a joint operation involving local administrative security forces, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau's central division, and Ban Khai police to investigate an area in Ban Don Khwang subdistrict. The authorities had been tipped off by local officials and narcotics officers that a drug trafficking operation was transporting narcotics from Tha Li district in Loei province headed toward Wang Noi district in Ayutthaya province.

The search uncovered a white Nissan X-Trail carrying 18 Chinese tea sacks concealing crystal methamphetamine—approximately 528 kilograms total, with each sack containing 30 one-kilogram bags. The haul is valued at more than 50 million baht. Officers immediately apprehended three suspects who were driving the lead vehicle. Two additional suspects abandoned their transport truck and fled into the Don Khwang area, but after an intensive search, authorities cornered and arrested both while they were hiding in a sugarcane plantation.

Under questioning, all five suspects—all from Udon Thani province—admitted they had been hired to transport the drugs for 500,000 baht. Authorities charged them with importing and distributing Category 1 narcotics. The suspects and seized materials have been transferred to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for formal prosecution, and the investigation is continuing to identify and pursue other members of the trafficking network.

The operation was coordinated under the direction of Anon Naknaiyom, Chaiyaphum provincial governor; Thongchai Olarapattanachay, deputy governor; Worasit Putcheep, provincial secretary; and Dech Senaakham, district chief of Muang Chaiyaphum.

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Breaking

YouTuber Hlun Solo's Brother Confirms Embassy Received Remains

Remains of YouTuber Hlun Solo have been received by the embassy in Georgia following forensic examination, with repatriation to Thailand expected once documentation is completed.

YouTuber Hlun Solo's Brother Confirms Embassy Received Remains
3 Aug Khaosod

On August 3, Klose Mos, the brother of YouTuber Hlun Solo, posted a progress update on Facebook regarding the receipt of his brother's remains. Embassy officials completed the handover at 1:00 p.m. Georgia time, with personal identification confirmed. The remains have undergone forensic examination according to Georgian procedures, with samples and evidence preserved for further autopsy analysis and official conclusion. The body is being properly preserved while documentation is prepared for repatriation. Once all paperwork is complete, the embassy will arrange a flight to return the remains to Thailand as quickly as possible. The passport will be returned with the body, while other belongings and possessions remain under Georgian authorities for continued investigation. Formal autopsy results are still pending, and the embassy will continue to monitor progress and provide updates as information becomes available.

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Regional

Phuket Launches Forest Encroachment Investigation

Phuket authorities deployed six teams to investigate eight suspected illegal forest encroachments as part of a government-led crackdown on unauthorized land occupation.

Phuket Launches Forest Encroachment Investigation
3 Aug The Phuket News

PHUKET: Phuket officials have launched an operation to investigate eight suspected forest encroachment sites, with six teams deployed to check whether state and mountainous land has been illegally occupied as part of the government’s ‘Phuket Model’ campaign.

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National

Thailand Builds Homes for Poor and Disabled as Royal Tribute

Thailand's government has launched a royal tribute housing program providing homes to poor and disabled residents across Buriram province, with four houses already completed in Ku Mueang district at 100,000 baht each as part of the King's b

Thailand Builds Homes for Poor and Disabled as Royal Tribute
3 Aug Khaosod

On August 3, 2025, Sopon Saramitr, President of the National Assembly and House of Representatives, chaired a cornerstone-laying ceremony for Lae Sripluang's home in Tu Yai subdistrict, Ku Mueang district, Buriram province. Sripluang was selected to receive assistance under a royal tribute project honoring the King's birthday on July 28, 2025, designed to enable beneficiaries to begin new lives in stable and secure housing. The project is jointly run by the Phra Pathom Institution, the Ananda Fund Saramitr (Luk Tung), and the Club for Doing Good for the Nation, with support from provincial and district officials as well as community leaders.

Sripluang expressed deep gratitude and joy, thanking all organizations involved in providing her with secure housing. She believes the new home will improve her quality of life and living conditions, and pledged to maintain the property and live responsibly to reciprocate the compassion and encouragement she has received.

Ku Mueang district has received budgetary support to construct homes for disabled and poor residents under the royal tribute project marking the King's birthday on July 28, 2025. The initiative, titled "Building Homes for the Disabled and Poor as a Royal Offering," aims to enhance living standards and housing security for disadvantaged communities. Sopon Saramitr reported that construction has been completed for four recipients across four subdistricts—Tu Yai, Phon Samai, Ku Mueang, and Prakaep—with funding of 100,000 baht per home from the Ananda Fund Saramitr, totaling 400,000 baht.

The home construction project targets poor, destitute, and disabled residents facing housing hardship across six districts: Lam Plai Mat, Nong Hong, Ku Mueang, Phu Thai Song, Ban Mai Chai Phon, and Na Phot. Beneficiaries must have no connection to drugs or other vices. The program will continue to allow citizens wishing to contribute to the royal merit-making project to participate.

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National

Thai Senior Tennis Championship Sets Record With Historic Team Turnout

The 2025 Thai Senior Tennis Championship set a record with 24 teams and 552 competitors aged 30 and above, culminating in a royal trophy presentation by Princess Suthida at Crystal Sports G in Palm Hills.

Thai Senior Tennis Championship Sets Record With Historic Team Turnout
3 Aug Khaosod

The 2025 Thai Senior Tennis Championship (Team Division) for athletes aged 30 and above concluded in impressive fashion, graced with a royal trophy presentation by Princess Suthida to the champions in three divisions. The tournament marked a significant milestone for Thai sports, with the association setting a historic record for the highest number of participating teams. This reflects continuous growth in tennis across all age groups and clear nationwide popularity expansion, with an atmosphere throughout the tournament energized by athletes, supporters, and sponsors.

The event at Crystal Sports G (at Palm Hills) drew 24 teams comprising 552 competitors, each team filled with national athletes and leading Thai tennis players including Tamarine Tanasugarn, Varish Sornbutrnakul, Nichaat Lertsiphitaksinjai, Kumajarwan Buayyaem, and others. Every match demonstrated high quality and standards, with athletes from each team showing full potential, dedication, and sportsmanship, reflecting the true competitive spirit while also serving as a platform for friendship, unity, and experience-sharing among players.

Suphanawit Iamskultrat, president of the Thai Senior Tennis Association, stated: "This year's success represents another important step for our association, with a record-breaking number of teams reflecting the power of tennis to beautifully unite people across different ages. We are proud to have created an opportunity that combines health, friendship, and quality of life, while elevating competition to international standards to drive sustainable long-term growth in Thai tennis."

The event received support from leading national partners including Thai Commercial Bank, National Sports Development Fund, Thai Generator Company, PTT Public Company, Port Authority of Thailand, Government Savings Bank, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Government Housing Bank, Thai Airways International, Serviceline 2020 (Dunlop), Perrier mineral water, and Pocari Sweat. The association expressed gratitude to all participating teams, supporters, and stakeholders for creating this historic occasion and marking an important chapter in Thai tennis history.

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National

Thailand's Top Administrative Court Overturns Songkhla Governor Dismissal

Thailand's Supreme Administrative Court overturned the dismissal of Songkhla's former provincial governor Niphon Bunnyamanee, ruling the 2021 order violated legal procedure and essential requirements for removal from office.

Thailand's Top Administrative Court Overturns Songkhla Governor Dismissal
3 Aug Khaosod

On August 3, 2025, the Administrative Court of Thailand read aloud the Supreme Administrative Court's judgment in cases Black No. 2001/2566 and Red No. 702/2569, between plaintiff Niphon Bunnyamanee and defendants the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Interior Minister. The Supreme Administrative Court ruled to annul Interior Ministry Order No. 1528/2564, dated June 25, 2021, which had dismissed Niphon Bunnyamanee from his position as Songkhla PAO governor during his term from August 4, 2013, to June 27, 2019. The court found the dismissal unlawful because it violated proper form, procedure, and essential legal requirements established for such actions.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Woman Details Abuse by Accused Serial Killer With Police Relative

A woman who was assaulted by serial killer suspect Pong seven years ago came forward demanding the death penalty, alleging he drugged and sexually abused her at age 14 and that a police officer relative helped him evade justice in Chachoeng

Woman Details Abuse by Accused Serial Killer With Police Relative
3 Aug Khaosod

Police have arrested a suspect known as Pong and associates for the brutal murders of two Russian siblings and the burial deaths of a mother, father, and child—five victims total—in Chachoengsao Province, shocking the nation. On August 3, 2025, a woman identified as A, who was detained and sexually assaulted by Pong seven years ago, came forward publicly to reveal his violent behavior and demand the death penalty.

A disclosed that at age 14, Pong lured her under the pretense of inviting her to watch a car race, then accused her of stealing methamphetamine worth approximately 50,000 baht and forced her to "clear" the debt. He allegedly drugged her before sexually assaulting her, and when she escaped, he terrorized her by threatening to release explicit videos and kill her entire family—even firing a gun in front of her house. Fearing for her family's safety, she was forced to return to him twice before being taken into the forest, where he dug a hole and threatened to bury her alive, paralleling the murders.

A also revealed that when she previously reported the assault to Bang Lamung Police Station, officers told her it was outside their jurisdiction and directed her to Huai Yai Station. However, when she mentioned that Pong had threatened to kill her if she reported it, officers offered no solution. She further alleged that Pong took her to meet a relative he claimed was a police officer to obtain methamphetamine, and that this officer told her they were Pong's wife.

A expressed confidence that the officer is connected to Pong, noting that in prior cases, this officer would call Pong with advance warnings about incoming arrests. She recounted two encounters with this officer: once at a guesthouse following a domestic dispute involving Pong, and again when the officer later called Pong to say the case had been deleted from the system.

The Department of Corrections has clarified the release of Pong and Thong before the murders, stating they followed JSOC procedures. A court has denied bail for both suspects, citing serious criminal behavior and high sentencing exposure, with judges warning that release poses a significant flight risk.

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