Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Regional

Man Praised for Freeing Sea Turtle From Fishing Net

A man freed a sea turtle tangled in discarded fishing net at Phuket's Layan Beach and released it safely back to sea, sparking calls for action against marine pollution.

Man Praised for Freeing Sea Turtle From Fishing Net
18 Jul Khaosod

PHUKET — A man has been widely praised after rescuing a sea turtle trapped in a discarded fishing net at Layan Beach in Phuket, before safely releasing the animal back into the sea. The heartwarming rescue was shared on 18 July 2026 by the local Facebook page, which posted photos showing the man carefully removing the tangled net from the turtle's body and flippers. The turtle had become entangled in the debris and was unable to move normally after washing ashore at Layan Beach in Choeng Thale subdistrict, Thalang district.

Witnesses watched as the man patiently worked for an extended period to untangle the net without injuring the animal. Once the net had been completely removed, he carried the turtle back to the shoreline and released it into the sea. According to the Facebook post, the turtle appeared to respond to the rescue before quickly making its way back into the water, leaving onlookers impressed by the emotional moment.

The rescue has drawn widespread praise on social media, with many users calling for greater efforts to reduce marine litter and prevent discarded fishing gear from entering the ocean. Environmental advocates have long warned that abandoned nets and ropes pose a serious threat to endangered sea turtles and other marine life, which can become trapped, injured or killed after becoming entangled in the debris.

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Police

Border Guards Seize Smuggled Avocados Worth Nearly 3 Tons

Border guards seized nearly 3 tons of smuggled avocados from a pickup truck on Highway 3015 in Mukdahan province after stopping the driver attempting to enter Thailand without customs documentation.

Border Guards Seize Smuggled Avocados Worth Nearly 3 Tons
18 Jul Khaosod

On July 18, 2016, officers from the 2103rd Ranger Company Special Operations Unit and other security agencies conducted border interception operations along Highway 3015 in Bang Sarai Noi subdistrict, Mueang Hoa Wai district, Mukdahan province, to prevent illegal goods from entering the country without customs documentation. Acting on a tip-off about contraband avocados being smuggled in, authorities set up surveillance and successfully stopped a modified gray Isuzu pickup truck (license plate YM 623, Chiang Mai) with metal cage modifications. The driver, 35-year-old Thanadol from Mueang Lampoon district, was apprehended. An inspection of the vehicle revealed 100 crates of avocados weighing approximately 2,700 kilograms, all lacking proper customs clearance. The goods were seized and the driver was transferred to Mukdahan Customs for legal proceedings. Officials stated they will continue stepping up patrols and enforcement operations along the border to prevent tax evasion and protect the country's economic interests.

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Police

Police Launch Criminal Cases Against 5,924 Exam Cheaters

Police will file criminal charges against 5,924 people who scored suspiciously on local government exams, coordinating with anti-corruption agencies across Thailand's Southern and Central regions.

Police Launch Criminal Cases Against 5,924 Exam Cheaters
18 Jul Khaosod

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has outlined its approach to the local government exam fraud case, which will result in criminal charges against 5,924 test-takers with anomalous scores. CIB commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthashak Chaowasnasai revealed that the bureau received direct orders from Prime Minister Anuwit Chanyaveerrakul and the Interior Ministry to conduct a rigorous investigation, coordinating with the National Police Office, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).

Currently, the CIB has preliminary databases on suspects with activity detected in the Southern and Central regions. For the critical issue of 5,924 candidates with abnormal scores, Chaowasnasai stated that police possess initial data from an inspection team but must await formal administrative measures from the Interior Ministry revoking their eligibility before proceeding with criminal action.

Regarding prosecution strategy, some disqualified candidates may choose to provide direct testimony to the NACC. Those who provide useful information could be retained as witnesses, while those with solid evidence of intentionally paying bribes will face criminal charges as suspects. Since most offenders involve government officials, the primary case falls under NACC jurisdiction. The CIB has assigned experienced officers to assist NACC investigators formally. By late July, the CIB expects to submit a comprehensive progress report, and if evidence gathering is complete, investigators will expand the case to target masterminds.

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Police

Authorities Bust Foreign-Owned Real Estate Scheme in Chonburi

Thai authorities dismantled a foreign-owned real estate scheme in Chonburi using nominee shareholders and shell companies to illegally control and resell luxury properties online. Investigators raided 33 companies and issued arrest warrants

Authorities Bust Foreign-Owned Real Estate Scheme in Chonburi
18 Jul Khaosod

Thailand's Commerce Ministry, Immigration Bureau, and National Police launched a major crackdown on July 17, 2569, targeting luxury real estate businesses in Bangsaen, Chonburi province, to dismantle a foreign investment network using nominees and shell companies to illegally hold and resell residential properties online through share transfers. Commerce Department Director Poonpong Naiyanapakon revealed that authorities conducted searches on 33 companies, issuing four arrest warrants and 41 search warrants. Investigators found that the companies were structured with Thai nationals as nominee shareholders on behalf of foreigners, allowing foreign entities to control multiple properties and lease them out, circumventing Thai foreign business laws. Preliminary findings identified 14 companies holding land titles, established as foreign communities in luxury housing projects, with property transfers occurring through successive share changes rather than proper legal sales. Authorities examined company accounting records, financial trails, and questioned witnesses while verifying work permits and residency documents; initial evidence suggests operations were conducted under guidance from accounting and law firms. In Chonburi province, 76,752 registered companies exist (as of July 15, 2569), with deep investigation revealing 6,086 companies holding real estate with foreign investment, including 4,844 companies (79.59%) with 0.01-49% foreign stake, 212 companies (3.48%) with 49.01-99.99% foreign stake, and 1,030 companies (16.93%) with 100% foreign ownership. The Commerce Department stressed that foreign investors, particularly those holding 50 percent or more company shares—legally classified as foreigners—must comply with the Foreign Business Act, with certain restricted businesses listed in Schedule One.

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Police

Woman Says Early Heart Test Could Have Saved Husband's Life

A woman's husband died of a heart attack after a hospital doctor dismissed her concerns about chest pain and refused to perform an electrocardiogram, attributing his symptoms to anxiety; an autopsy later revealed two blocked coronary arteri

Woman Says Early Heart Test Could Have Saved Husband's Life
18 Jul Khaosod

Kru Sai recounted the events that began on the morning of July 16. While her husband was working, he suddenly experienced stabbing pain in his fingertips that spread to his shoulder and chest, with chest tightness and continuous sweating. A coworker saw the unusual symptoms and took him to a hospital under social security coverage. Upon arrival, when the medical history was taken, he mentioned a previous wrist surgery but insisted this pain was different because of the accompanying chest tightness. The nurse asked about existing illnesses—he had high cholesterol and high blood lipids—and referred him to the internal medicine department.

However, the internist returned his file saying they could not treat him without blood test results and cholesterol levels, but the patient could not be tested because he had just eaten bread in the morning. He was then sent to an orthopedic doctor, with the explanation that the condition might be bone-related and they needed to rule that out first. But the orthopedic doctor said that based on the diagnosis of chest tightness, it was not related to bones or bone conditions, and suggested he return to the internist.

When he returned to the internist, the doctor conducted no further examination, not even a stethoscope check. Kru Sai explained that she researched her husband's symptoms and consulted with relatives, leading her to suspect a heart condition. She asked the doctor to perform an electrocardiogram, but the doctor refused and accused her of being "anxious" for requesting additional tests.

She asked what would happen if he had a medical emergency at home, but the doctor replied the likelihood was very low. The doctor then pointed at her husband and said, "Go home and stay in separate rooms because your wife is anxious. When you stay apart, it will go away." He attributed the sweating to hot weather and all symptoms to anxiety, then prescribed painkillers and discharged him.

At home, she intended to take her husband for a second opinion at another hospital in the evening. While resting, she woke him around 3 p.m. to pick up their child. When he returned home, he went into shock and died shortly after. She filed a complaint to investigate the cause of death. The autopsy revealed two blocked coronary arteries. After receiving the autopsy results, the doctor admitted to the misdiagnosis. She has decided to return the painkillers.

She questioned whether the doctor realized his error or only became aware after public backlash, especially since she had requested an electrocardiogram on the day of the incident but was accused of being anxious instead.

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Tourism

Chiang Mai Zoo Tigers Predict Spain to Win World Cup Final

Chiang Mai Zoo's two tigers made conflicting predictions for the 2026 World Cup final, with Lee picking Spain and Tiger selecting Argentina during an animal enrichment activity on July 18. The zoo stressed the predictions are purely for ent

Chiang Mai Zoo Tigers Predict Spain to Win World Cup Final
18 Jul Khaosod

Chiang Mai Zoo on July 18 held an animal enrichment activity to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, featuring predictions from two of its star residents: Lee, a black tiger, and Tiger, a Bengal tiger. Both tigers had correctly predicted teams in the previous semifinal round.

Lee's activity involved hidden food boxes designed as Spain and Argentina team jerseys, with equal portions of her favorite food in each. Using her senses and instincts, Lee chose Spain as the world champion. Tiger participated through an interactive feeding activity with soccer balls decorated with both team symbols, designed to stimulate natural foraging and play behavior. Tiger selected Argentina by pushing the ball into a goal.

Pichit Chitminthr, assistant director of Chiang Mai Zoo, explained that the activity supports animal welfare and enrichment principles by stimulating the tigers' natural senses and behaviors while entertaining visitors. The zoo emphasized that the tigers' predictions are purely for creative entertainment and do not constitute gambling or match forecasting. The zoo invites fans to see which tiger proves to be the more accurate "prediction guru" as they watch the Spain versus Argentina World Cup final together.

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Police

Man Arrested for Providing Bank Account to Call Center Scammers

A 33-year-old man from Saraburi was arrested in Chon Buri for providing his bank account to call center scammers who defrauded university students; he claims a woman borrowed his credentials without permission.

Man Arrested for Providing Bank Account to Call Center Scammers
18 Jul Khaosod

Pathum Thani police have apprehended a 33-year-old man identified as Viswakorn from Wang Nam Yen district, Saraburi province, in connection with a call center scam targeting two prestigious university students. The suspect was arrested on a beach-parallel road in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, following a warrant from Thanburi Provincial Court dated July 17, 2026.

Investigations revealed that Viswakorn owned the bank account used by the call center gang to receive fraudulent transfers from victims on multiple occasions. However, the suspect denies any connection to the scam, claiming that a woman named Lin, whom he met at a Chon Buri resort, borrowed his account credentials for gaming and online gambling purposes without his knowledge. He stated he only discovered the account's involvement in the fraud after police arrived.

Police initially brought the suspect to Prat Nam Chula Longkorn Police Station in Pathum Thani for further investigation and evidence expansion before proceeding with legal charges.

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Police

Ko Lanta Police Pledge to Combat Corruption

Ko Lanta Police Station officers publicly pledged to reject gifts and benefits that could fuel corruption, with the superintendent leading the commitment during the new year meeting.

18 Jul Ko Lanta Police

The superintendent of Ko Lanta Police Station, Pol. Lt. Col. Siritham Nakworranan, led officers in a public declaration against all forms of corruption on January 29, 2569, at 9:00 a.m. during their first meeting of the year. The officers committed to refusing all gifts and benefits before, during, and after performing their duties that could lead to corruption, both now and in the future. The pledge aligns with the station's regulations and all applicable laws and procedures.

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Police

Bangkok Seeks Homes for 17 Cats Rescued From Fatal Fire

Seventeen cats rescued from a fatal house fire in Bangkok have been transferred to a city animal shelter for adoption, while 73 others perished in the blaze that killed two elderly residents in Thon Buri district.

Bangkok Seeks Homes for 17 Cats Rescued From Fatal Fire
18 Jul Khaosod

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the scene of a fatal house fire in Soi Somdet Phra Chao Taksin 11 on July 18, 2026, announcing that 17 cats rescued from the blaze will be transferred to a Bangkok animal shelter while authorities seek new homes for them.

Chadchart inspected the scene alongside officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Thon Buri District Office and other agencies.

The fire was reported at 05:59 hrs, with firefighters arriving at 06:05 hrs and bringing the blaze under control by 06:14 hrs.

Two elderly residents, a man and a woman who were living on the second floor of one of the houses, died in the fire. Authorities believe they succumbed to smoke inhalation.

Chadchart said firefighters were able to rescue all occupants from the neighbouring house, but the flames had already spread rapidly by the time emergency crews arrived.

The governor said the deceased couple were known for caring for a large number of cats, estimating that they had been looking after around 100 animals.

Following the fire, officials found 73 cats had died.

A total of 19 cats survived. Two were taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment, while the remaining 17 cats were temporarily placed under the care of the Thon Buri District Office before being transferred at 12:00 hrs on July 18 to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Dog Control Centre (Prawet), also known as the Prawet Dog and Cat Shelter, where they will await adoption.

"Although firefighters arrived quickly, it is not always possible to save lives because of factors such as smoke inhalation and the speed at which a fire spreads," Chadchart said, offering condolences to the victims' family.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant about fire hazards to help prevent similar tragedies.

People interested in adopting the rescued cats can contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Dog Control Centre (Prawet) on weekdays between 08:00 hrs and 15:00 hrs, call 02-328-7460, or visit the BKK Adopter Facebook page for more information.

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National

Young Man's Parking Spot Finder Goes Viral on TikTok

A TikTok channel called "Wangpao" has gone viral by broadcasting live feeds of the BTS Mochit parking lot during Bangkok's morning rush hour, helping drivers find available spots in real time. The account has attracted over a million views

Young Man's Parking Spot Finder Goes Viral on TikTok
18 Jul Khaosod

A viral TikTok channel called "Wangpao" (@mochitwangpao) has gained widespread attention for helping drivers find parking spaces at the BTS Mochit parking lot. The account, which has 3,100 followers and over a million video views, broadcasts live updates during peak morning hours (Monday to Thursday, 7:30–9:00 AM) using a fixed camera positioned high above the lot to give viewers a clear overview of available parking spaces.

The channel's appeal lies in its simplicity and straightforward approach—no fancy editing, just genuine live footage showing the entire parking area so viewers can spot open spots in real time. The service has proven genuinely useful for commuters navigating congested mornings, and viewers have even returned to thank the creator after successfully parking, creating heartwarming moments during rush hour.

Social media users have warmly embraced the channel, praising not only the clever idea but also the creator's goodwill and willingness to help without seeking anything in return. Comments reflect widespread admiration, with users calling it more practical than government services and suggesting it deserves payment models to sustain it long-term.

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Police

Wife Hires Private Investigator to Catch Husband With Mistress

A wife hired private investigator Boy to document her husband's affair, and his team photographed the couple parked near a roadside spirit house at night—evidence now being prepared for divorce and damages proceedings.

Wife Hires Private Investigator to Catch Husband With Mistress
18 Jul Khaosod

A wife has hired the team of Boy, a prominent private investigator known for sensational infidelity cases, to track her husband's movements after suspecting he was having an affair. The investigator, who has previously made headlines with unconventional evidence-gathering methods, has now captured what he calls the most shocking case yet: photographic evidence of the husband and his mistress parked next to a white spirit house (shrine) at night, recorded at approximately 9:46 p.m.

The wife, Ms. Benja, became suspicious of her husband Somchai's behavior and hired Boy's team to conduct surveillance. The team followed the couple and discovered they had driven to a secluded spot near a roadside spirit house, where they engaged in intimate activities with apparent disregard for the sacred object nearby. According to Boy, the evidence is irrefutable because not only does his camera equipment document the incident clearly, but "the spirit house itself stands as a witness to the event."

Boy's team conducted a daytime inspection of the location on June 24th and confirmed the tire tracks from the parked vehicle near the spirit house. Ms. Benja and her legal team are now compiling all photographic and video evidence to submit to her lawyer for use in divorce proceedings and a damages claim against the mistress, Ms. Chum Chim. Boy stated confidently that the case is airtight given both the camera footage and the presence of the spirit house as a silent witness.

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