Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

MG Posts Strong 67% Growth, Raises 2025 Sales Target to 36,000 Units

MG surged 67% in first-half 2025 sales, outpacing Thailand's 16% market growth, and raised its annual target to 36,000 units on strength from its electric vehicle lineup led by the MG S5 EV Plus and MG4 Electric.

MG Posts Strong 67% Growth, Raises 2025 Sales Target to 36,000 Units
3 Aug Khaosod

MG showed first-half 2025 registration growth of 67% while the overall market expanded 16%, securing a top-five position in Thailand's automotive market with a 4.5% share. The country's total vehicle registrations for the first six months of 2025 reached 374,424 units, growing 16% year-on-year, with MG registering 16,920 units. Three models drove the company's success: the new MG S5 EV Plus e-SUV with 6,341 registrations, MG4 Electric with 6,018 units, and MG IM6 with 1,013 units.

Based on strong first-half performance across all business dimensions, MG has adjusted its 2025 sales target upward from 30,000 to 36,000 units. The company plans to capitalize on its diverse EV portfolio spanning all major market segments and its expanding dealer network during the second half. Key models driving the second-half strategy include the new MG S5 EV Plus and MG Urban city car, alongside the popular MG4 Electric and premium offerings like the MG IM6 and MG IM5, which will receive limited editions soon.

MG's second-half strategy emphasizes communicating model-specific features to help customers make informed purchase decisions. The company is expanding its e-MPV lineup with the MG Maxus 7 and 9 for families, backed by an EV lifetime warranty on all electric models. For the combustion engine segment, the MG3 Hybrid+ will drive market-share expansion. Marketing efforts will focus on the smart technology features across MG's range, delivering exclusive customer experiences and building a strong community. Service excellence under the "MG Smile" brand initiative includes elevated standards and the introduction of an e-workshop system for more efficient and accurate maintenance, alongside plans to elevate showroom standards to a new dealer era.

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Police

MP Phawut, Actor Film Questioned on Forex Fraud Charges

MP Phawut and actor Film reported to the DSI on August 3 to face unauthorized forex trading charges, including fraud and money laundering allegations.

MP Phawut, Actor Film Questioned on Forex Fraud Charges
3 Aug Khaosod

MP Phawut Pongwittayapanu and actor Film Rathaphoom Tokkongthrap reported to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) at 2 p.m. on August 3, 2569 to face charges related to unauthorized forex trading. Phawut appeared at the DSI's second floor lobby wearing a suit and dark blue jeans, accompanied by legal counsel and holding brown document folders. He avoided media questions, with his team stating he would grant interviews after completing his statement to investigators. Actor Film had arrived earlier in the morning and remained in the interrogation room at the DSI's Technology and Information Crime Division on the ninth floor. Both suspects face multiple charges including conspiracy to commit fraud, operating unlicensed securities and futures trading businesses without registration, inputting false computer data likely to cause public harm, and money laundering through conspiracy.

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Tourism

Hillside Cafe Brings Jazz to Kamala Beach Community

Tucked into the hills above Kamala Beach on Phuket’s west coast is a small independent neighbourhood café that over the past three years has evolved to offer a very different experience from the island’s busier tourist districts.

Hillside Cafe Brings Jazz to Kamala Beach Community
3 Aug The Phuket News Life

Tucked into the hills above Kamala Beach on Phuket’s west coast is a small independent neighbourhood café that over the past three years has evolved to offer a very different experience from the island’s busier tourist districts.

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National

Pheu Thai Denies Coalition Collapse Rumors Amid Government Instability

Pheu Thai's deputy leader denies the coalition is collapsing but acknowledges the three-month-old government faces serious instability from corruption and mismanagement, while keeping negotiations open with opposition factions. The party pl

Pheu Thai Denies Coalition Collapse Rumors Amid Government Instability
3 Aug Khaosod

Sirikanya Tansakul, a Pheu Thai list MP and deputy party leader, insisted the party made the right choice supporting Anutin as prime minister to keep Palang Pracharath in power, while stressing she has not ruled out negotiations with the red and green factions over government formation. She downplayed the premier's assertion that he fears no no-confidence debate, noting that public bravado is expected but cautioning that opposition evidence could pose a real threat to government stability.

Speaking at parliament on August 3, Tansakul acknowledged that even without a secret deal between red and green factions, the three-month-old government faces instability rooted in numerous problems including corruption allegations, parliamentary irregularities, and administrative mismanagement—issues she believes may already be making coalition partners reconsider their commitment. She indicated Pheu Thai would table no-confidence motions under Articles 151 and 152 in the coming parliamentary session, pending discussions with opposition allies on timing and procedure.

When asked whether red and green votes alone would be insufficient and require orange (Pheu Thai) support to topple the government, Tansakul confirmed the math works that way, leaving open the possibility of negotiations. However, she firmly closed the door to the blue faction (Democrat Party), saying they would not approach Pheu Thai, and ruled out replacing the green faction with orange in any new coalition, citing ethical objections to Palang Pracharath's leadership.

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National

Princess Sirivannavari Passes Fitness Test for 2026 Asian Games

Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand aced a fitness assessment at a UK training facility, securing an "Excellent" rating as she prepares for dressage competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

Princess Sirivannavari Passes Fitness Test for 2026 Asian Games
3 Aug Khaosod

Thai Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, a member of Thailand's national equestrian team, has completed a physical fitness assessment in the United Kingdom ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan. The princess, who competes in dressage, underwent the Physical Fitness Test at the fitness centre of Leicester City Football Club's Seagrave Training Centre on 2 August 2026 local time, according to a statement. The assessment was conducted according to standards set by the Sports Authority of Thailand. Princess Sirivannavari received an "Excellent" rating, scoring 4.33 out of 5 under the authority's evaluation criteria. She is preparing to represent Thailand in the dressage competition at the 20th Asian Games, which will be held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October 2026.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Party Official Sues iLaw Director Over Vote-Buying Claims

An Ang Thong MP and Bhumjaithai Party executive sued iLaw director Yingchip Archananth over his disclosure of vote-buying allegations mentioning the politician's name in a Senate case. Kraiwut Prasitanantakul denies wrongdoing and says he h

Thai Party Official Sues iLaw Director Over Vote-Buying Claims
3 Aug Khaosod

On August 3, 2025, at Parliament, Kraiwut Prasitanantakul, an Ang Thong MP and Bhumjaithai Party executive board member, discussed the lawsuit against Yingchip Archananth, the iLaw director who disclosed evidence in a Senate vote-buying case that mentioned Kraiwut's name. He said he retained a lawyer in Ang Thong Province to pursue the case.

Kraiwut noted that being accused alongside the party as an executive board member made it necessary to pursue legal action, even if he would not have been bothered by a personal accusation alone. He stated that all allegations are old and contained no new information when Yingchip made his statement. As a person accused—not a suspect—Kraiwut said he has already provided information and clarified the matter with the Election Commission (EC). He believes the EC will rule fairly and impartially, focusing on whether solid evidence exists rather than treating the case as an emotional or political issue.

When asked if he worried the case might be taken out of context, Kraiwut said he hopes the EC will decide on principles of fairness for all parties. If there is evidence such as financial trails, he wants the EC to investigate transparently and resolve doubts. He emphasized that Bhumjaithai leaders and executives have been made defendants in public opinion but maintain their innocence and have done nothing wrong. Though parts of society have already judged them, he appealed for fairness and said the party stands ready to cooperate with the EC, expressing no concern but hoping for a straightforward ruling.

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National

Pheu Thai Deputy Leader Denies Silencing Allegations

Pheu Thai deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul denied the party silenced a former Bangkok MP over harassment allegations, saying incomplete information prevented an investigation at the time and the party now stands ready to probe the matter.

Pheu Thai Deputy Leader Denies Silencing Allegations
3 Aug Khaosod

At 12:45 p.m. on August 3, 2025, at Parliament, Sirikanya Tansakul, a Pheu Thai list MP and deputy party leader, addressed allegations made by former Bangkok MP Thisana Chunhawan that party executives asked her to keep quiet about harassment she experienced. Tansakul asserted that the party never requested silence or secrecy regarding the initial incident, and that no details about the alleged perpetrator were disclosed, making it impossible to launch an investigation at that time.

Tansakul clarified that Thisana could file a complaint and that her case preceded other subsequent incidents. She emphasized that the party now wants to handle the matter fairly and justly. "The party is willing to receive factual information from Thisana directly to conduct a thorough investigation. The process has already begun, and even though Thisana has not provided information, we will gather available evidence to ensure maximum justice," Tansakul said.

When asked whether other executives had been notified by Thisana, Tansakul said some had received reports, but the information provided was incomplete and did not identify the perpetrator, making it unclear how to proceed. She noted that the party had not prioritized workplace sexual safety policies when this incident occurred, but has since improved its handling of such matters. Tansakul confirmed the party is now better equipped to address such cases and stands ready to investigate past incidents based on facts.

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National

Thai Union Reports Record Q2 Gross Margin at 21.4%

Thai Union Group posted record Q2 gross margins of 21.4% on disciplined cost management and strong seafood demand, while raising its interim dividend 14.3% to the highest level since 2022.

Thai Union Reports Record Q2 Gross Margin at 21.4%
3 Aug Khaosod

Thai Union Group reported strong second-quarter results with a record gross margin of 21.4%, achieved through disciplined cost management, as sales volume grew for the tenth consecutive quarter. CEO Theeraphong Chansiri announced that gross margin reached its highest level on record, surpassing the 2026 target and matching the company's 2032 goal, while dividend per share jumped 14.3% to 0.40 baht—the highest interim dividend since 2022, representing a 3.4% dividend yield. Earnings per share increased 3.5% to 0.33 baht, and the net debt-to-equity ratio improved to 1.15 times.

Q2 sales grew 1.4% year-on-year to 33.845 billion baht, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of sales growth, while sales volume grew for the tenth straight quarter, driven by strong demand across processed seafood, pet care, and value-added products. The record gross margin was supported by favorable product mix, efficient operations, and disciplined cost control, boosting gross profit 10.2% to 7.238 billion baht and operating profit 12.6% to 2.150 billion baht.

The ambient seafood segment grew 1.5% in sales to 16.853 billion baht with volume up 4.4%, driven by increased private label demand for canned tuna and salmon and seasonal promotions in Europe, while canned sardine and mackerel benefited from global health trends, with sardine consumption up 13% and mackerel up 7% in 2024. The segment achieved a record 23.8% gross margin. The frozen seafood segment remained flat at 9.995 billion baht but improved gross margin to 13.5% from favorable shrimp prices and cost discipline. Pet care sales rose 2.3% with volume up 7.8%, boosted by strong demand in the US and Europe.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Suspect Confesses to Three Family Murders, Claims He Was Coerced

A 24-year-old suspect confessed to three family murders in Chachoengsao but claims he was coerced into involvement and didn't know the crimes would occur. Police continue investigating his role in the killings while examining his claims aga

Suspect Confesses to Three Family Murders, Claims He Was Coerced
3 Aug Khaosod

On August 3, police brought Chachanon "Fluke" Chaturapong, 24, a suspect in the murder of three family members, to Na Jomtien Police Station in Chachoengsao for further questioning. Police had obtained permission from Pattaya Provincial Court to transfer him from detention for expanded investigation of multiple outstanding issues. The interrogation lasted approximately one hour and was observed by Suksan Missajuntra, chairman of the Pattaya Bar Association, in compliance with criminal procedure law Section 134/1. Fluke voluntarily requested to provide additional testimony.

During questioning, Fluke confirmed involvement only in the murders of three Thai family members and denied knowledge or involvement in the deaths of two Russian siblings or other potential victims. He displayed significant distress, crying repeatedly, and confessed to charges against him while providing information the investigators deemed potentially useful to the case. However, specific details could not be disclosed as the investigation remains ongoing.

Fluke's attorney revealed that the suspect claims he was forced into involvement, though this remains unverified and subject to investigation against witness testimonies and physical evidence. Police are examining his role in traveling to the victims' residence, moving vehicles, and using the victims' property. Initial charges include premeditated murder, with additional charges related to theft and post-incident conduct under consideration.

During the interrogation, Fluke cried and expressed fear of receiving capital punishment. Officials informed him that confession may aid judicial consideration but does not guarantee automatic sentence reduction, as the court will base its decision on all evidence presented.

After questioning, Fluke was returned to Pattaya Special Detention Center. When journalists questioned him during transfer, he claimed he was deceived into traveling there, believing he was assisting in detaining someone related to a drug problem, but had no prior knowledge of the murders. He acknowledged knowing the perpetrators were not genuine police officers and admitted fear of retaliation or murder—threats made because they knew both him and his family.

Fluke apologized for the incident and insisted he would not have participated had he known murders would occur. When pressed about who fired the fatal shots, he declined to answer before officials rushed him back to detention.

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National

Lawmaker Defends Land Holdings From Court Seizure

A Phetchabun MP defended his land holdings on Wednesday, arguing that a decade-old court seizure of his father's assets applied only to the house structure, not the land his family inherited and later repurchased together.

Lawmaker Defends Land Holdings From Court Seizure
3 Aug Khaosod

Speaking at Parliament on August 3, 2025, at 12:10 p.m., Kraweir Prisananuntakul, Phetchabun MP from Phumi Jai Thai party, addressed observations about his asset declaration form, which showed ownership of land identical to that formerly held by his father, Somsak Prisananuntakul, a former education minister whose assets were seized by the Supreme Court a decade ago. Kraweir distinguished between the land and house structure, noting that the court judgment applied only to the house, not the land. The land was inherited by his mother from her deceased uncle and placed in the names of all four children.

Regarding the house that was seized and auctioned by the court, Kraweir explained that four siblings pooled their money to repurchase it from the government. He stated that all actions followed proper legal procedure and were fully transparent and verifiable, with complete disclosure in the asset declaration form.

When asked about criticism of party spiritual leader Newin Chidchob for wearing shorts during a merit-making ceremony at the City Pillar Shrine in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Kraweir noted that the event was organized by Buriram United Football Club, not a government function. He urged the public to distinguish between political and sports matters, emphasizing that Newin attended in his capacity as club chairman, not as a party representative.

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National

Thailand Launches White Paper on Thai-Cambodian Border Facts

Thailand's Joint Information Center released a White Paper documenting facts and historical evidence about the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, urging citizens to read and share verified information rather than social media claims.

Thailand Launches White Paper on Thai-Cambodian Border Facts
3 Aug Khaosod

Thailand's Joint Information Center on Thai-Cambodian affairs (JIC) is inviting all Thai citizens to read and share a White Paper documenting facts about the border dispute. On August 3, Air Vice Marshal Praphas Saonjai, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Air Force and director of the JIC, revealed that modern conflicts are not limited to military dimensions along the border but also include information communication to the global community. Thailand's focus is not on stirring emotions but on affirming facts, he said.

The White Paper, compiled by the JIC, gathers facts, chronology of events, historical evidence, and relevant international law concerning the Thai-Cambodian border situation. It is designed to give citizens, academics, media, and the international community access to verifiable information as a foundation for comprehensive understanding.

"In an era where information travels faster than truth, having accurate information is crucial," Praphas said. "Everyone can participate by reading, understanding, and sharing information backed by facts—not by merely sharing what appears on social media."

The director stressed that Thailand acts on the basis of international law, respect for state sovereignty, and resolving issues through mechanisms both countries have agreed upon. Thailand believes truth depends on data, evidence, and reasoning rather than emotion or one-sided claims.

Praphas called on all Thais to read the White Paper, understand the facts comprehensively, and responsibly share the information if found useful. "Fact-based communication is crucial power for creating correct understanding both domestically and internationally," he said.

He added that every factual information shared represents the nation's strength, and every voice grounded in evidence contributes to protecting national interests. Praphas invited all Thais to read, learn, and share "the truth" together to build correct understanding of the Thai-Cambodian border situation at both national and international levels.

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