Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

Five Arrested In Patong Drug Enforcement Sweep

PHUKET: Five people, including an alleged drug dealer, drug users and a Moroccan woman accused of possessing cocaine and overstaying her visa, have been arrested in Patong as part of a police campaign targeting narcotics offences.

Five Arrested In Patong Drug Enforcement Sweep
1d ago The Phuket News

PHUKET: Five people, including an alleged drug dealer, drug users and a Moroccan woman accused of possessing cocaine and overstaying her visa, have been arrested in Patong as part of a police campaign targeting narcotics offences.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Transport Ministry Tightens Airport Security Screening Measures

Thailand's Transport Ministry is intensifying airport security screening following a cabinet drug prevention meeting, deploying additional K9 units and upgrading X-ray procedures after a Thai flight attendant's arrest in Australia exposed s

Transport Ministry Tightens Airport Security Screening Measures
1d ago Khaosod

Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angsakulgiartti outlined enhanced security measures for airports following a cabinet drug prevention committee meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on July 3rd. Siripong, representing Deputy PM Pipat Ratchakitprakarn who was conducting provincial fieldwork, said the Transport Ministry will implement the committee's recommendations with additional enforcement measures.

He confirmed that before the arrest of a Thai flight attendant in Australia, the airport had already enforced stringent international screening standards, and drug smuggling arrests have been ongoing at the airport with contraband detected on both arriving and departing flights. "Going forward, we will intensify screening procedures significantly because we believe these smuggling networks may have learned our inspection methods and are continuously adapting to evade detection," Siripong said.

Regarding concerns about how crew member smuggling would be controlled, the Deputy Transport Minister explained that airports already screen crew through X-ray scanning, but if violations are discovered, enforcement will be escalated. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand will issue additional regulations to all airlines, including prohibiting crew from carrying items due to risk factors. Additional measures include enhanced training for X-ray machine operators, strengthened intelligence operations, and deployment of over 60 additional K9 units from the Thai National Police to supplement existing customs K9 units. The ministry will issue further policy directives to airlines.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Officials Stop Sediment Discharge Into Sea At Koh Siray

PHUKET: Environmental officials have ordered a company to immediately stop any activities causing sediment or other materials to flow into the sea at Koh Siray after complaints surfaced on social media.

Officials Stop Sediment Discharge Into Sea At Koh Siray
1d ago The Phuket News

PHUKET: Environmental officials have ordered a company to immediately stop any activities causing sediment or other materials to flow into the sea at Koh Siray after complaints surfaced on social media.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

Taiwan Airport Seizes Hundreds of Portable Fans From Travelers

Taoyuan International Airport security confiscated hundreds of portable fans from travelers, prompting a warning about strict baggage rules for battery-powered devices during peak travel season.

Taiwan Airport Seizes Hundreds of Portable Fans From Travelers
1d ago Khaosod

A woman has warned travelers after witnessing security staff confiscate numerous portable fans at Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport during the peak travel season. She shared photos of a confiscation bin overflowing with various handheld fans, likening it to a "mountain of fans," and urged travelers to carefully check baggage regulations before flying to avoid losing items at security checkpoints.

The woman posted on Threads on July 3, expressing surprise at how many passengers were unable to bring portable fans through security and had to abandon them in the confiscation bin. She urged international travelers to carefully review what they pack to avoid abandoning items at checkpoints.

According to Taoyuan International Airport's website, portable fans using lithium-ion or LiFePO4 batteries may only be carried in carry-on luggage and are prohibited in checked baggage. Fans using lead-acid batteries that do not meet IATA's A67 specifications are not permitted on aircraft in any form.

Power banks are also prohibited in checked baggage and must be carried on board. Batteries with capacity not exceeding 100 watt-hours can be brought aboard normally, while those between 100-160 Wh require airline approval. Batteries exceeding 160 Wh are not permitted on aircraft, and power banks cannot be used or charged during flight.

The airport also reminds passengers that they may carry one regular lighter in carry-on luggage only. Windproof lighters and blue flame lighters are completely prohibited. For liquids, gels, and sprays, containers must not exceed 100 milliliters each and must be placed together in a clear ziplock bag with total capacity not exceeding one liter. Sharp objects like knives and scissors are only permitted in checked baggage, with the exception of scissors with blades not exceeding 6 centimeters in length.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Police

Major Drug Bust at Mae Sai Border Crossing

Authorities at the Mae Sai border crossing seized 100 kilograms of ketamine and 600,000 methamphetamine pills from a Myanmar driver attempting to smuggle the drugs into Thailand in a tuk-tuk.

Major Drug Bust at Mae Sai Border Crossing
1d ago Khaosod

On July 5, 2025, officials from the Mae Sai customs checkpoint in Chiang Rai province, working with the regional customs suppression unit, immigration police, military forces, and local police, intercepted a Myanmar-registered tuk-tuk at the Mae Sai border gate. The vehicle, driven by 42-year-old Myanmar national Tun Teng U, claimed to be carrying empty plastic baskets into Thailand. Upon inspection, authorities discovered concealed cargo containing approximately 100 kilograms of ketamine and roughly 600,000 methamphetamine pills. The driver and all evidence were transported to the second Mae Sai customs checkpoint for detailed examination. Officials charged the suspect with smuggling goods into the kingdom without customs clearance and trafficking Category 1 and Category 2 controlled substances. The case has been forwarded to Mae Sai police for prosecution, with investigators working to identify and apprehend additional suspects and criminal networks involved in the cross-border drug trafficking operation.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Volleyball Captain Eyes Two Wins in VNL 2026 Final Week

Thailand's women's volleyball team captain Chompoo Pornpranom aims for at least two wins in the final week of VNL 2026 in Osaka, facing world-class opponents including the USA, Japan, Brazil, and Turkey from July 8-12.

Thai Volleyball Captain Eyes Two Wins in VNL 2026 Final Week
1d ago Khaosod

Thailand's women's volleyball team captain Chompoo Pornpranom expressed hope that the squad will win at least two matches during the final week of the 2026 Women's Nations League (VNL 2026) in Osaka, Japan, from July 8-12. Coach Kiarti Ratchatakienkaew led the team's departure on July 5, 2026, via Thai Airways flight TG672 at 8:25 a.m. Before leaving, Chompoo stated that after completing the second week with ample rest and good physical preparation, the team had fully recovered over the past 10 days and returned to intensive training, with all players ready for the third week of competition. "The final week's schedule is quite demanding. We don't know how well we'll perform against the top teams until we play, but we believe our preparation has been intense. Facing strong opponents will be challenging, but we're confident we'll compete fiercely," Chompoo said. "We'll face Japan, America, Turkey, and Brazil—I'm sure they're coming at full strength. But we believe we can compete. These will be tough matches, but good ones for us. Thailand's goal is to secure at least two victories, even though all four opponents are among the world's top teams," she added. Thailand's match schedule includes: Wednesday, July 8 vs. USA at 1:30 p.m.; Thursday, July 9 vs. Japan at 5:20 p.m.; Saturday, July 11 vs. Brazil at 1:30 p.m.; and Sunday, July 12 vs. Turkey at 1:30 p.m.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Tourist Skateboarding Behind Tuk-Tuk Raises Safety Alarms

A foreign tourist was filmed skateboarding while holding a moving tuk-tuk on Patong's busy beachfront road, prompting calls for stricter road safety enforcement in Phuket.

Tourist Skateboarding Behind Tuk-Tuk Raises Safety Alarms
1d ago The Phuket News

PHUKET: A video showing a foreign tourist skateboarding along Patongs busy beachfront road while holding onto a moving tuk-tuk has sparked widespread concern on social media, with many calling for stricter enforcement against dangerous behaviour on Phukets roads.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Community

Influencer and Rescuer Clash Over Funeral Procession Drama

Influencer Song Duhee and rescue volunteer Pond Chakrakrisna clashed publicly over their roles in a funeral procession following a monk's death in a crash involving an 11-year-old driver, sparking heated social media exchanges before Song e

Influencer and Rescuer Clash Over Funeral Procession Drama
1d ago Khaosod

A major social media drama unfolded between influencer Song Duhee and well-known rescue volunteer Pond Chakrakrisna over their roles in transporting the body of a monk who died in a crash caused by an 11-year-old driver. Song Duhee publicly questioned why Pond's team disappeared from the funeral convoy of seven vehicles and then formed a separate procession, demanding clarification.

Pond responded that his team did not abandon their duties but was forced to stop by an urgent command from event organizers while following the convoy, causing them to fall behind. Both parties engaged in a series of heated social media exchanges.

Eventually, Song Duhee deleted all his controversial posts and evidence. Pond reacted sharply, saying: "Pick one wound and close it one by one. The main reason I haven't responded is because it's not visible. Post and delete, post and delete—so I don't know which one to answer."

Song Duhee then posted to end the drama, saying: "Brother Pond, I apologize," but Pond responded that meaningful apologies must be directed at those truly affected. He emphasized that careless words and presentations can mislead people and add unnecessary stress to grieving families.

Pond stated: "Reputation can be recovered, but the feelings of those who have lost someone cannot be reversed in time. If there is genuine remorse, responsibility should start with a sincere apology to those directly affected, not vague statements meant to silence the issue. This lesson is not just about apologizing—it's about recognizing that every word we share impacts people's lives and hearts."

Song Duhee later posted an apology video taking full responsibility and apologizing to all involved parties and the public.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Illegal Gas Shop Busted For Selling Expired Tanks

Police shut down an unlicensed gas shop in Samut Sakhon that was illegally refurbishing and reselling expired cylinders by repainting them, risking explosions in nearby residential areas. Authorities seized 538 cylinders and charged the 20-

Illegal Gas Shop Busted For Selling Expired Tanks
1d ago Khaosod

On July 5, 2025, police inspected an unauthorized cooking gas retailer in Krathumbaen District, Samut Sakhon Province, following reports that the shop was operating without a license and refurbishing expired gas cylinders by repainting them before resale. Inspectors discovered 538 gas cylinders—both empty and filled—valued at approximately 413,730 baht, including 38 expired units. The shop owner, who had operated for over 20 years, admitted to personally repairing damaged or old cylinders, sanding rust, and applying new paint without sending them for professional inspection and safety certification from authorized manufacturers.

Beyond the refurbishing practice, authorities found the shop lacked proper business licensing for a Class 3 controlled facility (cooking gas storage and retail location) and had no safety systems or fire prevention measures meeting standards. Cooking gas is a highly flammable, high-pressure substance; any leakage combined with an ignition source could cause severe fires or explosions, particularly dangerous given the shop's proximity to residential areas.

Officials stressed that reselling expired or improperly repaired cylinders without certification poses extreme risk. Cylinder structures deteriorate from use, rust, and corrosion, losing their ability to safely contain gas pressure. Exposure to heat or leakage could trigger explosions, causing widespread harm to lives and property.

While LPG is commonly used in homes, restaurants, and small businesses and is safe when properly filled, stored, and used, non-standard cylinders with uncertified modifications present serious dangers. All cylinders were seized for inspection, and criminal proceedings were initiated. Authorities urged the public to buy cooking gas only from licensed retailers, inspect cylinders for corrosion or damage before use, and report suspicious shops immediately.

The shop owner faces charges for operating a Class 3 controlled facility without authorization under the Fuel Oil Control Act 1985 (up to 2 years imprisonment and/or 200,000 baht fine) and for using non-standard gas cylinders under the Fuel Oil Control Act and Energy Ministry regulations (up to 1 year imprisonment and/or 100,000 baht fine).

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

Two Arrested In Rawai Drug Den Raid

PHUKET: Two men, including a Myanmar national, have been arrested in a raid on an alleged drug den in Rawai after officials responded to complaints from residents about drug dealing and drug use in the area.

Two Arrested In Rawai Drug Den Raid
1d ago The Phuket News

PHUKET: Two men, including a Myanmar national, have been arrested in a raid on an alleged drug den in Rawai after officials responded to complaints from residents about drug dealing and drug use in the area.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Government Unveils Seven-Point Drug Crackdown Strategy

Thailand's government launched a seven-point drug crackdown strategy targeting trafficking networks and international smuggling routes, with operations from October 2024 to May 2025 resulting in over 203,000 arrests and seizure of nearly 1

Government Unveils Seven-Point Drug Crackdown Strategy
1d ago Khaosod

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek stated that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul considers drug suppression a critical national security threat. Current drug trafficking networks operate in complex smuggling patterns, often exploiting transportation channels and international networks for illegal activities.

The government has mandated inter-agency coordination covering intelligence, law enforcement, border security, and international cooperation to shut down all drug trafficking routes and prevent Thailand from becoming a transit point or operational base for international criminal organizations.

The "drug annihilation operation" represents a key government policy declaring war on drug traffickers and dismantling trafficking networks completely. The Prime Minister has tasked all agencies with creating coordinated action plans from district to provincial to ministerial levels.

The seven-point action plan includes: strengthening international cooperation, enhancing border security, suppressing drug trafficking networks and corrupt officials, reducing public impact, treating drug addiction psychiatric patients, implementing the "one district, one treatment center" policy, and building drug-free communities.

From October 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025, coordinated efforts by the Royal Thai Police, Office of Narcotics Control Board, Interior Ministry, military, and customs resulted in: raiding 16,419 drug networks, arresting 203,637 offenders (up 20.36% year-on-year), seizing approximately 997 million methamphetamine pills (up 33 million), 39.4 tons of crystal methamphetamine (up 3.8 tons), along with large quantities of ecstasy and ketamine.

Assets seized from drug cases exceeded 7.677 billion baht, disrupting financial networks alongside law enforcement. Prevention and treatment efforts reached 40,440 addicts, engaged 2,970 communities, and implemented school liaison programs in over 1,537 schools, screening 1.12 million students. The Dare police officer program educated over 252,427 youth about drug dangers.

Spokesperson Ratchada noted the recent airline staff case reflects how trafficking methods continually evolve, requiring government countermeasures to keep pace. The Prime Minister has assigned aviation agencies enhanced responsibilities.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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