Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

MP Claims Eyesight Excuse for Signing False Candidate Data

A Pheu Thai MP questions an Election Commission ruling that allowed a Buriram candidate to keep his seat despite claiming false experience as a "senior footballer"—the candidate blamed staff for adding the word and claimed he didn't wear hi

MP Claims Eyesight Excuse for Signing False Candidate Data
30 Jul Khaosod

On July 30, 2025, Parit Wacharasindhu, a Pheu Thai list MP and party deputy leader, posted on Facebook analyzing an Election Commission ruling on the qualifications of two Amnat Charoen MPs—Daeng Gongma and Sompan Plasak—whose cases were raised by legal watchdog iLaw and flagged by former commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn as a potential dereliction of duty by the commission.

Parit then drew attention to a similar case: Election Commission Decision 251/2567 regarding Pranit Gamram, a Buriram MP from Group 16. The complaint arose because Pranit listed himself as a senior footballer (2527–2547) in his candidacy application and candidate information form.

Parit noted a mathematical impossibility: if Pranit was 61 years old when he registered in 2567, he would have been 21–41 years old during 2527–2547. However, Thailand's sports authority defines "senior athlete" as a competitor aged 35 and older. This means Pranit could not have been a senior athlete throughout the stated period; his senior athlete experience would span at most six years (ages 35–41, or 2541–2547), falling short of the required 10 years of experience in his field.

When questioned, Pranit claimed he told officials he was a footballer from 2527 onwards, having competed since age 16 at the subdistrict level before being selected in 2527 for an army regiment football team, and continuing to compete through 2547. The ruling cited testimony from fellow competitors, though its credibility remains debatable.

Parit flagged a more suspicious element: Pranit claimed he did not write the application himself but instead spoke to staff, who wrote it for him. He said he only told them he was a footballer from 2527–2547, and the staff added the word "senior" on their own. However, when signing the candidate information form—which contained the phrase "senior footballer 2527–2547"—Pranit claimed he had not brought his glasses, so he signed without noticing the inaccuracy.

Parit found this explanation questionable. Although a staff member testified that they added "senior" based on conversation with the candidate, Parit doubted staff would insert information without the applicant's intent. Moreover, even if staff had added the term independently, an official document still requires the applicant's verification before signature.

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National

China's Paper Gold Ban Redirects Investment to Physical Gold

China's ban on retail paper gold trading will redirect investment toward physical bullion, potentially driving prices higher as central banks continue aggressive accumulation amid geopolitical uncertainty.

China's Paper Gold Ban Redirects Investment to Physical Gold
30 Jul Khaosod

YLG assesses that China's move to halt Paper Gold trading for retail investors will not materially constrain global gold markets but will instead channel funds into physical bullion, strengthening long-term demand amid ongoing central bank purchases and keeping gold in an upward trend with scope for new all-time highs. On July 30, Thibha Nawawattanasup, CEO of YLG Bullion and Futures Company Limited, revealed that at least seven major Chinese commercial banks terminated retail services for trading precious metal products on the Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE) on July 24, including Paper Gold products such as spot gold and leveraged deferred gold contracts, as well as silver futures and platinum spot. China's policy shift aims to reduce systemic financial risk, curb excessive speculation, and redirect liquidity toward physical assets for economic stability, forcing retail investors and speculators to close Paper Gold positions and causing minor short-term price volatility in global markets. However, the policy's impact may be more limited than anticipated for several reasons: retail trading through SGE agents represented only 4.88% of total gold volume as of June; new retail accounts have been frozen since late 2020 with existing positions declining; the market had a full month to absorb the announcement issued between June 24–30; and a comparable case—Chinese banks ending retail oil products after 2020—did not significantly affect global oil prices, as these are derivative products, not price drivers. China has simultaneously relaxed criteria for its long-term gold accumulation plan, suggesting the policy goal is shifting retail behavior from speculation to savings. Without Paper Gold liquidity, all demand will be compressed toward physical bullion, driving long-term prices higher under basic supply-and-demand mechanics as global supply remains limited but demand stays robust, especially from central banks. The world's largest market players—global central banks—according to the World Gold Council's four-year data, have been accumulating gold at an average 1,000 tons annually, a marked increase from the prior decade's 500 tons per year. This aggressive accumulation reflects geopolitical uncertainty and fragile global economics, with 89% of central banks expecting their gold reserves to increase over the next 12 months, signaling strong demand and supporting the long-term bullish outlook. China's customs report shows gold imports of approximately 173 tons in June, the highest in two years and marking the third consecutive monthly increase, reflecting sustained buying momentum.

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Police

Child Sex Assault Probe Stalls; Officer Allegedly Offers Bribe

Investigation into the gang rape of a 13-year-old girl at Yala waterfall has stalled after police allegedly offered the family a 150,000-baht settlement, prompting an activist to escalate the case to regional authorities.

Child Sex Assault Probe Stalls; Officer Allegedly Offers Bribe
30 Jul Khaosod

Activist Kan Jompluang (Kanthisorn Phongpaibulwethai) has taken up the case of a 13-year-old girl allegedly gang-raped by six boys at Sukhothali Waterfall in Bannang Sata district, Yala province. According to investigation, the victim went to the waterfall with six female friends. After a quarrel with one friend, she walked down to retrieve a forgotten hijab but was dragged into a public bathroom by six teenage boys, three of whom sexually assaulted her until she lost consciousness. The remaining three boys allegedly repeated the assault. A friend of the victim later revealed that the attack was premeditated—the female friends had conspired with eight boys (including one girl's boyfriend) to lure and attack her. The family fears a video recording was made.

The victim's mother stated she works and lives in Bangkok with her daughter, returning home to Yala only during school breaks. After filing a report with Bannang Sata police, the investigation made no progress and officers allegedly attempted mediation, proposing a 150,000-baht settlement. The mother refused, demanding justice and vowing to pursue the case fully. Kan Jompluang argued that under Thai law, sexual assault of a child under 15 cannot be settled by compromise or mediation regardless of consent, especially when force was used. He said he has briefed the Region 9 Police Commander, who has agreed to personally oversee the case and investigate the officer accused of offering the bribe.

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Police

Police Find Motorcycle Parts in Russian Brothers' Disappearance Case

Police intensified search efforts in Chonburi province after discovering motorcycle parts belonging to two missing Russian brothers, using K9 units and drones despite heavy rainfall hampering recovery operations.

Police Find Motorcycle Parts in Russian Brothers' Disappearance Case
30 Jul Khaosod

Police investigating the disappearance of two Russian brothers have intensified their search efforts in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province, where parts of the missing men's motorcycle were previously found hidden and dismantled in a forest area. On July 30, 2026, officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Bang Lamung district administration, and Pattaya emergency responders deployed police dogs (K9) and drones to search suspected locations for additional evidence. During the operation, authorities discovered a motorcycle frame believed to belong to the missing men's Honda ADV 150 and used tracking dogs to search for further clues. Heavy intermittent rainfall has significantly complicated the search, washing away scent trails and potential evidence that could help investigators piece together the case. Despite these obstacles, police have continued to deploy teams across the surrounding area and other suspected locations to locate the two missing Russian brothers and gather evidence to help solve the mystery.

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Police

Arrest Warrants Issued for Two Men in Russian Brothers' Disappearance

Arrest warrants issued for two men in connection with the disappearance of two Russian brothers in Chachoengsao province; accomplices accused of burying the victims' motorcycle and helping suspects escape police.

Arrest Warrants Issued for Two Men in Russian Brothers' Disappearance
30 Jul Khaosod

Investigators have issued arrest warrants for suspects Phong and Thong in connection with the disappearance of two Russian brothers on abduction charges, alongside warrants for two accomplices accused of digging graves and facilitating their escape. The case began when the missing brothers' gray Honda ADV 150 motorcycle was discovered dismantled and buried in scrubland near Chak Taeng intersection in Huai Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chachoengsao province, after the men vanished early on July 26. Officers from Pattaya Tourist Police and Chachoengsao Immigration conducted raids on the suspects' residences on July 30.

Two additional suspects, known as Tiger and Pang, helped Phong and Thong evade a police cordon of over 200 officers by fleeing in a sidecar motorcycle covered with canvas during the night. They were identified as the individuals who buried the motorcycle and provided information to investigators. After locating Tiger and Pang's shelter in the Mapfaktong area, officers initially found neither at the hideout. Tiger was later spotted leaving his mother's house on a sidecar motorcycle and was detained for questioning, as was Pang. Both initially denied any knowledge of or connection to Phong and Thong.

Police remain skeptical of their denials and are conducting intensive interrogations at Huai Yai Police Station to uncover links to the brothers' disappearance. Investigators have requested Pattaya Court issue arrest warrants for Thana alias Phong Kaeng Thong, 43, and Thongchai alias Thong Srinil, 39, on charges of theft at night using a vehicle or receiving stolen goods. Currently, the motorcycle is the primary physical evidence in the case.

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National

Flash Express Launches Flash Care Plus Insurance Covering Up to 50,000 Baht

Flash Express launched Flash Care Plus, a new insurance add-on covering up to 50,000 baht for lost or damaged packages, targeting customers shipping high-value goods like electronics and medical equipment at 2% of declared value.

Flash Express Launches Flash Care Plus Insurance Covering Up to 50,000 Baht
30 Jul Khaosod

Flash Express Limited, Thailand's leading comprehensive transport and logistics provider serving the country and Southeast Asia, has introduced a new supplementary service called "Flash Care Plus" to enhance the parcel delivery experience for customers seeking greater assurance. The service increases coverage for lost or damaged packages during transit, offering compensation of up to 50,000 baht and addressing the needs of businesses and service users who regularly ship high-value goods or restricted items such as fragile goods, perishables, and easily contaminated products. The coverage extends to four categories of special goods: electronics, musical instruments, medical equipment, and automotive parts and engines. Interested customers can purchase the Flash Care Plus add-on through the Flash Express app or at Flash Shop, Flash Home, and Flash Drop Point locations nationwide, at a rate of 2% of the declared product value, with coverage beginning at 5,000 baht. Additional details and terms are available on the company's website.

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National

Thai Hotels Hit Low Season Slump, Call for Government Support

Thai hotels face July occupancy rates of just 53% as low season and Middle East tensions deter international travelers, prompting the industry to seek government stimulus measures including visa policy changes and tax incentives.

Thai Hotels Hit Low Season Slump, Call for Government Support
30 Jul Khaosod

July hotel occupancy rates are projected at just 53%, marking a decline compared to the same period last year, according to Tieanprasit Chaiyapattranant, president of the Thai Hotel Association (THA). The drop reflects the arrival of the low season combined with Middle East tensions dampening international travel, forcing hotels to cut room rates and boost marketing while reducing expenses to maintain liquidity. The industry expects tourist arrivals to continue declining through the third quarter of 2024, with price-sensitive markets like India potentially deferring travel due to the cancellation of the 60-day visa exemption, which has raised entry costs. Tieanprasit called on the government to implement tourism stimulus measures for the second half of the year, including promoting both primary and secondary destinations, increasing flights, and reconsidering visa policies. Additional support is sought through reduced energy costs, government fee waivers, and tax incentives for corporate and personal income as well as property taxes. The Tourism Authority of Thailand's "Thailand 365 Days" initiative aims to distribute tourism income across all regions year-round and boost economic growth through quality tourism experiences encompassing nature, culture, cuisine, and local experiences.

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National

Insurance Won't Cover Death From Illness, Only Accidents

An accident insurance policy covering a Georgia trip will only pay out if death resulted from accidents or homicide, not illness, the Consumer Protection Board confirmed on July 30.

Insurance Won't Cover Death From Illness, Only Accidents
30 Jul Khaosod

On July 30, 2025, Adisorn Pipattaworapong, the Legal and Audit Deputy Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board (CPU), stated on a news program that Hualun Solo had one travel accident insurance policy covering the Georgia trip with a coverage limit of 5 million baht. The policy protects against accidents and homicide only.

Adisorn explained that pre-existing medical conditions are not covered under the accident policy, though life insurance policies typically cover death from any cause. To file a claim, death certificates, medical reports, or forensic autopsy documents must be submitted. Currently, authorities are awaiting documentation; if death resulted from an accident or homicide, the insurance company is prepared to pay.

When asked if drowning would be classified as disease, the CPU clarified it is treated as an accident. The board stated they will review any additional evidence if relatives provide it, and if a re-autopsy proves the death was accidental or caused by foul play rather than disease, Hualun's family would be entitled to insurance protection. The CPU also confirmed that death caused by toxic gases or inhalation of harmful substances would be classified as an accident, not disease, and urged relatives to submit any supporting documents for investigation.

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National

Senator Accuses Rival of Defending Blue-Shirt Party Allies

Senator Nanthana Nantaviropass accused a legal advisor of defending "blue-shirt" senators, claiming the June 2024 national senator election showed clear abnormalities including vote-buying and systematic fraud with identical voting patterns

Senator Accuses Rival of Defending Blue-Shirt Party Allies
30 Jul Khaosod

Senator Nanthana Nantaviropass responded sharply to Supachai Jai Samutr, legal advisor for the Phum Jai Thai party, who threatened to lodge a complaint with the election commission over allegations that a gathering of 300 People's Senators candidates at Muang Thong Thani constituted electoral manipulation. Nanthana challenged Supachai on why he would defend the blue-shirt senators if he had no ties to them, suggesting his intervention revealed a deeper connection. She maintained that the June 27, 2024 national senator election exhibited clear abnormalities, with vote blocks arriving in chunks of 70–80 votes alongside documented evidence of vote buying, vehicle convoys, uniform clothing, and the circulation of black folders—all visible to the public.

Nanthana described efforts to paint her side as unethical while claiming equal wrongdoing as "wagging a dog's tail," stating the public could plainly see how evident the electoral fixing was. She referenced CCTV analysis showing that 60–70 candidates out of 150 voted for the same 10 sequential candidates in identical order across ballot boxes 1–10, an occurrence with odds of one in billions but consistent with systematic electoral fraud.

Concerning the 300-candidate gathering at Muang Thong Thani, Nanthana clarified it was an open event monitored by media and the election commission. Candidates organized through the Senate67 website run by the iLaw group to present themselves and constitutional reform ideas. She stressed that candidates funded their own registration fees (2,500 baht), shared meeting room rentals, and purchased their own clothing—not resources provided by any patron—contradicting accusations of external backing.

On the appointment of senate candidate assistants, Nanthana denied her side had hired former candidates into such roles but called for investigation of groups that did hire former candidates and then saw salaries returned to certain individuals—a pattern she identified as another form of vote-buying and electoral fraud. She expressed no concern about legal action, stating she had engaged in no fraud and welcomed judicial review through the Supreme Court's election division.

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National

Lawyer Defends Record, Denies Prison Time and Name Change

Lawyer An from Buriram denies allegations he served 16 years for drug offenses and changed his name to obtain bar admission, clarifying his name changes occurred in infancy and childhood with no criminal record. Justice sector officials con

Lawyer Defends Record, Denies Prison Time and Name Change
30 Jul Khaosod

On July 30, 2025, reports emerged of an attorney in northeast Thailand allegedly serving a 16-year prison sentence for drug offenses before changing his name to clear his record and apply for bar admission, sparking public controversy.

Nayaphattrapong Suphaksin, known as Lawyer An from Buriram, responded through his personal Facebook account, stating that his current name has never been officially changed. He explained that at birth he was registered as Kriang Gai Pornthaisong, but his father changed it to Pattrapong Pornthaisong while he was still an infant, and later changed the surname to Suphaksin when he was nine years old—a name he has used continuously without alteration.

"I have never been imprisoned or faced serious criminal charges," Lawyer An stated firmly. "I have been practicing law for over 10 years without ever defrauding the state or engaging in any illegal conduct. If you have evidence, present it. I am 40 years old now—if I had served 16 years in prison, the timeline simply does not align."

Lawyer An challenged his detractors to provide proof, declaring, "Come at me with your evidence. I have four major tasks ahead: first, to expose the complete financial network involving a senator, not just a fragment; second, to expose financial flows involving Amnat Charoen province; third, to reveal how an official transferred assets to family members to evade political disqualification; and fourth, to expose a school administrator who unlawfully benefited from state land."

He concluded defiantly: "Find evidence of such wrongdoing against me. Come on, bring it on—whatever you have."

Justice sector reports clarified that the attorney reported to have served 16 years for drug trafficking is not Pattrapong, though the other lawyer shares his surname. The imprisoned attorney served between 1999 and 2015 at Phol Provincial Prison. Given that Pattrapong is currently 40 and has been practicing law for over 10 years, he would have been in secondary school or university during that imprisonment period. The other attorney is reportedly decades older, and reports do not identify Pattrapong as the subject of the allegations.

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Tourism

Travel YouTuber Continues 10-Month Journey After Hloun's Death

Travel YouTuber Backpacker plans to continue his 10-month journey despite the death of fellow influencer Hloun Solo in Georgia, with his return to Thailand expected mid-next year.

Travel YouTuber Continues 10-Month Journey After Hloun's Death
30 Jul Khaosod

Travel YouTuber Backpacker, who runs the Backpaeger channel with over 1.29 million followers, has posted an update on his journey following an outpouring of concern after the death of fellow travel influencer Hloun Solo. The cause of Hloun's death remains under investigation by Georgian police. In his post, Backpacker confirmed his travel plans will continue for another 10 months, with a return to Thailand expected mid-next year. Reflecting on the uncertainties of traveling, he wrote: "Every time I leave home, I never know if I'll make it back. Thank you all so much for your concern." Backpacker had previously posted about his shock upon learning of Hloun's death, writing: "I was following the news yesterday. No one expected this. I'm speechless, just as shocked as everyone else." Georgian police have not found any signs of injury or foul play on Hloun's body.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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