Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Nan Floods Spark Debate Over Land-Use Policy

Severe flooding in Nan Province killed at least four people and destroyed numerous homes, prompting debate over whether the disaster resulted from heavy rainfall alone or from landscape degradation caused by deforestation, monoculture farming, and development for tourism. The article argues that responsibility lies with state policies prioritizing economic growth and corporate profits over environmental protection, calling for comprehensive government planning and early-warning systems. While officials visited the affected areas to assist survivors, critics say the public needs systemic prevention measures rather than just relief efforts.

Nan Floods Spark Debate Over Land-Use Policy
1h ago Khaosod

A severe flood struck Nan Province, with flash water sweeping through homes across multiple districts, causing at least four deaths and extensive damage. Debate has emerged over whether the devastation resulted purely from heavy rainfall or from landscape modifications that worsened conditions, including the clearing of hillsides that removed water-retention points, monoculture farming, forest clearing for agriculture, and land changes to accommodate tourism. While all these factors are interconnected, the question of accountability remains unanswered. Blaming local residents is unjust, as many of these problems stem from state policies on economic planning, forest concessions, private-sector economic expansion, and GDP-focused corporate performance that ignored environmental consequences. The government must review and systematically address these issues. Unfortunately, no government has seriously prioritized environmental protection—not just concerning Nan's forests and barren hillsides, but also the Mekong dams upstream from Thailand affecting local ecosystems, the Mun River's poisoning from mining in neighboring countries, and PM2.5 pollution harming public health in northern regions, yet no clear plan or serious action has emerged. The government must clarify its concrete plans and genuine strategies. While ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Yossanan Wongsawadi and Public Works Minister Jetsada Thaisettha, visited flood areas—spraying water to clean roads and carrying survivors—their efforts are commendable and show dedication. However, public expectations demand more, including accurate, clear, and timely early-warning systems rather than evacuation alerts after water breaches. Deputy Prime Minister Yossanan, overseeing public works with emphasis on science, should push for this implementation. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, with its budget and manpower, should plan and manage prevention from the outset rather than continue current inadequate measures. The government must demonstrate courage and capability in environmental and disaster management, or the public will bear the consequences.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Southern Thailand Sees 51 Violent Incidents as Peace Remains Elusive

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul convened an emergency security meeting after coordinated attacks across Thailand's southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat left 51 incidents in a single day, including bombings, arson, robberies, and destruction of government property. Ordered officials to enforce law strictly and care for the injured, with all security agencies elevated to maximum alert status. The resurgence in violence comes after a deadly ranger ambush in July and threatens to derail ongoing peace dialogue efforts in the troubled region.

Southern Thailand Sees 51 Violent Incidents as Peace Remains Elusive
1h ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul returned from visits to Australia and New Zealand to face urgent crises requiring immediate attention.

Beyond widespread flooding affecting multiple areas in northern Thailand, particularly Nan Province, violence and unrest have erupted across the southern border region as well.

Coordinated attacks occurred simultaneously across three provinces—Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat—involving the burning of vehicle tires and government vehicles, destruction of signal towers and closed-circuit cameras, bombings at subdistrict administrative offices, robberies, and arson at convenience stores. The Fourth Region Internal Security Operations Command reported a total of 51 incidents.

In response, the Prime Minister convened a security meeting led by Defence Minister General Anudit Boontharmcharoen, the Army Commander, the Fourth Region Army Area Commander, and civilian administration officials.

Following the security meeting, which lasted over an hour, the Prime Minister ordered officials to provide care for those injured in the violence and to enforce the law strictly.

Meanwhile, all relevant security agencies in the region—the military, police, and civilian administration—have elevated their preparedness to the highest level, maintaining strict vigilance over the area, particularly in alerting the public.

Violence and unrest in the southern border region remain deeply concerning, with no signs of improvement on the horizon.

Since becoming Prime Minister, Anutin has demonstrated commitment to resolving the southern insurgency and establishing lasting peace, including appointing a peace dialogue committee led by civilian officials.

However, following a militant attack on a checkpoint in Narathiwat on July 22, 2025, in which five rangers were killed, the dialogue process was indefinitely postponed, affecting momentum for peace talks.

Since then, law enforcement has intensified and become more forceful. There have also been cases of alleged extrajudicial killings of suspects in the region, which, while not definitively established, have undermined public confidence—particularly regarding judicial fairness.

Given the 51 violent incidents that just occurred, in addition to strict law enforcement and maximum state preparedness, authorities must exercise extreme caution. Their actions must not create conditions that further erode public confidence and trust in the region.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Chalermphuean Leads Kalasin Governor Race By Landslide

Chalermphuean Lor-trakun of the Pheu Thai Party has built a substantial lead in the Kalasin Provincial Administrative Organization governor election, accumulating 172,436 votes compared to rival Prasert Boonrueang's 39,873 votes. With 62.89% of ballots counted, Chalermphuean is outpacing her opponent by more than four times the vote margin. The election was held to fill the position following Chalermphuean's earlier resignation before completing her term.

Chalermphuean Leads Kalasin Governor Race By Landslide
1h ago Khaosod

The Kalasin Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) held an election for governor on August 23, 2025, following Chalermphuean Lor-trakun's resignation before the end of her term on August 13, 2024. She subsequently ran to reclaim the position. Chalermphuean, the Pheu Thai Party candidate, received ballot number 1, while Prasert Boonrueang, known as Kamnan Hit and representing the Huak Phaeng Berm Yaeng Kalasin group, received number 2. Counting began immediately after polls closed at 5:00 p.m. By 6:47 p.m., with 62.89% of votes tallied (1,049 of 1,668 polling units), unofficial results showed Chalermphuean garnered 172,436 votes and Prasert obtained 39,873 votes. The Kalasin PAO reported results in real-time via its website at https://www.kalasin-pao.go.th/vote2569.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Prepares for Vietnam in AFF Cup Final Second Leg

Thailand's football squad trained Tuesday ahead of the AFF Cup final second leg against Vietnam on August 26, with players vowing to bounce back after squandering chances in the first match.

Thailand Prepares for Vietnam in AFF Cup Final Second Leg
1h ago Khaosod

On August 23 at BGTC 3 in Pathum Thani province, Thailand's national football team held another training session to prepare for the AFF Championship 2026 final second leg against Vietnam. The session focused on physical recovery, with the squad divided into two groups—starting players receiving individual recovery treatment while others conducted full-practice work. The training lasted one hour.

Before training, striker Yaskor Burapa said: "I feel regret. We had plenty of chances, including myself, but couldn't convert them into goals. If we had finished those chances, we would have been ahead. Scoring early in the first half would have made us play more comfortably. But that's behind us now—I need to focus on the next match. I think we need to prepare well, and it shouldn't be too difficult if we fight together with one heart. I hope we can make history in Vietnam. I want Thai football fans to fill the stadium and cheer us on. We will try our best to win the championship. There are still chances left, so don't lose hope. We players haven't given up yet. We will give our all and bring home the victory."

Left-back Usamma Thiang Kam said: "I'm personally disappointed with the result, but every player tried their best. It's unfortunate we couldn't convert the chances in front of us or finish the score, but Vietnam did. However, the match isn't over—we have a second game ahead. We will do our best and prepare to fight them for a good result. We are trying to remember and correct the mistakes from the previous game to improve. Of course, playing in Vietnam is a tough match, but nothing is impossible and we will give everything."

Thailand's next fixture in the final is: Vietnam vs Thailand August 26, 2025 8:00 PM My Dinh Stadium, Vietnam Live broadcast: TrueVisions Now app

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Middle-of-the-night waking may signal hidden health problems

Waking frequently between 3 and 4 a.m. and struggling to fall back asleep may signal underlying health issues like sleep apnea, hormonal changes, or stress rather than simple insomnia. Medical evaluation is recommended when the pattern is c

Middle-of-the-night waking may signal hidden health problems
1h ago Khaosod

Frequently waking between 3 and 4 a.m. and unable to fall back asleep might not just be a sleep issue—it could be a warning sign of underlying health problems worth investigating.

Have you ever fallen asleep normally, only to jolt awake around 3 or 4 a.m. and find yourself unable to get back to sleep no matter what you do? Some people's minds immediately start racing with thoughts about work, money, and other worries. Others experience heart palpitations, sweating, hot flashes, or difficulty breathing severe enough to get out of bed.

Occasional middle-of-the-night waking doesn't necessarily mean your body has a problem. But when it happens frequently in a consistent pattern and begins affecting your daytime life, it may reflect sleep habits, stress, or a health issue that warrants medical evaluation.

Why do we tend to wake around 3 or 4 a.m.?

This time falls in the late stage of sleep, when the body naturally experiences less deep sleep and more light sleep or REM sleep, making it easier to be woken than during the early night. Common triggers include noise, external light, room temperature, the need to urinate, or drinking too much water before bed. Caffeine, alcohol, phone use before sleep, stress, and irregular sleep schedules can all degrade sleep quality.

Waking at 3 a.m. once or twice is not cause for alarm. What matters is how often it happens, whether you can fall back asleep, and whether other unusual symptoms are present.

Five conditions that may cause middle-of-the-night waking:

1. Stress and mental health problems Accumulated stress can keep the brain in an alert state even after the body has gone to bed. Some people fall asleep initially, but when they wake in the middle of the night, worries and anxious thoughts resume, preventing them from returning to sleep.

Early morning waking that can't be followed by sleep is also common in people with depression, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in things once enjoyed, lack of energy, or feelings of hopelessness.

2. Sleep apnea Some people mistakenly believe they "wake at night because of insomnia," when in fact their sleep may be repeatedly disrupted by sleep apnea.

Those with this condition may snore loudly, gasp, or have breathing that stops and starts before they jolt awake to breathe again. Upon waking, they may have a dry mouth or throat, headache, extreme daytime drowsiness, or feel unrefreshed despite a full night of sleep. If a bed partner notices breathing stops during sleep, consult a doctor for further evaluation.

3. Hormonal changes Hormone fluctuations can affect sleep, particularly in women approaching and experiencing menopause, which may cause hot flashes, night sweats, and frequent waking.

Overactive thyroid can also cause rapid heartbeat, easy sweating, hand tremors, heat sensation, and sleep problems. If these symptoms occur alongside weight changes or other abnormalities, investigate the cause rather than assuming it's merely insomnia.

4. Respiratory diseases Symptoms from certain respiratory conditions can disrupt sleep, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

If you frequently wake with coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, observe whether symptoms relate to sleep times and consult a doctor for diagnosis.

5. Heart and cardiovascular problems Waking with heart palpitations can have many causes, from stress and caffeine to certain medical conditions. However, if you experience chest pain or tightness alongside palpitations, seek medical attention promptly.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Community

Hong Kong Phone Repair Worker Unlocks Late Husband's Phone

A Hong Kong phone repair worker unlocked a late husband's device by guessing the pattern password—the letter C, matching the widow's surname—and recovered hundreds of irreplaceable photographs she feared were lost forever.

Hong Kong Phone Repair Worker Unlocks Late Husband's Phone
1h ago Khaosod

An elderly woman arrived at a mobile phone shop after getting a new phone, but could not remember the password to her late husband's old device. She told the staff she had been trying unsuccessfully for days to unlock it, losing sleep over fears that hundreds of irreplaceable photographs of her deceased husband would be lost forever. The password had been set by her husband before he passed away.

The repair worker warned that a factory reset might erase all the data, which would have devastated her further. Instead, the worker decided to try various unlocking methods. After multiple failed attempts, the worker asked for her surname. When she answered "Chan," the worker tried drawing the letter C on the screen—and the phone unlocked instantly.

Seeing the phone come back to life, the grandmother broke down in tears and repeatedly thanked the worker. The story later went viral online, with internet users praising the worker's kindness for not only recovering data but also preserving her precious memories and easing her worries. The repair shop revealed that the worker had spent about an hour assisting her and felt every moment was worthwhile when she smiled with happiness. The shop also noted that the woman's son-in-law had since backed up all the photos, ensuring her cherished memories would never be lost.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand's Top Snooker Players Compete for National Championship

Thailand's top snooker players, including former world champion Thephchai Ununu and world number 3 Wattana Phuaobom, will compete in the National Championship in Nakhon Sawan from September 1–6 for over 1.5 million baht in prizes.

Thailand's Top Snooker Players Compete for National Championship
1h ago Khaosod

Nakhon Sawan will host the Thai National Snooker Championship with a prize pool exceeding 1.5 million baht. The Nakhon Sawan Sports Association, Nakhon Sawan Municipality, and the Thai Billiards and Snooker Association have converted a 4,000-seat gymnasium at Nakhon Sawan Sports Stadium into the competition venue. Thirty-two top-ranked players from across Thailand will compete to determine the nation's best snooker talent this year. Lawmakers Sanya Nilsuphon and Chada Taiserit will lead the team of renowned players including Nonpol Saengkham (recent China Open runner-up), Thephchai Ununu (World Open champion), Wattana Phuaobom (former world number 3), and Panchaya Chanthon (women's world champion), along with other members of the Thai national snooker team. The press conference was held on August 23 at V-Square shopping centre in Nakhon Sawan, with Nakhon Sawan Governor Chutiporn Sechang presiding. She stated that the province has received full cooperation from all sectors to organize this competition, with the objective of developing athletes to reach the highest levels in Thailand and internationally, while promoting snooker throughout the country. Competition will run from September 1–6. Sanya, as chairman of the Nakhon Sawan Snooker Sports Club and organizer of the Professional Division 1 National Championship, expressed gratitude to the Thai Billiards and Snooker Association for selecting Nakhon Sawan as host. He emphasized that the event aims to prepare athletes for international competition, establish world-class management standards, and provide financial stability and skill development for snooker players. This is the final championship of the qualifying circuit, with 32 qualified players competing for over 1.5 million baht in prize money. Chada noted that the Professional Division 1 National Championship represents an important platform for skilled snooker players nationwide to demonstrate their abilities and advance the standards of Thai snooker in both athlete performance and competition management.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Runner Breaks World Record in 80m Hurdles at Masters Championships

Thai masters athlete Paan Somsang Bunyonok won the women's 80m hurdles at the World Masters Championships in South Korea, breaking the world record with a time of 15.61 seconds.

Thai Runner Breaks World Record in 80m Hurdles at Masters Championships
1h ago Khaosod

The 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea (August 22–September 3) drew 48 Thai athletes in track and field. On day two, Saiyanet Srisompong finished fifth globally in the women's hammer throw (50-54 age group), while four Thai sprinters advanced to the 100-meter semifinal. In the women's 80-meter hurdles (70-74 age group), Thailand's Paan Somsang Bunyonok—a 2022 long jump world champion and four-time gold medalist at the 2025 Asian Masters Championships in India—competed against nine athletes. Starting from lane 9, Paan began slower than American Rita Hanscom but accelerated after the first two hurdles, overtaking Hanscom. She crossed the finish line first, capturing the world title with a time of 15.61 seconds and breaking the world record. Rita Hanscom (USA) took second place with 16.26 seconds, and Claudia Simpson (USA) finished third with 18.27 seconds.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Miss Universe West Supports Bosch in Dispute With Thai Pageant Official

Miss Universe West backs Miss Universe 2025 Fátima Bosch in her legal dispute with Thai pageant official Nawat Itsaragrisil, stating women should never stay silent to protect opportunities and that mistreatment is unacceptable.

Miss Universe West Supports Bosch in Dispute With Thai Pageant Official
1h ago Khaosod

Miss Universe West, one of the two equal partners in the Miss Universe Organization, has publicly backed Miss Universe 2025 Fátima Bosch amid her legal dispute with Nawat Itsaragrisil, saying women should not have to remain silent to protect their opportunities, positions or dreams.

The statement comes after Nawat Itsaragrisil said on social media that efforts were under way to expedite an arrest warrant for Bosch, the Mexican winner of Miss Universe 2025, in connection with allegations of defamation and spreading false information. Nawat posted an image of what appears to be a Thai police document relating to the case.

"Violence, intimidation, humiliation, disrespect and mistreatment of women in any form are unacceptable," the organisation said. "No woman should ever feel that she must stay silent in order to protect an opportunity, a legal position or a dream."

The organisation said Bosch had spoken out to defend her dignity over the way she was treated by Nawat, adding that her actions carried a broader message for women. "When Fátima Bosch raised her voice to defend her dignity following the treatment she received from Mr Nawat Itsaragrisil, she reminded women everywhere of a fundamental truth: respect is not something we earn through silence. It is a right."

The legal dispute dates back to a heated confrontation during Miss Universe 2025 activities in Bangkok on 4 November, when Nawat publicly questioned Bosch over her participation in sponsor-related events. Bosch later said Nawat had called her "dumb" during the exchange and accused him of humiliating her in front of the other contestants. Video of the confrontation went viral, and several contestants walked out in support of Bosch.

Nawat disputes that account. He says he did not call Bosch "dumb" or a "dumbhead," but instead used the word "damage" while referring to the consequences of her not taking part in scheduled activities. On 12 November 2025, Nawat filed a criminal complaint against Bosch in Thailand, alleging that she had repeatedly made false claims about what he said in subsequent media interviews and had damaged his reputation and that of Miss Grand International. Miss Universe Thailand later publicly confirmed the complaint.

Bosch has continued to stand by her account of the confrontation. In a December interview with ABC's Nightline, she said Nawat had tried to humiliate her publicly and recalled telling him that he could not call her "dumb."

The latest development came on Saturday, when Nawat said efforts were under way to obtain an arrest warrant for Bosch in connection with the case. An arrest warrant has not been independently confirmed. In its statement, the Miss Universe Organization (West) said the pageant had always been about more than a stage, crown or competition, describing it as a global community where women from different countries, cultures and generations come together.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Community Development Ministry Launches Thai Textile Designer Competition 2026

The Department of Community Development launched the Young Designer 2026 Thai textile competition at Icon Siam, aiming to elevate the quality of Thai textiles aligned with a royal initiative. The central regional round features 39 contestan

Community Development Ministry Launches Thai Textile Designer Competition 2026
1h ago Khaosod

On August 18, 2026, at Icon Siam in Bangkok, Siam Sirimongkol, Director-General of the Department of Community Development, opened the Young Designer 2026 Thai textile design competition at the central regional level, joined by Orcira Sirimongkol, chair of the Community Development Women's Club, department executives, and leading designers and experts.

Participants included Araya Intra, a fashion consultant and stylist; Sirichai Toranon, a Thai textile specialist and owner of the THEATRE brand; Dr. Karakod Kamsuk, associate dean for special affairs at Srinakharinwirot University's School of Creative Industries; Thanavudh Thanasaravimol, designer and owner of TandT; Janesuda Pantoem, designer and owner of Janesuda brand; Saralakshan Tikkhapanya, designer and owner of Archive 026; and Phakprom Sukhakhet, designer and owner of TR Tailor.

The Young Designer 2026 project reflects the Department of Community Development's commitment to advancing the royal initiative "Thai Textiles Worn with Joy" promoted by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. The program aims to develop and elevate the quality of Thai textile products by strengthening design skills and knowledge among manufacturers, OTOP entrepreneurs in textiles and apparel, students, and the younger generation. The goal is to create beautiful, modern Thai textiles suitable for all genders, ages, and occasions that meet global market demand. This year received 652 complete applications across all rounds, with 88 advancing past the initial selection round.

For the central regional competition, 39 contestants or teams from 223 total entrants advanced to present sketch illustrations and storyboards or mood boards to expert judges. At least 10 central regional representatives will be selected to compete in the national finals scheduled for October 27, 2026, in Bangkok.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Two Houses Handed to Poor Families in Royal Merit Project

Two poor families in Buriram Province received new homes and 20,000 baht in development funds through a royal merit project dedicated to the King's birthday, aimed at improving living conditions for disadvantaged households.

Two Houses Handed to Poor Families in Royal Merit Project
2h ago Khaosod

On August 23, 2569, Sophon Saramun, President of the National Assembly and House of Representatives, presided over a house handover ceremony in Lamplaimat District, Buriram Province. The project, dedicated to His Majesty the King's birthday as a royal merit offering, aims to provide stable, safe housing and improved quality of life for the poor and disadvantaged.

The first house was given to Samruay Usuadee, a 4-member household from Khok Ngieo Village in Phothairinthon Subdistrict. She works as a casual laborer, is hardworking, and has no involvement with drugs. The second house was presented to Tuk Misunthia, a 7-member household from Nong Khu Subdistrict, who also works as a casual laborer and serves as a village health volunteer.

Sophon Saramun expressed gratitude to village committees and all involved in building homes for the poor. He announced that each beneficiary family also received 20,000 baht in professional development funds to support future income-generating activities.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
Loading more…
Endless reading Scroll to read. When you reach the bottom, keep scrolling. A bar fills, and the next story slides in when it's full. ↑ ↓ or Space Or use the arrows at the bottom of the screen.